Getting healthy requires that I eat better. Eating better means more fresh fruits and vegetables. Salads are a great way to get in a serving, but alone will not be the answer to my healthy eating needs.
Several months back I was introduced to the Green Smoothie. At the very basic, it is raw green vegetables blended into a smoothie. I have taken the idea and added my own little twist. Nothing is measured out, which is how I cook most things, so there are no details. All I really do is combine some fresh fruits and all-natural fruit juice to make a breakfast smoothie that even the boys want to drink – adding even more of a twist by throwing in the occasional raw vegetable now and then.
Breakfast Smoothie Recipe
(The one we had yesterday anyway)
Start with one whole banana broken into two or more pieces
Add about two cups of frozen, all natural fruit
Add two handfuls of raw baby spinach
Add about ¼ cup all natural fruit juice
Blend until smooth
Some days I skip the spinach and add more banana and fruit to make a fruit smoothie. Any that I have left over I use as a snack when my tummy starts growling between meals. The kids enjoy experimenting with different fruits to see what colors they can create.
The best way to be sure that you eat healthy and that your children develop healthy eating habits is to experiment with foods. Fruit smoothies and veggie smoothies are great alternatives to carrot sticks and green salads. See what fun ways you and your family can discover together to enjoy all the great foods available today.
My life exists in the home. We homeschool. I work from home on the computer. Even my communications are through the internet these days. It is rare for me to be out and about so getting exercise usually consists of me walking from one chair to the next.
This lifestyle has not always been mine. There was a time when I would be running, hiking or skiing before I would be watching television. That was before 24 hour cable networks, on demand movies and the baby pouch. I enjoyed being active and made the choice for activity at every turn.
I changed my life once and now it is time to change again.
Steps to Healthy Change
1. Get active even if that just means taking the kids to the park to play. Getting out in the sunshine will help you feel better and get you in a better mood for moving.
2. Do what you enjoy. I watch the Biggest Loser the other day and guys that were almost 300 lbs ran a marathon – that is over 26 miles. If they can do that then I can find a way to run and hike once again. It may be a slow run or a short hike, but it can still be done (fortunately it is too cold for skiing right now ).
3. Gather support. Get friends and family to join you in your new active lifestyle. Kicking a ball around with the kids is way more fun than walking on a treadmill.
4. Fake it until you make it. I know I am not healthy and hiding away in my house will not keep others from figuring it out. I might as well get out and enjoy what I enjoy even in the limited amounts despite what others may whisper or think until I can actually enjoy doing what I enjoy doing.
Getting healthy does not require me spending hours at the gym or hiring a personal trainer. Making more active choices in my life can be the one change that will get me to the healthy person that I desire to be.