Younger Next Year and More Smoothies

It was 25 degrees celsius where I am at here in northern Ontario in Canada...I guess that's 77 f. Its beautiful up here. Maybe next time I will post some pictures of the area.

Anyway I started reading this book titled, Younger Next Year by Chris Crowley and Henry S. Lodge. It sounds interesting so far. It talks about how as when you are reaching your 50's and 60's you really don't have to just stand there and accept the veritable ravages of aging, that in fact you can do something about it so that you will stay healthy well into your 80's. To accomplish this Chris says on page 11, "All he wants you to do <Chris is referring to Henry> is change the way you live. Fundamentally and forever. Me, too." Ladies and gentlemen therein lies the magic of achieving good health and fitness levels, your ability to change the way you live. Fundamentally and forever. Just like what I have been saying in my previous posts. Now a medical doctor (Henry) confirms this. So I wish for you to get that spirit that will enable you to make the necessary changes to the way you are currently living your life. The giver of life, the Creator, does not want you to live your life in pain or in bad health. He wants you to enjoy the life He has given you on this earth.

I found some smoothies on the internet the other day that you may enjoy to help you in your determination to live a healthy life. They are nutritious.

 

WEIGHT LOSS SMOOTHIE

The goal here is to create a smoothie packed with nutrients that is super filling, but low in calories, that you can have for breakfast or lunch. In other words, it’s not a snack (i.e. in addition to regular meals), but a meal replacement (instead of meals). To make a meal, a smoothie needs to include carbohydrates, protein and a little fat. Fat is important because helps you feel full, as does protein.

• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• 1 scoop whey protein powder
• ½ medium banana
• 1 cup frozen mixed berries
• ¾ cup milk (skim/ almond/ soy)
• 3 to 5 ice cubes

Mixed berries (carbohydrates) provide energy and are packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber, and are a natural sweetener. Chia seeds are incredibly rich in omega-3 fatty acids (healthy fat), protein antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Chia seeds also contain super high levels of soluble and insoluble fiber, making them uncannily filling and a great addition to low-calorie smoothies.

Filling smoothie ingredients: chia seeds, ground psyllium husks, whey protein, low-fat Greek yogurt.

 

BREAKFAST IN ONE

Smoothies are perfect for breakfast on the go. All the goodness of a healthy breakfast in one cup. Quick cook oats and nuts help to slow down the absorption of sugar from the fruit, keeping blood sugar levels steady, and giving you more energy for longer. Yogurt and milk are rich in protein, which makes this smoothie filling. The fruit are a source of vitamins and minerals, as well as fiber and carbohydrates, making the smoothie nutritious and energizing.

•  ¼ cup quick cook oats (not instant)
• ¼ cup nuts (walnuts, almonds, or pecans)
• 1 ripe banana
• 1 cup frozen fruit (mango, blackcurrants, or strawberries)
• 2 ½ tbsp low-fat yogurt
• 1 cup of milk (skim/ soy/ almond)

SLEEP INDUCER

Is there anything worse than laying in bed trying to sleep, concentrating on trying to sleep, and thus not getting to sleep at all? You can’t mentally force yourself to sleep (a self-defeating effort); but you can physiologically. To that end, this smoothie is made up of foods (banana, peanut butter, milk) that contain tryptophan, a sleep-promoting substance, which is converted to serotonin or melatonin. This smoothie is also rich in carbs and calcium, which intensify the effect of tryptophan. Cherries contain melatonin and bananas are a great source of potassium and magnesium, which are natural muscle relaxants.

• 1 tbsp peanut butter
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• ¼ cup pitted cherries
• ½ banana
• 1 cup milk (skim/ almond/ soy)
• Ice cubes

 Enjoy :-)