It's Easy Being Green..."

Happy April! 

We’ve had three full months to figure out if we want to try or toss our 2018 resolutions! This year, I decided NOT to make any specific resolutions, but to look back on the healthy practices that have worked for me in the past, and see what I can add this year.

In 2010, I wrote about a supplement called CLA. I’d been taking it for a few years and had seen benefits. I’ve continued to take it twice a day and have seen a reduction in belly fat first hand. When I have forgotten it or switched to a less potent brand, I notice a real difference. You can read about how CLA works in , “Hit The Road Fat…”

http://fitnessbarista.blogspot.com/2010/05/ive-never-been-huge-fan-of-supplements.html

In 2013, I decided to try taking Apple Cider Vinegar every day. So many articles, both pro and con, have been written about the drink, but I still see benefits from it, so I’ll continue along that path.

 Check out the benefits I have seen in “Cider House Rules…” http://fitnessbarista.blogspot.com/2013/02/cider-house-rules.html

Then in 2015, I started meditating on a regular basis. This, by far, is the best thing I’ve done for my overall stress level and well being. It has helped me better deal with situations, people, life events and my own trepidations. And now, there are so many new options. There are books, apps, and videos to teach you meditation. There are even classes in some cities where you can participate in group meditation.

But as I said in the blog, you can do it on your own. Read about it on Fitness Barista in “Let’s Talk About Stress Baby…”

http://fitnessbarista.blogspot.com/2015/03/lets-talk-about-stress-baby.html

So this year, I’m continuing these practices. 

However, with the flu so rampant this season, I also decide to try adding additional “greens” and healing herbs and spices to my daily routine. My family jokes that I’m adding to my “voodoo” and ask, “What is this witchcraft?”  But really, I’m using ingredients that you probably have in your spice cabinet.

The one addition is the individual packets of dried greens. The ones I use are called “Greens On The Go” from ITWORKS. I had ordered them a while ago, but never got to trying them. The blend has quite a few ingredients that you can find listed on their website, but I like that there’s broccoli, kale, blackberry, beets, blueberry, strawberry and spinach listed in the powdered packets. It’s got an orange flavor to it that is surprisingly good. (Even though my husband calls it “Swamp Juice”!)

 -Greens supplements are the powdered remains of fruits, vegetables, and herbs that have been either freeze or light-dried, so the end product is essentially calorie-free or very low-calorie. 

-Additionally, greens supplements will often contain a wide variety of ingredients, so sourcing the ingredients for the supplement isn’t limited to what can be easily pressed and juiced.

-Greens are know to boost energy levels, prevent chronic disease, reduce inflammation and brighten skin.

-Because they are in a powdered form, the nutrition is highly concentrated and you get more bang for your buck.

-The powder is easily absorbed into your system, so they get to work quickly. 

-And, most of all, they’re convenient: you should be eating whole fruits and vegetables, but sometimes you can’t get it all in. This is an awesome alternative/addition!

I mix it with my apple cider vinegar and add extra powdered turmeric and cinnamon. I shake it up and drink it in the morning right before I work out. I don’t want to jinx it, but, so far, so good! (After having pneumonia twice last year, I’m hoping this keeps me healthy).  

My daughter knows one of the distributors and her kids drink the greens, too. She calls it “Hulk Juice” which I’m sure encourages her boys to partake!

It could be a placebo effect, but I don’t think so. With everyone around me at home and work sneezing, coughing and feeling yucky, I’ve had only mild sniffles and sneezing.

My resolution every year is to feel the best I can, and if these little additions can help, I’ll keep at it!

What practices, foods, supplements, workouts have you added to your year?