(#5) 12 Days of Self Care Blogmas Day 4

Hello and Welcome back to Blogmas!

So far during blogmas we've talked about creating a schedule, utilizing breathwork and setting boundaries. All previous blogmas articles can be found here!

Today on blogmas we are going to be talking about nourishing our physical body.

The Mind-Body-Spirit connection is what originally kicked off my interest in yoga, meditation and all things wellness/self care/self healing. I discovered the mind-body connection as a psychology student at SUNY Poly, I was miserably "failing" at all levels of my wellbeing so I decided to make some serious changes in my life.

I've always been someone to lean more towards nutritious foods, it isn't always a perfect effort but a good one none the less. One of the things that I have found helps me stay on track with my nutrition is smoothies. Smoothies are super quick and easy, like toast, cereal, the drive thru or a granola bar but many of these options lack nutritional value and contain ingredients that can be harmful to our actual health (think added sugars, oils, YUCK).

One of the amazing things about smoothies is that you know exactly what is in them. You can name every single ingredient, there is nothing questionable going into your body. Numerous studies suggest that the processed foods that we consume cause disruption of our gut health, our hormone health AND our mental health.

I find that when I make smoothies for the week and store them in my fridge I am more likely to enjoy one for breakfast, as a late night snack or when I'm running out the door. If I don't have them readily available I tend to reach for something less supportive for my mind and body. Below is my go to recipe that I have made every week for the last 6 months, these smoothies are more like a juice consistency so they stay delicious in the fridge. Thicker smoothies don't keep well and become gelatinous.

Some of my other favorite combinations are:

This smoothie is basically a healthy milkshake, it's so good that my nephew begs me to make it everytime he comes over.

2 Frozen Bananas

1-2 spoonfuls of peanut butter (measure with your heart)

Chocolate Almond milk

Tropical blend to help you remember summer in the cold winter months

2 Handfuls of Kale (or other greens

2 Oranges (peels removed)

1/2 cup frozen pineapple

1/2 cup frozen mango

(don't stress about adding greens to your smoothies, they have such HUGE health benefits and you won't even taste them, I sware)

PB&J smoothie

1 banana

1 cup frozen straberries

almond milk

peanut butter

PRO TIP! Use less liquid (or one less orange) to make a thicker smoothie, then serve it out of a bowl with toppings instead of drinking it. I find this to be more satisfying and fulfilling sometimes. Plus it feels like a dessert. You can top with nuts, seeds, chocolate chunks, peanut butter, honey, fresh fruit, you name it!

Try out these smoothie recipes then email me at miss.bianca.m.johnson@gmail.com to let me know which one is your favorite!

See you tomorrow for day FIVE of Blogmas!

Xoxo

Bianca