a glass of the blues (or, how i beat up blue monday)

Today was supposed to be one of those ultra-productive days off. I had personal upkeep appointments to attend, yoga to do, books to finish and healthy meals to make for the week. So why, when I woke up, did I want to do the opposite of just that? I felt sluggish, unmotivated and lazy. I called E and told him I was feeling off, I didn't want to do anything I had planned today. Being the current events buff that he is, E let me know that today, in fact, is known as "Blue Monday," the saddest, most depressing day of the year. Well, that makes sense!

I had to get this day into gear somehow. I couldn't let myself fall prey to the blues, or else my vacation day would be a waste, and the rest of the week would most likely be a doozy, too. Here's how I kicked Blue Monday in the butt:

1. Start with a healthy, balanced breakfast (obviously). While I could've found sweet relief with a latte and a croissant from my local coffee shop, I decided this would only make me feel crummy in a few hours. I blended up a strawberry, banana and almond milk smoothie, adding a blood orange (peel and pith removed) in for extra zest. At least I could say that I had a healthy breakfast. 

2. Shower and get dressed. Showering makes you feel like a million bucks when you were once feeling like only a couple dollars. Shaving your legs helps, too. As does putting on a decent outfit.

3. Walk. Below zero weather be damned! After all, I own all these cute hats, scarves and sweaters for a reason. I layered up and walked to my first personal upkeep appointment. It was cool and crisp, but totally amazing. My legs agree.

4. Take care of yourself. I treated myself to some personal grooming and feel a lot better because of it.

5. Exercise. Okay, so I didn't feel like trekking all the way to yoga class and I shouldn't have to do something I didn't want to do on my day off. Instead, I brought yoga to my living room. Just a few of my favourite poses to energize my body.

6. Eat soup. Warm and loaded with veggies, it's the stuff cold days are made for. I adapted this recipe for pasta fagioli from skinnytaste, adding kale, peas and green beans. 

These little things certainly helped turned my Blue Monday around. I hope you're all feeling good today.

Enjoy!

a.

a glass of superfood (or, mid-month check-up)

Can you believe we're already 17 days into 2013? I'm sure quite a few of you (or at least someone you know) have resolved to eat more healthfully this year, committing to eating more veggies, drinking less alcohol or cutting out sweets. This morning I overheard (okay, I was totally eavesdropping!) a few girls talking about how hard it is to eat healthy. And this can be so true! There's a lot more preparation and planning involved, especially if you pack a lunch for work, or want to have home-cooked meals with whole foods, rather than grabbing take-out. One of the things I love about my morning smoothie is that I get to cram as many good things as I want into one glass. They're fast, easy and satisfying. Take this glass of superfood for instance: There are blueberries, goji berries, blackberries, pomegranate, carrot juice, chia seeds, flaxseed and even a small handful of spinach. That's crazy!

1/4 cup frozen blueberries
1/4 cup blackberries
2 tbsp dried goji berries (you can find these at your local health foods store)
1/4 cup natural pomegranate juice
1/2 cup 100% carrot juice (or, freshly pressed)
1 tbsp chia seed
1 tbsp flaxseed
1 handful baby spinach

Puree until smooth.

Enjoy!

a.

a glass of strawberry, cucumber + coconut water

Here she is: my first new smoothie recipe of 2013, and isn't she a beaut! She's not all looks though. This glass of strawberry, cucumber and coconut water is refreshing and boasts a ton of health benefits. And like all of my smoothie recipes, she's free of dairy, gluten, soy and all those other common allergens, making her a great option for detoxing.

This one is perfect before my power yoga class, where challenging poses mean I have to stay strong and energized without feeling overly full. The coconut water also helps me stay hydrated, a bonus in a heated room.

1/2 cup seeded and chopped English cucumber
1/4 cup frozen strawberries
1 cup coconut water
1 tbsp chia seed
1/2 teaspoon agave nectar

Enjoy!

a.

not-so-secret ingredient spotlight: cinnamon (or, a glass of cinnamon cafe au lait)

One of my favourite things about Saturday mornings is getting to enjoy a leisurely cup of coffee with E without having to rush out the door. Whether we walk to our local coffee shop or brew our own at home, it's always one of the best moments of the day. Partly from an idea from a good friend and partly from advice from Dr. Oz, I decided to add a dash of cinnamon to our coffee grounds this morning. 

If you're looking to cut your sugar cravings, cinnamon should be your best friend in the kitchen. It's not only delicious, but said to lower blood sugar levels and cholesterol. According to Dr. Oz, "cinnamon seems to have an insulin-like effect that helps enhance the satiety center in your brain." Just a half teaspoon is all you need and you can add it to just about anything (including your favourite smoothie or latte recipe!). And yes, I did just quote Dr. Oz. Never thought I'd see the day.

- I love cinnamon in this smoothie.

- It's also fantastic in this recipe for squash and chickpea Moroccan stew from Smitten Kitchen, which I made in our Christmas present slow cooker last weekend.

- If you'd like to try it in your morning cuppa, add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon to your coffee grounds and brew. Meanwhile, heat your favourite milk (we used almond... yum!) over medium-low, stirring constantly until it's warm. If you have a frothing tool, use it once the milk is warm to the touch (careful not to burn yourself when testing) to add some foam. Add as much of the heated milk as you desire to your coffee for a delish cinnamon cafe au lait.

Enjoy!

a.

a glass of 2013

A very happy New Year to you! It was just one year ago that I started this little blog -- as a New Year's goal, in fact -- to start making regular smoothies as a personal commitment to wellness. Well here I am now, one year and one new blender later (this one, thanks B&M), and I'm looking forward to more smoothie recipes, new projects and goals (including learning to knit a scarf, improving my French speaking skills for an upcoming trip to France [!] and flossing) in 2013. But first, a new year's juice to start 2013 on the right foot.

2 handfuls spinach
2 stalks celery
4 golden delicious apples
1 lemon

Press through juicer.

Enjoy!

a.

P.S. What are your goals/resolutions for 2013?