Brighter than the Sun

It has been a very cool summer on the northern plains. Temperatures are struggling to reach the 80's this week. Instead of applying liberal amounts of sunscreen and drinking piña coladas, I'm digging out sweaters, stockings and closed toe shoes. In July. This is profane! I need a summer pick me up.

Stat.

This is my go to, wishing I was on a tropical island outfit.

For a gal who loves wearing black, brown, gray & navy...this is huge. I'm wearing colors. I don't always feel comfortable wearing loud, bright colors. I don't mean to be quarrelsome, but some plus sized stores insist that us curvy girls love bright prints and loud colors. You know who you are. I'm not a fan of that styling. But for some reason, I fell in love with this shirt. And I had the skirt in my closet. 

Can you tell I'm dreaming of lying on a tropical beach? 

Piña coladas

1/2 c coconut water with pineapple

1 banana

1/2 c pineapple (if canned, drain)

1 c almond milk

1 c ice

Throw in a blender. Turn into a smoothie. Pretend you're on an island beach.

Take it On the Run

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, or so we've been told. Studies have shown that people who consistently eat breakfast have more lean muscle mass and are less likely to overeat during the day. Equally important is what you choose to start your day. For years, I skipped breakfast. I drank black coffee and literally starved myself all morning to stay skinny. No wonder I gained weight-I would make poor food choices because I was starving!
There are a lot of healthy options for a quick breakfast on the go that will feed your body.

Banana & peanut butter
Homemade granola or protein bars
Breakfast burritos
Yogurt & fruit parfait
Smoothie

One of my favorites in the am are smoothies. I even have a Pinterest board dedicated to them (http://pinterest.com/mommydom/smoothie-up-in-ya/)! One of current faves is cherry berry mocha madness.

1 c cold black coffee
1/2 scoop chocolate protein powder
1/2 frozen mixed berries (no sugar added)
1/2 c frozen mango (no added sugar)
1 c frozen cherries (plain, no sugar)
1/2 c milk (cow, soy or almond)
1 tbsp almonds
1tsp chia or flax seeds

In a blender, add all the ingredients and purée.
Nutritious and delicious!

Energy Smoothie

1 handful kale

1 mandarin orange, peeled

1 apple, diced

½ c berries

1 tsp chia seeds

½ tsp agave

1 c non dairy milk



Pour ingredients into blender. Puree and serve immediately

Shake Rattle & Roll

I like smoothies because, for me, they are an easy way to get fruit servings in and can taste quite decadent. However I am not a big fan of smoothies made at places. They usually taste too sweet for me, so I wind up making them at home.
Not that it's that hard.
Yesterday I invented a new one: mango mandarin.

1 c soy milk
1/2 tsp honey
1 c mango
1 c mandarin orange segments
1 banana
1 tsp flax

Put ingredients into a blender, purée well. Serve immediately

Mocha smoothies

1 c cold coffee
1 scoop chocolate protein powder
1 c milk

mix together in a blender. serve immediately

Peanut butter berry smoothies

1 tbsp crunchy peanut butter
1 tbsp chocolate protein powder
2 c soy milk
1 c plain yogurt
1 c frozen berries

put everything in a blender. puree. serve. yum.