I was finally able to sleep past 7 this morning (both Saturday and Sunday I was up at 7 for no reason and couldn’t fall back asleep), but I was afraid to get out of bed and see the state of my car. Luckily, the temperature was well on its way to today’s 40 degree high, so my car looked wet and not frozen. That’s a bonus!
I had all of the ingredients needed to make Elixer, so that is how I started my day.
I got a little overzealous with the cayenne pepper, but I was able to fix it and enjoy my morning beverage. This is definitely a spicy way to start the day, but I liked it. The only problem was that I started to overheat a little bit which may be secondary to the above mentioned 40 degree weather combined with our heat still being turned on and the cayenne pepper.
Breakfast was Trader Joe’s frozen oatmeal with mashed banana and covered in homemade peanut butter. While I nibbled on my breakfast, I debated whether or not I should look up today’s WOD before CrossFit. I was curious, but sometimes I think the element of surprise is helpful with a tough workout. But…I checked it out anyways!
Pull Ups (to fatigue) *I used the green band
1 minute rest
Push Ups (to fatigue)
1 minute rest
x7 Rounds
Yikes! I might not be able to move my arms for a week. Just like last week, everyone was very friendly when I arrived. One of the benefits of the 9:30 Monday morning class is that it’s mostly women which I find less intimidating. We all got down to business when the clock started. I was surprised by how many pull ups/push ups I was able to do, but my arms were exhausted before I was halfway done. But I stuck with it, pushed a little farther, and was proud of my finish. One of the things that I like about CrossFit is that as everyone finishes, they stay and cheer each other on. One of the harder things for me is remembering to keep my form. I am all about alignment and preventing injury, which I had to remind myself as I was trying to crank out my last few reps each round. As expected, my arms felt like jello before I even walked out the door. I finally made it to get my oil changed before coming back home for lunch.
I had an early lunch of leftover Lentil Chili, which was even better reheated today.
A few hours later, I was watching Scandal and craving a green smoothie. Typically, I have a few favorite recipes that I use, but I got a new idea while flipping through the pages of Cooking Light magazine last night.
This one involves ginger and apples with my favorite green leafy veggies. I would have loved to make green juice, but I didn’t know if my blender could handle it.
So I added in a little almond milk with a few ice cubes to make a smoothie. It was a little thick and pulpy, but I loved it! One of the best green smoothies I’ve had in a long time. The addition of ginger is genius!
As I look back through these pictures, it was definitely an awesome day of eating! I have a few more recipes from this weekend to share throughout the week, but for now I am logging off for a quick trip into the city. I need to go pick out a book for the train!
Green Juice Smoothie
1 big handful of spinach
3/4 apple chopped with peel on (I ate the other 1/4)
1/2 chunk ginger, peeled and chopped
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
5-6 ice cubes
Place all ingredients in blender and blend on high until everything is smooth. Drink fresh!
The apple-ginger combo is one of my very favorites. I like to add a touch of cinnamon, nutmeg and maca powder as well. Soooooo good. Have a great day!
I am a believer! I will definitely be adding nutmeg and cinnamon. I like maca powder too…where do you buy it? What else do you use it for?
Ooh, that smoothie sounds fantastic! And good for you being so healthy, both in terms of eating + working out = I’m proud of you!
Thanks! That really means a lot! It was time to get myself back on track with a healthy lifestyle and I love that I am feeling better already!
I totally have that same mug!
Starbucks 12 days of Xmas.
My mom got it for me and I LOVE it!
That smoothie looks awesome. I love adding spinach to fruits! My blender is awful though, so I need a better one!
I just got a new one for my birthday. So happy! Although I still can’t figure some things out, it is crazy powerful (considering my old one was 10 years old)!
Lentil chili sounds good. Chilis and soups are so good the next day!
And even the next day. I love making a big batch on the weekends and having lunch for the week. I have been sharing this recipe with everyone because it really is THAT good.
Apple and ginger sounds like a great combo. Very clever.
That’s what I thought…if you have a juicer, I think it would be unreal with some spinach as a hearty juice. Yum!
Great workout! I’m pretty sure my arms would actually fall off. And wow- did you ever refuel right, too! Hope you had a good trip to the city!
Thanks! It was quick but fun! I ran this morning and my arms were quite tight by the time I was finished. I think I am less sore this week than last week though…that’s progress!
Thank you for this recipe! I❤ ginger lately!
Me too! I’m going to have to start keeping the fresh stuff on hand!
love love love green smoothies. I shall get reunited with one STAT!
Great idea! They are wonderful even in the winter! I buy bulk spinach at Costco and we go through it quickly when I get into a smoothie groove : )
I absolutely adore green smoothies. It doesn’t matter what you put in them – they will usually taste amazing. And I really need to try your Elixer – such a good way to start your day and I am sure you’ll never get sick because of it!
That is the plan! I work with kids and EVERYONE is sick at the office so I am hoping to stay nice and healthy this winter : ) Let me know what you think of it!
Your elixir is perfect now! That smoothie sounds so refreshing, and I could totally go for one right meeooww!
: )
It really is elixir season and I think it’s really funny when I say that I am drinking elixir. Sounds super fancy…right?! I am still dreaming about the smoothie.
I really should try an elixer like that. Was it tough to get down or does it not taste bad? Your smoothie looks fab– if I was at home and not at work right now, I would totally go make one!!
I found it surprisingly easy to get down! You can always add honey and adjust the cayenne to taste. The lemon water and ginger are wonderful though. If you can drink the vinegar, I think you can handle this! Oh maybe some ACV in here would be good….
Such great, healthy eats! I’m actually really looking forward to getting back on track with eating once my baby arrives…I’ve really let my healthy eating habits go over the last bunch of months…I’ve enjoyed it, but it’s time for a change🙂 Thanks for some great ideas!
You are welcome! I think that is the best part of weeks 35+, you’re going to grow no matter what so you might as well enjoy the good stuff. Although I know you probably end up missing the greens too! I will send you some virtual healthy easy food during that first super busy month!
I need that smoothie asap! LOVE fresh ginger!
I am on a ginger kick. I just bought dark chocolate with ginger. It is incredible!
The green smoothie sounds really good. I’ve never had anything like that before. I love that bright blue sunny sky. Around here I honestly can’t remember the last time it was sunny.
We have been lucky in that even the coldest days have been sunny ones. Try a green smoothie with ginger and apple…you will be hooked! I promise!
[…] thing is that we even have leftovers for lunch today. After CrossFit, I refueled with a Green Juice Smoothie (I have been craving this ginger infused drink since last week) and am about to dig into some tasty […]