Citrus Banana Blueberry Smoothie

Do you remember when I said I was getting into running?
Yeah, that didn't last very long.

Although I grew up in this neighborhood my entire life, I can't believe it took running to find out it's a dangerous place. Perhaps it's just me, but I don't feel safe when I'm alone and some random guy hits on me. Quite honestly, I hate that and it got really, really annoying. So no more running for me unless I'm with a friend or in a very public area.

So what am I doing to keep fit and healthy nowadays? I turned to jump rope, which is still a great cardio workout but it burns much more calories than running. In fact, just ten minutes of jump roping is more effective at burning calories than 30 minutes of running! I'm sold.
Another thing I'm doing is simply practicing more yoga everyday. I usually practice at least 30 minutes but lately that changed to 45. Soon enough, I'll be at one hour every day! *giddy*

And this is what I'm doing in the morning either after yoga or before cardio:

I'm loading up on the fruit!

Usually when Rick has an opening shift, I treat myself to a good, fruit-only smoothie. It provides me with a lot of carbs, which is essential early in the day and for increased energy. I've also been reading about how fruit digests quickly in our bodies if we eat them alone and not with other kinds of foods since this may slow digestion (but this argument is up for opinions). However, when Rick is home in the morning, we eat together and I'm most likely to make waffles or oatmeal. Variety is the spice of life, you know. ;)

Citrus Banana Blueberry Smoothie
(a recipe from Vitamix)
serves 1

3/4 cup water

1 medium orange, peeled, halved

1 small banana, peeled, frozen

1/2 cup frozen unsweetened blueberries

1. Throw it all into a blender. Blend until desired consistency is reached. You can also add more ice if needed but be careful to not dilute the flavors.

A change from my usual green smoothies.

I love this smoothie. It's simple, delicious, and bursting with nutrients. Oranges are a great source of vitamin C; bananas are high in potassium and vitamin B6; frozen, unsweetened blueberries are known for their memory-improving effect and are a great source of vitamin K and antioxidants.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 191
Fat: 1g
Carbs: 47.9g
Protein: 2.7g
Fiber: 7.9g

As you can see, this smoothie makes a lovely, quick, high-fiber, low-calorie breakfast. As a suggestion, you can drink it before a workout and then have a heavier meal with more protein after you're done.

Speaking of when to eat, I have also been getting into small fasting bouts. For instance, I fast for 12 hours overnight. Rick thought I was already doing this but, truth is, I snack a lot after dinner (especially in front of the TV)! Sometimes this left me feeling bloated and gross before going to sleep but choosing not eating after 9PM was such a great decision. As you may have predicted, since my short fasts are for 12 hours, I wait to eat until 9AM the next morning. You should try it! I feel great to know my body is working on me and not on the food I eat all the time! Just remember to drink lots of water between meals so your body understands the difference between food hunger and dehydration.

Take care, everyone. <3