Smoothies. The ambrosia of life.

Because it has been so very hot lately, I would like to address a healthy and delicious alternative to ice cream.  They are also a good breakfast for those (like me) who are not a big food eater in the morning. SMOOTHIES.
They are delicious. They are fruity. And they can be healthy if you do them right!
Fruit is a good source of carbohydrates, natural sugars, and vitamins, and when combined with ice and some milk, they are pretty tasty too.
This handy guide that I got off Pinterest highlights some of the things you can put in smoothies to make them both good and healthy.

I am a fan of adding strawberries to pretty much anything, frozen or fresh they are probably my favorite fruit. Here is my favorite smoothie recipe:
usually makes about 2-3 servings
1 cup frozen (or fresh) strawberries. If you use them fresh you will have to add ice.
1/2 cup plain greek yogurt
1/2 cup milk OR water
1 banana
1 tbsp. of orange juice concentrate OR 1/2 cup fresh squeezed oranges (in the late summer they aren't in season so that is why I use orange juice concentrate)
*optional* 1/2 cup spinach.  I like to add spinach because you can't taste it but its packed with vitamins, iron, proteins and omega 3 fatty acids (which are good)! However it does turn your smoothie green :)

Smoothies are pretty hard to mess up, so go ahead and add whatever you like. You can include protein powder to make them more filling as well, but go out and enjoy a delicious and healthy smoothie.

Exercise... Fun or foul?

A lot of people often look on exercise with a sense of dread and downright hatred. I know I usually do. But it doesn't have to be horrible! 

I know you must be thinking I am crazy for even suggesting that exercise can be fun. But it can. 

As my wise father told me the other day... "All you have to do is move." Obviously the worst way to get in shape is to sit in the couch eating popcorn and binge watching netflix. But any kind of activity can count as exercise. 

Mowing the lawn? Counts. Playing high intensity ping pong? You betcha! 

Find something that you like to do and get moving! Whether it's hiking, dancing or swimming, there is something out there for you. 

I happen to enjoy water activities. I got into an all out splash war with my cousins a few days ago, and I tell you I felt it in my arms. Swimming, kayaking, throwing your squealing cousins into the lake repeatedly because they love it.... All up my alley, and all can count towards exercise.

Incorporate regular activities into your exercise routine. If you spend a lot of time walking (to work, chasing kids, doing chores etc) don't feel like you have to exercise on top of that every day. Just pick up the pace a bit and it can count as an aerobic activity for the day. 

Good luck with your exercise! If you have any suggestions for ways to incorporate exercise Into daily activities I would love to hear them!