Smoothie Time

It seems that every so often we get into certain kicks. Well right now, we’re into making smoothies. There are many different kinds – and we tend to make them all! Our most popular is the water, ice, almonds, fresh berries, whey protein (chocolate). Sometimes we add honey or organic peanut butter.  It’s a great post work-out shake with the whey protein!  And a fabulous treat that we all enjoy and have fun making together.

Spring Clean in Little Steps

Spring cleaning can be an overwhelming job. The weather’s nice, we throw open our windows to realize that we need to get the Windex, grab a vacuum for the window sills and dust off the ledge. Everything seems to get stirred up once spring hits.

Instead of tackling it all at once, try baby steps. I make goals for myself each week for one drawer, closet or area of the house that I will clean out. By clean out, I mean, I sort what can be thrown away, what can be given away, what needs to be put back in its proper place and what needs to stay.

By taking on just one room, area or even just a drawer at a time, it’s more manageable and I can complete the task in a timely manner without disrupting the rest of the day. Try it. It will help you feel more accomplished and focused throughout the spring cleaning craze.

Stretch and Tone

Yoga and pilates workouts offer a unique ability to increase flexibility and elongate your muscles. I know people who have done these routines for years and look wonderful. For me, I always look to incorporate a few of these moves into my daily workout (as shown on my videos at my site). I find it difficult for me to find a designated time to dedicate an hour to take a full class, but these moves are too beneficial to leave out. These moves have saved my back after having my babies.

Check out the recent feature on Women’s Health for moves on improving your posture. Give these a try this week!

My Well-Balanced Recipe

Cooking for a family of twelve can seem overwhelming at times, but for me, it’s just the way it is. My boys are always wanting to bulk up for football and put on those few extra pounds. My husband and I are looking for a more fruit-vegetable-protein type of meal. But, if I would fix the whole family a dinner lower in fat that would suit Jim and I, I’d have hungry boys back in the kitchen within 45 minutes ready to snack. So instead of fixing more than one type of meal, I’ve got a “recipe” that provides for everyone.

A typical meal involves a protein (meat), veggie, fruit, bread and a starch (pasta, potatoes or rice). Staples at each meal are the fresh salad, fruit and a vegetable. This way, I can enjoy the protein, fruits, vegetables without having to deprive the boys of the carbs their bodies crave for fuel. No matter how I cook, I work to make it a nutritious and healthy recipes. I want to provide a balanced diet for my family. This “recipe” has been my key to success so far.