Green Smoothie Love

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Green Smoothies are all the rage right now and I am a full-blown devotee. I can't think of a quicker, easier, or tastier way to get a huge hit of nutrients and the subsequent energy they deliver.

I have been having green smoothies for over a year but I recently completed the Simple Green Smoothies 30 day Challenge and it really pushed me to get more creative with what I put into my Smoothies.

Where previously I stuck to simply adding spinach to berry or banana smoothies, the challenge helped me to branch out and include a wider variety of fruit and vegetables into my concoctions including cucumber, kale, avocado, and even broccoli. The creative possibilities are endless! Throw in a peach or a mango, celery, frozen or fresh berries, peanut butter, parsley, chia seeds, natural yoghurt - any combination is possible but not all of them taste amazing so experiment and see what you like best.

If you're new to the idea of drinking your greens, I'd recommend you stick to a 2:2 fruit and vegetable ratio, but I personally aim for 1:3 ratio or fruit to greens or even no fruit at all to minimise the sugar. So what is my favourite green smoothie of all time you might ask?

Here it is!

Step 1: In your blender dump the following:

• 250ml Coconut Water (Or water or unsweetened Almond Milk if you prefer)
• Juice of one whole lime
• 1/2 Cucumber chopped up
• 1 Large handful spinach
• 2 branches Kale (rip the leaves of the stalk)
• Handful of Mint
• One medium Banana (I normally peel them and freeze them to give the smoothie a better texture but you can use ice and a fresh banana if you want)

Step 2: Blend until smooth. A word of warning; Kale can be unpleasant if not blended properly so don't stop the action too soon.

Step 3: Sprinkle with chia seeds and enjoy!

Now while you look at all the delicious fresh ingredients above, and day dream about amazing smoothie combos I'm off to make one for tomorrow.

xx Kirst

Notes: Want more information on Green smoothies and juices? Check out Lorna Jane's Move, Nourish, Believe website here.
Note: Simple Green Smoothies are running another Green Smoothie Challenge for the Month of April so why not head to their website and sign yourself up! You won't regret it for a second.

Fit Friday - getting back on track

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The last few months I've really struggled to find the love and motivation to keep training, eating healthy and generally looking after myself. I know that I allowed myself to slip into a rut and I lost focus when I couldn't see the results I wanted.

But enough is enough! I'm getting back on track and staying there and in case you're also struggling with a bit of motivation - here's what I'm doing to change things. Maybe they could work for you? I've said before that I try to follow Lorna Jane's Move, Nourish, Believe philosophy and I'd highly encourage you to try it.

Move
First up I've joined a new gym that specialises in functional training and it's like nothing I've ever done before. I am consistently sore from training and love that I can feel the results of my hard work. I am burning roughly the same number of calories I was doing my previous gym routine but I can tell from the muscle soreness that my body is changing and working a lot harder than it was before. I've only 2 weeks in so far, but I'll keep you updated with my progress as time goes on.

Nourish - not diet
I really don't like the word 'diet' because I feel that it has connotations of restricted and boring eating. I have never eaten poorly and much prefer fresh healthy food over the deep fried, sugary, processed crap but I am guilty of probably eating a little too much. So my goal is to try and focus on portion control and eating simpler meals because healthy meals that are also quick and easy to prepare means there are no excuses.

Veggies, lean meat and fish, eggs, fruit, good carbs (brown rice, sweet potato) and nuts and seeds are all allowed and really - that is a lot of food to choose from! I mean look at all this deliciousness. You can't argue a lack of variety or flavour - this is what humans are meant to eat!

Of course, if you've been reading this blog you know I love to socialise and eat out in Brisbane too. Rest assured I'm still going to do this - you need to have balance - of course I will strive to look for healthier menu options. I want to prove that you can still enjoy plenty of variety whilst still looking after yourself.

And as for alcohol...I can easily get by without it so it's not really an issue giving it up. I tend to drink mainly on special social occasions - weddings, parties, birthdays - and only ever have the occasional glass of wine with Dinner so i'm not too worried about it - I'll just try to watch myself a little closer.

Most people know that a balanced diet is key if you want to lose weight, feel healthier and become leaner but exercise and staying motivated are equally as important.

My whole life I have tended to focus my efforts on what I look like and not worry too much about my health or fitness but this time things are different.

Instead of being motivated by looks alone I'm focussing my energy on improving my fitness and  becoming stronger, faster and leaner.

I'm hoping this will shift my focus from my appearance to what my body is capable of. 

Wish me luck!

Kirst

P.S. If you're looking for a bit more fitspiration check out my Pinterest Board here. 

Source: Uploaded by user via Kirst on Pinterest

Fit Fashion...for Friday

I am OBSESSED with these tights that I just bought (after months of lusting after them) from Lorna Jane

Source: Uploaded by user via Kirst on Pinterest

It’s hard to believe it but the weather in Brisbane is getting cooler and the sun is starting to take that little bit longer to rise in the mornings …is autumn really on its way? 

Thanks to the change of seasons, I’m already starting to find it difficult to extract myself from the warmth of my happy place (it’s so comfy under the doona), and to get up and get moving.

Pinterest and Instagram constantly remind me that a ‘summer body is earned in winter’ and all that jazz about the importance of squats but when my alarm goes off at 5am and it’s cold and raining I sometimes just do not feel ready to jump our of bed and work out.

So what can I do to get me through this? To give me that little extra push to keep working towards my goals?

The answer my friends is fashion.

Now, I'll warn you, I am a pretty loyal devotee to Lorna Jane’s ‘Move, Nourish, Believe’ philosophy, I am that girl in the gym who has a different inspiration singlet each day and such an unhealthy attachment to her 'Amy tights' that I felt guilty when my boyfriend bought me a pair of these super cute and comfy leggings with neon pink details from Lululemon for my birthday (it still feels like cheating when I wear them). To me, workout clothes - or rather, looking good and feeling comfy when I work out - are a key element of keeping me motivated and on track and if that isn't enough, thinking of how much better my regular clothes will look and feel is a great reminder to roll out of bed and lace up those Nikes.

Speaking of Nikes have you got a pair of Free runs yet? They are so comfortable and super cute...just look at this pair:

Source: mysportworld.de via Kirst on Pinterest

Perfect to wear with this LJ top:

Source: lornajane.com.au via Kirst on Pinterest

And for those brave enough you could try these tights as well...although I'm not too sure Lime green would be the most flattering on me :-/

Source: lululemon.com.au via Kirst on Pinterest

Are you looking for more fitspiration to get active?

What about this?

Source: Uploaded by user via Kirst on Pinterest

Source: thelondoner.me via Kirst on Pinterest

Source: noellebyogini.com via Kirst on Pinterest

Source: bestfriendsforfrosting.com via Kirst on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Kirst on Pinterest

Source: prettyfitbody.tumblr.com via Kirst on Pinterest

Source: fitspoholic-barbie.tumblr.com via Kirst on Pinterest

And if you're in Brisbane and looking for something to kickstart your weekend - why not try the FREE LORNA JANE YOGA CLASS this weekend at the Judith Wright Centre...no excuses girls!

Until next time xoxo