Bikini Series Begins

Today marks the beginning of Tone It Up's 8 week bikini series fitness challenge. There is a membership option which has a fee , but I chose to follow along with the weekly schedule and eat my own healthy plan, which is free. Since the weather is warmer it's time to break out the juicer and start creating delicious drink combos. This mornings juice is full of citrus and sunshine.

Juice :  1/2 pineapple, 2 oranges, 7 strawberries, 1 lime 

Time to rise and shine! 

Mojito's in the Morning

I promise you can have this drink in the morning or anytime of the day and have full energy without the hangover. The smell of ginger, mint , and lime as it goes through the juicer is so refreshing.

Here's all you need for your mojito. Juice or blend and enjoy!

Iv'e added juicing and smoothies into my health and fitness regimen and look forward to sharing them with you, it really makes a difference.

 Salud!

Sharing Smoothie Luv

Smoothies and juice have become routine in the morning for me after I workout . This morning I decided to share the love and make one for my hubby also, and yes he loved it.  Think of this as dessert first thing in the morning, it's that delicious!

Simply add 1 cup almond milk, 1 cup strawberries, and 1 banana to the blender and blend.  This makes 1 serving so if you wish to share double the recipe.

~ Have a sweet day ~

My Coffee Alternate

There's just something about that hot cup of java first thing in the morning, a habit I've been partaking in for about 14 years. I didn't even like coffee until I became pregnant with my first child. So the morning usual is a cup consisting of instant Nescafe Clasico with a stevia packet and dollop of flavored creamer. In my journey to healthier living I was searching for an alternate. Thus came an Ayurvedic alternate that I love just as much as coffee that has healing properties. I proudly introduce to you Turmeric Almond Milk.

Ingredients:       .  1 cup almond milk

                        .  1/2 tsp turmeric

                        .  1/2 inch ginger chopped (you will strain this out later)

                        .  pinch of cinnamon

                        .  pinch of cardamom

                        .  dash of cayenne pepper

                        .  1/2 -1 tsp honey

Method:         1.  pour the cup of almond milk into a small pot and put on low heat

                     2.  add the rest of  the ingredients to the pot

                     3.  continue to simmer on low and stir to integrate spices

                     4.  take off stove once you see bubbles

                     5.  strain into your favorite mug and enjoy

Some health benefits of ingredients

ALMOND MILK  . no cholesterol or saturated fat  . 50%  daily amount of vitamin E

TURMERIC         . natural antiseptic . liver detoxify . anti-inflammatory . speeds up wound healing

GINGER              . gastrointestinal reliever . immune booster  . nausea reliever

CINNAMON        . regulates blood sugar  . reduces arthritis pain  . contains fiber, calcium, iron

CARDAMOM      . treats mouth ulcers . relieves bloating and heartburn  . freshens breath

CAYENNE          . cleansing & detoxifying . anti fungal . migraine headache prevent

HONEY               . reduces throat irritation,  probiotic . blood sugar regulator

Tepache anyone?

Even though it's winter and  cold outside, I've been craving this tropical iced drink. Tepache is a traditional Mexican fresca made by fermenting pineapple. The recipe and method is easy to do and the end result is a refreshing drink.

Ingredient List:

1 pineapple, 5-9 cloves, 1 cinnamon stick, 3/4 cups brown sugar, pitcher of water

Method

1. cut the rind off of the pineapple, set aside
2. chop the pineapple flesh into small cubes 
3. add all rind , half of the pineapple chunks, cinnamon stick, cloves and brown sugar to the pitcher
4. fill the pitcher with fresh water and cover
5. let the Tepache ferment for 48 hrs 
6. strain into a glass filled with ice and enjoy