Happy New Year! If you are like most people, one of the frequently made new year’s resolution centers around being the best version of oneself especially in the health and fitness arena. Soooo it’s mid-January and time to check in with you guys to see how those fitness goals are coming up. Trust me, it could be a little intimidating and challenging at first and we try to make excuses why we can’t go to the gym or eat healthy today, and tomorrow and the day after… I’ve been there too. Cultivated discipline is more rewarding than motivation because you know that it’s got to be done regardless of the excuses our minds try to conjure. I’m here to say: just keep trying and take small steps. Those small steps build consistency and usually leads to discipline. So, don’t give up just yet!

One of the healthy habits that I picked up last year and will follow me into this new year is making smoothies. After my workout sessions, I needed something both refreshing and nutritious to replenish my energy. One day while buying groceries, I stopped by the fruit stand and boy, did the fruits begin to speak to me! I realized at that point that I could begin to make my own smoothies; I could control what goes into my smoothie while saving some money as well. The variety of  fruits and veggies one can use gives room to experiment and to find out what flavor, or nutritional value that can be achieved. Smoothies are great additions to one’s diet and may aid in weight loss depending on the fruits that are being used.

The Green Booster

This mason jar of yummy greenness contains a blend of kale, ginger, lemon and avocado. Green smoothies don’t have to taste yucky, fruits such as banana or apples could be added to enhance taste. Rich green vegetables such as kale and spinach are powerful phytochemicals and are also great sources of fiber, calcium, and vitamin A.

The Orange Sunrise

Orange sunrise consists of mandarins, carrots, mint and ginger. Carrots contain antioxidants known as beta carotene which when absorbed by the intestines produce vitamin A. This smoothie is a great way to start the morning as it is packed with nutrients to keep you fueled and colorful enough to brighten your mood!

The Milky Tiger

By now you should have noticed a common additive to most of my smoothies: Ginger. I love ginger for so many reasons especially for the slight kick it gives to any drink or meal. It is great for your digestive health, fights nausea and helps lower cholesterol. The other ingredient are tiger nuts; they are small milky nut that are just mind blowing superfoods. Tiger nuts helps the immune system by stimulating the growth of gut bacteria which usually provides a line of defense against other bacteria. Before eating or making smoothies with dry tiger nuts, I recommend you soak it in water for about 10-15 minutes to soften and make it taste better.

The Berry Blast

Like the name suggests, Berry Blast is a twirl of antioxidant berries: raspberries, blueberries and blackberries. The antioxidants that are produced eliminate free radicals which reduce toxins in the body. Also, if weight loss is a health goal, berry smoothies are there for you since they have a low caloric count and help to reduce blood sugar levels. Let’s not forget how yum berries taste, it’s a total package.

The Tropical Tornado

Ok…how do I explain this! It’s quite explosive! This smoothie would leave your palate enticed and your taste buds subliminally enchanted by the wave of this rich taste. It consist of mangoes, papaya, guava and pineapple. I recommend this smoothie on a hot sunny day as it will revive a parched throat while filling your body with nutrients.