Tropical Dream Smoothie

Since starting my 80 day total body transformation 71 days ago, my smoothies have taken on a whole new life. A lot of them contain Shakeology, a Beachbody superfood shake (for more info see below).  Here is my favorite was to combine greens, fruits, and protein with a hint of the summer tropics.

Tropical Dream Smoothie

Ingredients
1 scoop Vanilla Shakeology (I prefer vegan vanilla)
8-10 oz Coconut water
Spinach
Banana
frozen Pineapple
ice

Directions 
Blend all ingredients and enjoy... pop a straw and an umbrella in, and whisk yourself away to Tropical paradise.


*Interested in more information in on Shakeology?
click here: https://www.teambeachbody.com/shop/us/b?referringRepId=1550004

Healthy Tuna Salad

It's Lent time, and on Fridays, I have been eating either fish or meatless dishes.  But ultimately it has worked out for me because I have found a new way to make tuna salad, and it's healthier.  Here is my Healthy Tuna Salad recipe!

Healthy Tuna Salad

serves 1
Ingredients
1 Pack of Tuna in water (5oz)
1/2 pepper (green or red) finely chopped
1 tbsp of Dijon or spicy brown mustard
1/2 tsp Olive Oil
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tbsp sliced green onions
kosher salt & ground pepper

Directions
Mix together all ingredients, and serve over a bed of spinach, or in a halved pepper.  You can also serve it as the dip for a veggie tray!

Pumpkin Banana Bread

It's Fall... which means all things pumpkin!  And that's no different here in the Thayer household.  Here is my recipe for Pumpkin Banana Bread!

Pumpkin Banana Bread
yields 2 loaves

Ingredients
3 medium ripe bananas
3 eggs
2 c pumpkin puree, unsweetened
2/3 c canola oil
1 c cane sugar
3 c all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp kosher salt
3 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees, and grease 2 loaf pans.
In a mixing bowl, mash bananas; then add eggs, pumpkin puree, oil, sugar, and mix well.
In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices.
Slowly add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing as you go along.
Once well combined, divide batter between 2 loaf pans.
Bake 45 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clear.
Cool and Enjoy!

Try warmed slices stopped with a little butter, or peanut butter... or simply with a cup of pumpkin spice coffee!

Smoothie Recipe: Berry, Very, Green

I am back on my daily smoothies... Here's a new smoothie recipe for you.  You already know, I love spinach, and this recipe really pushes the limit on spinach taste.  It has minimal ingredients, to make it really green... Lol!  Perfect way to start your St. Patty's day!

Berry, Very, Green

Ingredients
2 handfuls of spinach
1/4 c coconut water
1/3 c blueberries
1/2 apple (I've used pink lady, Granny Smith, and Fuji when I've made it)
1 tbsp ground Flaxseed
Ice, couple cubes

Directions
Blend all ingredients to desired consistency, and enjoy!

Empowering the Elderly

The older we get, the older our loved ones get, it's only natural.  Our parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc, are now visiting the doctor more, fighting minor ailments to serious illnesses. Working at the YMCA, I see members of all ages and all walks of life, infants to seniors, with one common goal- to be healthy. As you know to be ultimately healthy, it means having a healthy self, soul, and space. I was blessed to grow up with my grandparents in my life, and I want the same for my children!  With so many challenges facing the "older" generations, how do we empower them to live a healthy active lifestyle and not enable them to succumb to their "age".

Here are some ways we can encourage and empower the elders to be healthy:

1. Move! Within their ability, maybe it means an easy walk a few times a week, water aerobics classes, or full body workouts in a gym or group exercises classes.  More movement will help increase mobility, no matter how limited! 

2. Eat good! Encourage our elders to eat the way they were raised. Healthy, Whole Foods... that may require some work on our part. Many elders don't want to cook for just one, so helping to ensure they have healthy choices within their reach. Maybe making an extra plate and deliver it to your loved one. 

3. Mentally & Socially. Active brains and active social calendars help to fight off dementia, Alzheimer's, and loneliness. Puzzles, books, card games, classes and friends at community centers or local YMCA, and of course, spending time with you and the younger loved ones. Keep the light in their soul bright! 

4. Space full of warmth! Make their home, however large or small, warm and full of love. Clutter free, organized, full of familiar items and pictures, clean, and easy to maintain. Maybe they are surrounded by medical staff, family, or still live independently, either way... the warmer the better! 

5. The Doctor is their Friend! Encourage our elders to stay up on their check ups, preventative tests and screenings, vaccines, and treatments. Burying their head in sand won't keep them healthy. Go with them, if necessary! 

6. Lastly, Positive thinking, goes a long way! They are still strong and capable! They are loved and needed! They can still do anything they put their minds to! And many times, they need to be reminded of this. They are never a burden, enjoy their presence, and make sure you let them know, how much they are loved!

My grandmother lived to be 100 and 358 days old... I was so blessed. All I can say is, I will continue to do all in my power to encourage the remaining elders around me, family and friends, to live a healthier and happier life! I empower you to do the same, and Encourage and Empower your Elders to be healthy!