Hello, February! It’s a new month and time to tackle another goal that I’m tracking through journaling with my Commit30 planner. This month my focus is on physical health. Of course, my plan was to kick that off in January, but that wasn’t in the cards with COVID-19 making a cameo appearance in my life.

The upside of that is while I was in isolation for the days around the new year, I focused on setting up this blog and met my January goal.

But I digress, let’s get back to February. I’m actually doing quite well so far on my path to physical health, at least on the nutritional side of things. I’m eating “real food” and cut out junk. I’ve been following the rule of 80/20 with the Whole30 way of eating. And have fallen in love with smoothies. Yes, that’s the part of reason I’m not 100 percent following Whole30, but I justify that I can have my breakfast and drink it too.  

According to the Whole30 Facebook group I follow, smoothies are “not encouraged” so I’ve interpreted it as not forbidden if I carefully measure and am selective with ingredients. The superfood kale I add in ensures I get a quick and low-cal vegetable serving; an A+ as far as I’m concerned with starting your day the healthy way. And I slowly sip my glass full of healthy yumminess so my brain will register my satiety signals.

I can’t tell you how excited I am that I’ve found my groove with smoothies. Why did I wait so long to try them? I fell in love with my first sip. And the varieties are endless. I got this amazing Ninja blender/food processor for a Christmas gift that feeds my new addiction. Just scroll down a few paragraphs to check out my favorite smoothie recipe (so far!).  

Adding Exercise Back into Routine

I also started moving again. My post-coronavirus strength is back and I’m not cocooning so much. Seriously, January is the biggest couch potato month of the year. How the heck can people get psyched about starting out strong with an exercise routine when it’s dark all the time and seems as warm as an artic tundra? So, if you’re beating yourself up for being stuck in a workout rut, not to worry. You’ll pick it up soon.

I admit I have a love/hate relationship with the treadmill, but I’m working on that. I’m actually feeling good about wearing my Apple Watch again because my steps and calorie burn are coming back. Next, on my physical health agenda is adding in some yoga thanks to recommendation from a friend (sign up for the newsletter) and workouts on DVDs I enjoy during the winter.

So, while I’m working on a healthier me this month, I’ll leave you with my recipe. And please, if you have any smoothie suggestions, I’m all in as a newbie. Don’t be shy! Share a comment below or reach out to me on Facebook or Instagram via a post or message.

Banana, Blueberry and Kale Smoothie

The kale gives this a slightly grassy flavor complemented with just enough sweetness from the fruit, and the almond butter and flax add touch of nuttiness.

Look at all you get to start your day for around 250 calories, and it easily sustains you to lunch. I hope you enjoy it as much as me.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Course Breakfast

Servings 1

Ingredients

  

• 2 large handfuls chopped kale
• 1/2 fresh banana (save other half in fridge for next day)
• 1/2 cup frozen blueberries
• 2 T ground flax
• 1/2 cup skim or nut milk (I use cashew)
• 1 tsp almond butter
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup water (if too thick)

Notes

I put all ingredients in my Ninja smoothie container and select the smoothie setting (which blends for 50 seconds). After the first time I process it, I’ll check to how thick it is and add water as needed.

Note: You’ll need a quality blender that has the power to get the job done so it blends up smooth without leaving behind grainy or leafy bits.

Get Your Guide on Creating Healthy and Delish Smoothies: Check out my “Smoothie 101” post for details!