Green Monster Couple

Ryan has officially come over to the dark side.

As I was making a green monster smoothie for myself for breakfast, Ryan requested a smoothie for him to enjoy as well. When I asked if he wanted spinach in his, he said “Sure, why not?”

All systems go! 😀

His & Hers Green Monsters

I made us his and hers smoothies that contained:

• Lots o’ spinach
• 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
• 1 frozen banana
• Handful frozen strawberries
• 5 ice cubes
• ½ c. blueberry yogurt
• 1 tsp. Bob’s Red Mill xanthan gum (for thickness)
• Cold water

It's Officially Impossible to Make a Green Monster Look Tasty

The verdict from Ryan?

Exact quote: “This is good. Like really good.”

I think that means he liked it. 😉

Green Monster Duo

(Yes, that is Mario Bros. on in the background. On our last trip to visit Ryan’s mom, he snagged his old Super Nintendo set and fell in love all over again.)

Workout

Our green monsters were the perfect post-workout fuel. I decided to sleep in a bit this morning (if you call waking up at 6:15 a.m. sleeping in…) and did my own total-body weights workout instead of my typical BodyPump class.

My workout looked like this:

Total Body Weights Workout

(Note: The weight noted in the chart above is the total weight used. Ex: For biceps I used two 15 pound dumbbells, totaling 30 pounds.)

I super-setted (did two exercises in a row before repeating them) deadlifts with shoulder raises and bicep curls with tricep dips which kept my heart rate up and made my workout fly by!

Though I’m such a huge fan of BodyPump, I think I may try to start working in one day of my own total-body workout to challenge new muscles and keep my body guessing.

Question of the Day

Have you ever coerced anyone close to you into trying a green monster or other odd healthy recipe? How did it go over?

This Isn’t the Sahara

It’s still hotter than ever in Orlando, but fortunately the thick, sticky air held off a bit this morning.

Sadie and I were able to pound out five miles without feeling too overheated, though judging by my sweat-soaked sports bra, you’d think we went running in the Sahara.

Needless to say, a hot breakfast simply wouldn’t do today .

You know what that means…

Smoothie!

Smoothie time!

Today’s smoothie contained:

• 3/4 c. frozen strawberries
• 1 frozen banana
• 1 scoop All the Whey strawberry protein powder
• 5 ice cubes
• 3/4 c. water
• 1 small handful of spinach

I whirred everything up until this thick, creamy delight was ready to be slurrped down.

Cold 'n' Creamy

Post-Run Treat

Served in Ryan's Cup

Toward the end of my run today, I started thinking about this smoothie.

During the last mile or so of my runs, I always think about my “reward” following the run. It’s never anything amazing, but it helps motivate me to crank out the last mile.

Today’s reward was this smoothie, followed by 10 minutes of stretching and cuddling with Sadie. (The cuddling was forced upon me, as Sadie doesn’t understand that sitting on the floor to  stretch doesn’t really involve her.)

Do you reward yourself with a special meal or other treat after a tough workout?

I try to stay away from rewarding myself with cookies or other indulgent foods after a tough workout. I think healthy foods refuel me better and leave me feeling more satisfied. Refilling my tank with fresh fruits, whole grains and high-protein yogurt = instant satisfaction!

Pumpkin Pie Protein Smoothie

I am so happy that pumpkin found its way back into my life.

During my BodyPump class this morning, I was daydreaming about a pumpkin-filled breakfast. At first I figured I would make pumpkin protein pancakes, but after taking Sadie on a 40 minute walk in the sweltering heat (record high temps in Florida this week!), I wanted something cold.

I decided to play around with the pumpkin a bit in an attempt to make a protein-packed smoothie.

The result? A pumpkin pie protein smoothie!

Blended

Into the blender went:

• 1/3 c. canned pumpkin
• 1 scoop All the Whey cup cake batter protein powder (you can substitute with vanilla protein powder)
• 1 frozen banana
• 5 ice cubes
• 1/2 c. water
• 1.5 tsp. pumpkin pie spice

Pour Me Some Mo'

Sprinkled with Spice

Just a Spoonful of Pumpkin Makes the Smoothie Go Doooown

Not to toot my own horn (toot, toot!), but this was pretty fantastic. A little out of season, sure, but still flippin’ phenomenal.

Drink Up Buttercup!

And just because I had a craving for peanut butter (as usual), I also enjoyed a piece of honey wheat bread smeared with Crazy Richards crunchy pb.

Crazy for Peanut Butter

I’m full. 😀

Taking Classes for Fun

As I posted last night, Ryan is in the middle of a three-day class to obtain his motorcycle license. He has no intent to buy a bike (I hope!), but he’s taking the class for fun to learn a new skill and experience something new.

I love learning new things and honestly miss school. I don’t miss studying or boring lectures, but I do miss the engaging classes that would make me think and challenge me.

Continuing education can be expensive, but there are some adult-education classes out there that I would love to take in the future.

Classes I’d like to take include:

• Photography
• Cake-decorating
• Nutrition
• Creating and maintaining a web site
• Healthy cooking
• Exercise science
• Photoshop (for beginners!)

If you could take a class for fun, what class would you like to take?

Coffeefied Green Monster

Today’s breakfast = A coffeefied green monster!

A green monster isn’t complete without the key ingredient…

Spinach!

I added two large handfuls to my smoothie, which changed the color to the nasty Army-green color that we all know and love.

Lots o' Leaves

Fresh Spinach

My smoothie contained:

• 2 large handfuls fresh spinach
• 6 oz. Barnie’s French vanilla coffee, brewed
• 1/2 Starbucks Via instant coffee packet
• 1 frozen banana
• 1 scoop chocolate protein powder
• 5 ice cubes
• 1 tsp. Bob’s Red Mill xanthan gum (for thickening)

Poooour

Filled Up

The J Cup Means this Smoothie is Mine 😉

Gulp!

Bridesmaid Dress Thank Yooou

Thank you all for your compliments on my bridesmaid dress selection.

The process of selecting the dress was a long one that had me feeling a little anxious. I wanted to pick a beautiful, classy dress that everyone would feel comfortable and confident in, which is so much easier said than done.

I hope all of my bridesmaids like the dress and feel beautiful on my big day!

Also, for those of you who expressed concern about the color, I held the cashmere-colored dress up to my bridal gown and I promise the color looks deep and doesn’t look white at all when compared to my ivory gown. My bridesmaids will carry bouquets of yellow, gold, white and ivory flowers which will brighten the look a bit as well.  Have no fear, it won’t look like there are seven brides at the alter. 😉

Question of the Day

• In your opinion, what is the most memorable part of a wedding?

I always remember the ceremony and the exchange of vows. I get weepy every time. I just love love. 😀

Slimer

Though delicious, green monster smoothies do not look appetizing. Not even a little bit.

To be honest, they remind me a bit of Slimer from Ghost Busters…

Slimer

Or Gak (remember that goopy stuff used to slime people on Nickelodeon?)…

Slimed!

As ugly as they are, green monsters sure do taste G-O-O-D.

I had one of these heinously delicious smoothies for breakfast and now feel awake and aliiiive.

I'm Ugly, But Tasty!

I swear there’s something about a green monster that makes me feel rejuvenated.

Triple G: Goopy Green Goodness

Sluuuurp

Stealing Ryan's Cup for My Smoothie

My green monster contained:

• 1 frozen banana
• Two large handfuls fresh spinach
• 1 scoop All the Whey chocolate peanut butter cup protein powder
• 1 tbsp. cocoa powder
• 1 tsp. Bob’s Red Mill xanthan gum
• 4 ice cubes
• Ice cold water

Workout

I downed this smoothie following a 5 mile run with Sadie this morning. I think our run made me extra hungry because after a quick shower, I enjoyed a small second *much prettier* breakfast.

Second Breakfast

For breakfast number two, I topped a cup of Dannon Greek yogurt with fresh raspberries and blueberries.

Pretty Berries

Fresh Berries + Greek Yogurt

I think berries are the most beautiful food on the planet. Their vibrant colors, interesting shapes and juicy appearance make them oh-so-attractive. (I’m alsoloving that berries are on sale right now!)

Sometimes one breakfast just ain’t enough! 😉

Question of the Day

What food do you love that’s completely unattractive?

I think my plate on Thanksgiving is perhaps the ugliest sight in the world. I love to stir everything together – the turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, peas and stuffing – until my plate basically looks like vomit. It’s so good, but looks so gross.