Call it joining the ‘in crowd’, trying to be young at heart, or just plain giving in to peer pressure (from my adult children), but I finally succumbed and tried a green smoothie. Now I’m totally hooked. My kids have been raving about these for some time but just the thought and the look of them quickly turned my head. Then one morning, I gave in and to my surprise it not only tasted wonderful, it filled me up and its full of natural vitamins and antioxidants all in one simple drink.
It didn’t take me long to head to the store and gather up my own supplies for this amazing drink. All you need is spinach, some fruit, ice, some juice and a blender. You can basically create your own according to your liking. I prefer mine with spinach, blueberries, a little orange juice and some greek vanilla yogurt.
I usually throw in about 1 1/2 cups of spinach, 1 cup of ice, 1/2 cup of OJ, 1 cup of blueberries and blend away. I’ve also added bananas and 1/2 lime which makes for a another great tasting smoothie.
Seriously, who would have known? Apparently sometimes it pays to give in to a little peer pressure.
Now while we’re on this energy kick, I would love to hear how you all motivate yourselves to work out. I won’t lie, this is one habit I’m actually good at, I’ve been practicing this since I was a teenager and I have found its the best remedy for almost everything in my life. I use my hour of work out as my ‘Trina’ time. When I went for my yearly exam this year (turning 50 is an eye opener), I was once again reminded of the importance of resistance workouts or in other words weight lifiting. How many of you women lift weights? If so, what works best for you? Doing it alone or at a gym? What classes do you prefer?
See, even though I’m a firm believer in a good work out I usually prefer working out alone in the quiet of my home. In fact my most favorite work out is to head outside for a good run or bike ride. Now and then I do enjoy a good spin, yoga or body pump class, they’re good motivators.
Another motivator is when I get ready to work out even when I’m alone, I still love to match and look fun in my attire. Actually its the one apparel my husband buys for me all by himself and does a fantastic job. He will surprise me with new work out clothing that matches from head to toe (cute guy).
The following post is my newest craving, I just might need to tell him about these.
Ok, so what work out routine works best for you?
While your at it, have a wonderful day.
that smoothie actually sounds quite nice. Should try it some time.
My workout of choice is pilates at the moment. And of course I still play tennis a few times a week….
Pilates is a goal I definitely want to start including. I’ve heard and read how strengthening it is both to the mind and body.
Sounds lovely but too much like hard work. Don’t have a blender, don’t have time and I am not that much into food. Work out twice a week for an hour and do tummy excersizes three times a week. I watch what I eat. Little sugar etc.
I will leave it at that.
I so envy women like you who have that natural slim, fit, and beautiful body. I seriously have to work my butt off to maintain my weight. As soon as you move next door, I will blend you up one of my fun creations, haha.
Trina, I just wanted to let you know that I am loving your blog. Like you, it is beautiful and inspiring. And I still want to lobby for you to add a “cleaning tips” section to your blog–one more thing that you are exceptional at.
You are so kind and thoughtful. Thank you for taking time out of your crazy days to read my blog (or hobby, haha). Maybe I could incorparate a ‘Spring Cleaning” next week . . . but then that also means I have to really clean.
I’m a green smoothie girl. Have been drinking them for years. Spinach is my favourite greens for smoothies, but I’ve read that it’s recommended to rotate your greens so I will use various chards, and kales also.
I so need to get back onto a regular fitness schedule. In the past 4-5 years, yikes, I’ve been really sporadic, and not following a routine. I know it’s bad, and though I do feel hugely inspired by your post today, I’m not sure if I will get my gear on. I walk pretty regularly, and up a big, steep hill, but it’s not enough. This weekend I did a Turbo Jam tape and it felt so good. Now, to do something at least 3 times a week. I have a treadmill, recumbent bike, mini tramp, Turbo Jam, Hip Hop Abs, yoga tapes, and I have tons of T-Tapp tapes. T-Tapp is so effective for lean muscle building, but it is hard to do, and I get bored with it. Trina, please help me get off the couch, or more accurately, off the computer.
Sue xo
Sue, I’ve never tried the T-Tapp tapes but I’d love to give it a try. I have a fun solution, just move around the corner and we can go on walks and then do some T-Tapps together. O’ wouldn’t that be fun? I have found over the years that the trick to working out is finding something you enjoy and then sticking to the same time each day. For me first thing in the morning before anything else is the only way I can get it done. My afternoons and evenings just seem to get spoken for.
Did my turbo jam this morning, 100% thanks to you, xo
I’m a juicing fool! Fruits, mostly. I should do greens…yes, yes, I should… 😉
I was really into P90X several years ago but have slowed down a bit (well, a lot). I’m picking it back up now that it’s getting warmer. We have a home gym (hubby works out religiously) with a few equipments and free weights. My fav work out involves kettle bells. Right now, I’m trying to get ready for a ski trip….gosh, getting old sucks (excuse my lingo). It’s getting harder and harder to keep in shape.
Couldn’t agree with you more, I catch myself saying the same exact thing “getting old sucks” to my kids a lot, especially when we’re all together boating, skiing, biking, etc, and they still make it look so easy. Although the hard work pays off when we can still join them in these activities, right?
Have fun on you ski trip, where are you headed? If its to Park City or anywhere in Utah, you most definitely need to contact me (the skiing is still awesome here).
My dear Trina, as you know your almost 70 year old mother faithfully walks 2 miles every morning and have done for 30 years. There other things I should have been doing besides my morning smoothy of soy milk, 1/2 frozen banana, 1/2 c OJ, and 1/2 cup of mixed berries, and that would be to take 5000 IU of Vitamin D along with 1000 units of calcium, and a multi vitamin daily. Because I did everything right but not the Vitamin D, I now have Osteoorosis and am in the process of trying to reverse, of which I am pleased to report after my Dr apt yesterday is working. Ladies remember to take D..
Thanks grandma Connie for the reminder. I’m not so good at the daily pill taking and I know I need to be better. So thrilled to hear about your progress. You are truly an inspiration in so many ways to all of us.
Bravo to you both.
MMM…that green smoothie looks YUM! Looks like the two of us were on a green kick at the same time. (BTW, I could use your advice: what color tights/shoes/boots etc should I wear with that green dress for Easter?) As for workouts, I’m a yoga instructor, but when I’m not teaching, I prefer my own practice to any class because I work prayer into my practice. The rest of the time, I’m weight training, doing pilates, bicycling, walking, swimming at a health club with Amazing Friends who keep me coming back. (My joints are starting to be a little creaky and these are all I can do to keep my metabolism up. Favorite thing I ignored when I was younger: weight training.) We visit while we work out. Some of them have become dear friends because we see each other every day. Very cool post! I think I’ll try this for breakfast tomorrow morning.
Crystal, the friend thing about the health club is one thing I miss, lately I keep thinking about joining up again. I would absolutely LOVE to take one of your yoga classes, although a private one with the prayer would be incredible.
For the advice (and you’re so sweet to even ask), since its Easter all the fun pastels are there for the choosing. I have found I like to wear mine with sheer tights (panty-hose) usually in a light, light shade of cream or pink and then cream pumps. I’ve also made it fun and worn it with a pair of pink polka dot tights (hue brand) and navy pumps or white, which would be great for Easter. My latest was with a pair of floral pumps (found those at DSW) and they look great with dresses and jeans so I knew I would get a lot of use out of them. Did that help at all?