Thanksgiving Detox Smoothie

I found this recipe last Thanksgiving, and it became one of my favorites of the season! Both festive and filling, this is a great holiday option. The smoothie is the perfect post Thanksgiving meal to get you back in balance!

THANKSGIVING DETOX SMOOTHIE:
1/2 cup cranberries
1 apple, peeled and diced
1/2 a banana
1 tbsp diced ginger root
1 handful spinach
1/2 cup water
1 cup ice


*note: I replaced the water and ice with almond milk*

Back to Work After the Workout

Often times it's not the workout that holds us back; it is the entire process. A one hour workout turns into a three hour event with the showering, washing hair, reapplying makeup, etc. There are many easy fixes to accelerate this process. If the only time you have to workout is on your lunch break, don't let the sweat hold you back! 

Quick ways to get back to the office fast and fresh:

• prepare the morning of by wearing waterproof (aka sweat proof) mascara
• Wear a headband while you workout to keep the sweat out of your face
• Bring face wash with you to the gym
• Wipe off your body with a body cleansing cloth 
• Reapply powder to cover up flushed face
• Use dry shampoo to touch up your roots
• Wear a soft hair tie so your hair does not crease
• Reapply deodorant 

You'll be good as new in under five minutes AND you've gotten your workout in for the day!! 

That's a Win-Win!!

Goal of the week: Fit just one extra workout into your schedule! We promise you won't regret it!!

Sweet Tooth Tamed

I've got some good news! That sweet tooth may not be such a crime after all.. It turns out that dark chocolate (eaten in moderation) is good for you! There is an ingredient in dark chocolate called cacao that is packed with health benefits. 

Studies have shown that dark chocolate can:

• lower blood pressure therefore reducing the risk of heart attack
• reduce stress hormones (You aren't crazy, chocolate really does calm those nerves!)
• increase blood flow to brain helping you to think more clearly
• control blood sugar which can aid in diabetes prevention
• contain antioxidants that fight cancer

So this DOES NOT mean you should go clear the aisle of reeses, snickers, m&ms and so on..The sugar in those chocolates outweighs the health benefits of cacao. What research is showing is that SOME dark chocolate (about 100 calories per day) can be beneficial. It's best to choose a dark chocolate that is at least 70%. If you haven't had this type of chocolate before it may take some getting used to because it is not as sweet. It really does satisfy the sweet tooth though!