Being a Mamavation Mom and Reaching Beyond Myself

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I'm into week 3 of my Mamavation Mom Boot Camp, and as I glance over at my notebook with all it's colorful tabs, printed paper, and hand scribled notes, I smile because I see how many changes are already taking place within just a short amount of time.

 

Do you ever feel as if you're excactly where you should be? That's how I feel right now while working with the Mamavation Team. It's as if little moments of my life have been built together to prepare me to be where I am now. I've always thought outside of the box and questioned many beliefs and by doing so I'm more aware and open to the changes that are taking place in my life now.

 

And I'm not only seeing these changes take place in my home but changes are also taking place in my work environment. I've shared this journey with my co-workers and friends from when I first applied to be a Mamavation Mom to the hazing, results, and even knowledge I'm learning on a daily basis.

This week I had to go out and buy some cleaning supplies for my classroom. My BFF and co-worker just said, "look, get me a big bottle of bleach and we'll make bleach water." I shook my head, "No. I can't do it. Bleach is bad and I wont bring it into the classroom." I suggested a vinegar based solution to which everyone moaned and groaned but at least we didn't go with the bleach. And to me, that's a small step. They may not be ready to ditch all chemicals with me but at least they're willing to listen to my reasoning and compromise as we move into a cleaner (less chemical based) environment.

 

So, not only is Mamavation touching my life, the lives of my children and husband, but they now are reaching out to two other homes as well as the 7 children that sit in my classroom. And as my Mom always said, "We change the world one child at a time," and as Mamavation  says, "Changing lives one Mom at a time," together, there just isn't anything that we can't  done and ultimately change. :)

 

Visit Mamavation today to see how Your life can change....

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Can You Love Yourself At Any Weight?

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I have struggled with my weight and body image since I was a young teenager. Even at my ideal weight, I always felt uncomfortable and undesireable. I know many women experience these emotions, and sadly, the media doesn't help any by airbrushing every magazine model out there.

 

And just recently, while playing at a local museum with my kids, I realized just how uncomfortable I am in regards to my weight, especially when my 4 year old daughter encouraged me to step up on a scale in the clinc pretend area. I laughed and plainly stated, "NO!" I mean, come on, there was a man with his kid in there as well...I did NOT want my weight flashing up on the screen for all to see.

 

Since then I've reflected a great deal on that moment. And I realize that I don't want my children to develop a sckewed body image. I don't want my daughter to shy away from scales or feel as if she's unattractive and unwanted. I want my children to know and understand health and fitness. I want them to use their bodies to their max and enjoy the abilities they have.

 

I want to love myself today...right now. I don't want to wait until I'm 30 lbs or 50 lbs lighter to be proud of myself, to enjoy myself in public, and/or to simply live life! I want to make healthy choices for myself based on love and concern for my body not because I want the scale to say a particular number.

 

So I recently asked myself the question, "what if your weight never goes below 200? Can you love yourself at this weight?" And now I can finally say, "Yes. Yes I can." I can use a scale to measure body weight but never again will I place my value on that number, nor will I even base my sucess/failure on that number again. Instead I will set obtainable goals such as: particular nutrition, race times/distances, and my overall feeling of well being.

Never again will I view a woman's beauty based on her pants size but instead on her love of others, self, and life. Therefore, let me just say...hello, World, I'm Toni, and today, I love myself.....


What about You? Do You deal with body image issues? How do You love Yourself?

     
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{Product Review} Garcinia Cambogia

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As some of you may know, I've been concentrating a great deal on making healthier choices in hopes of naturally lowering my cholesteral levels. As I began searching for foods and natural suppliments to help lower LDL levels, I came across an article on Garcinia Cambogia. It seems this native fruit from Indonesia produces hydroxycitric acid {HCA} which naturally inhibits the enzyme, citrate lyase, which in turn blocks the abosrbsone of unsued sugars/carbohaydrates that would have been stored as fat in the body. Long story short, lower fat diets reduce LDL and tricycleride levels. Now, some of you hard asses out there may simply say, "why not just cut out sugar and charbohydrates instead of popping pills?" I agree, pills are not a quick fix, end all, you can be lazy and eat whatever you want....but, I do pop vitamins for the much needed minerals and since this fruit is not grown locally, I weigh the risks with the benefits.

 

On to my review....

 

I've been taking Garcinia Cambogia for a week now along with my regular work out routine and food journey. I have noticed a decrease in my emotional eating and overall "need" for food. This is probably due to the fact that this extract is also known to increase seratonin levels which  may then improve mood as well as sleep patterns.

I have not noticed any negative side effects such as a gittery feeling associated with "diet pills" nor an upset stomach that can come along with other appetite surpressant drugs. However, I have read warnings to not include this suppliment into your daily regiment if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, taking diabetic medication {HCA may lower your insulin levels}, taking statin drugs, or people who have been dianosised with Alzhiemer's or other forms of dementia.

Now, where to find Garcinia Cambogia?

XIUM is a well known company that produces high quality Garcinia Cambogia extract and you can purchase this product through Amazon. The list price is $49.99, Amazon's price is $39.99, however, it's currently on sale for $9.32 with free shipping on orders over $35.

 

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Women and Weights

I've shared with you about the call that lead to my knowledge of my high cholesteral. Since then I've had one other check in with my doctor.We discussed foods, weight loss, and fitness. I was suprised and excited to hear him ask about weight training. I explained that yes, I was planning to add more weight training to my cardio workouts and he shook his head in agreement. His next statement went something like this, "and don't be scared to use heavy weights. I mean, really heavy weights. You wont bulk up but the muscles built will help to burn calories."

 

 

I know many women who are worried that if they lift heavy weights they will put on large amounts of muscle and weight. Now, it's true that muscle weighs more than fat but it also looks quiet different on the body. Two people may weigh the same yet have different measurements based on muscle vs. fat. Honestly, I'd rather weight 10 to 15 pounds heavier and yet know that my body was healthy with msucle mass rather than clogged with fat. I kind of have a grossed out image of fat in my body.

 

 

Ok, so anyway, the reason {most} women will not bulk up like men do when they lift weights is simply do to our level of testosterone. It's the hormone that the body uses to build muscle. Yes, we all have testosterone within the body, but men have more, therefore they are capable of producing larger muscles.

In my opinion, there is no downside to adding reistance training. It helps build bone, muscle, burn calories, and overall helps to give the body a lean, trim, healthy look. Most programs recommend two to three days of weight training per week. I like to switch mine up between a day of running and a day of circuit training {moving quickly through a session of weight training with a short rest period between different exercises}. And, I can already tell a difference in my strength and body after roughly 3 months of consistent strength training. For more information check out this article on Strength Training for Beginners and enjoy your weights!

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Relieve The Winter Blues with Lemon

Ok, so it's not actually winter yet but if you're in the Southeastern part of the U.S. you know that we recently went from 75 - 80 degree weather to, oh, the 60's in a day. Fall hit and it hit hard. Not that I'm complaing about the beautiful fall colors or even the break from the horrific humidity and heat so well known to the South, but I must say, when the chill rolls in, my skin does not do well.

 

My hands turn into pruned up, wrinkled claws, my lips contunously burn, and my legs become chaffed. What? How??? Ok, maybe the running outdoors with inappropriate cold weather gear doesn't help the skin much, but still, my poor epidermia suffers for the next 4 to 5 months until the groundhog shows it's little poonched up face and decides whether or not Spring has sprung or if the seasonal depression will continue {no I do not believe groundhogs predict the weather}.

 

Anyway, the whole purpose of this post was to share one of my lovely cold weather drinks with you. And no, this one does not contain alcohol, unless you'd like to add some. It's a simple mixture really, warm water, half a lemon, and honey (optional). I use a coffee cup so you're talking 4 to 6 ounces of water. I always have lemons on hand for my water jug and for the honey, squirt as much as you'd like for taste {not try to use too much, though, or at least test your blood sugar afterwards if need be}.

 

According to MindBodyGreen, this concoction is best drunk first thing in the morning, and by adding it to your daily routine you are sure to: boost your immune system, balance your internal ph level, aid weight loss, aid in digestion, use as a gentle diurectic, clear your skin, and hydrate the lymph system.
 

I just can't see that you're going to go wrong with such a delicious little drink. So, enjoy the cold weather and a cup of warm lemon juice!

 

 

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So, You Get That Call, You Know The One From Your Doctor With Your Blood Results.

I recently went to see a new doctor since my other doc has now retired. We talked and he drew blood to check the normal stuff - thyroid, cholesterol  sugar, etc. He also said they'd call me with my results. 
Ok then, bye, Dr!
A week almost went by and then I realized I had a couple voicemails. At 7:30 p.m. on a Friday night I receive two voicemails from my dr. telling me to give him a call, something showed up on my blood work.
What?! What do you mean, "something showed up no my blood work?!" I've never been sick. I'm only 36...come on, I'm still immortal, right?
Of course the office was closed and so I'll drag my feet all weekend until I can call him again on Monday. But it really did shake me up. What if I have cancer? I don't feel like I had cancer. But then again, what does cancer feel like? Diabetes?  High cholesterol?  Now, that one might be it. Oh, what about my thyroid? I have been dealing with this horrible depression for the past 3 years. It's manageable on medication but I've truly never felt any like this in my life before...maybe it's more than just PPD.
All these thoughts raced through my head. I called a couple of people, acted all dramatic and such, and then I finally just realized, "I'm making a change in my life. Whatever results my blood work shows today can be worked on and possibly changed through better lifestyle choices."
And so there it is, the eye opening moment that I actually do have the choice to heal or hurt my body. I know many diseases are not in our control but yet many of them still are. 
Since waking up the next day after my doctor appointment on Monday, I have spent the week seriously concentrating on my nutrition as well as fitness. It's been tough, I've been hungry and sore, but overall I'm already seeing a difference. I've removed 4 pounds of unwanted weight. I still have about 50 pounds to go but I now know it's do-able. I have the tools, I have the reasons, and now I finally have the control.


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Mamavation Monday: Horrified and Ready For Change

This probably wont be the most positive Mamavation post I'll write, but at least it's sobering. 
I received an email last night in regards to the professional pictures that were taken during my last 5k, April 20. I clicked the link, typed in my last name, and was then shocked at what I saw. Myself. Running.
I quietly closed the laptop and walked into the kitchen and picked up the book I'd been reading, Eat To Live. I decided at that moment that I was doing it. No excuses. Nothing. Nothing left but change. 
I am too ashamed to show that picture today. I hope, in time, I'll be able to use it as a comparative picture for all the progress I plan to make in the next couple of months.
I am very grateful for the picture. I didn't realized how large my body had gotten. I guess I've been living in denial. It's time to open my eyes.
I plan to write a daily entry during this transformation. Join me, if you'd like. I'd love to hear stories of other's who live the Eat To Live way. It's basically large amounts of raw, cooked vegetables, fruits, and beans. No dairy. No meats. 
I gotta do something. And this is what I'm doing.
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I Need To Love Myself

As I was examining myself in the bathroom, I came to the realization that I need to love myself. Critiquing my body and obsessing over my weight has simply not brought any sort of peace or joy to my life. 
I seriously have been obsessed with my weight and appearance for the last 4 years. I have yo-yoed with my weight since my teenage years and I can not remember a time that I was ever comfortable in my own skin.
I'm tired, people. I'm almost 36 years old and I'm damn well ready to be ok with myself. I'm damn well ready to feel good about myself.
I run 5K's for goodness-sakes, I'm educated, I'm funny, hell, I'm even sexy when I let it all out. I need to stop beating myself up, accept what I have accomplished, and enjoy myself. And that's what I plan to do from here on out.
Yes, I'll always push myself to be better but instead of always just wanting the next level or a faster race time, I'm gonna actually start enjoying what I do in this body. I'm gonna appreciate what my body does for me when I go for a run and by doing so, I'm going to nurture it and take better care of it.
I'm also going to stop comparing myself to others and instead encourage others more in their own endeavors.  It's time, Toni, it's time to find you, love you, and enjoy the many blessings you have. It's time.



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Monday Madness: I Am Tired...

Every morning I wake up, roll over, and hit my snooze button. And yet every day I secretly criticize my body, the extra weight I carry, and compare myself to other women. Every. Day.
I'm so tired of it.
I'm ashamed that the thoughts of my body have become a constant battle in my head. I seriously wish I could move past this and "love myself for who I am, not what I look like..." I'm not saying my value as a person is set by the number on the scale but I am saying that I'm disappointed in the way I look. I don't feel comfortable in my clothes....or my skin. I want to feel the way I did a couple of years ago, when I was running. I enjoyed that body...I enjoyed catching glimpses of myself in the mirror. :)
And, over these last few months I've been trying to work out, I've done different DVD's, started and stopped running programs, but I've seen no results from any of it. It's time to seriously get back on track.
And so it's time to take on this mind frame....

I'm just not sure it could be said any simplier. It's just time....
Workout Schedule: Monday: C25K {morning}, bike ride {afternoon} Tuesday: C25K {morning} with 30DayShred {afternoon} Wednesday: C25K {morning} bike ride {afternoon} Thursday: C25K {morning} 30DayShred {afternoon} Friday: C25K {morning}
What about You??? What workout program are You enjoying at the moment??

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Explore Chattanooga With The Chattanooga YMCA

The YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga serves more than 37,000 members each year, uniting men, women and children of all ages, faiths, backgrounds, abilities and income levels. Nationwide, America’s 2,594 YMCAs serve more than 20.1 million people. From large metropolitan areas to small towns, YMCAs are the heart of community life in the United States: 42 million families and 72 million households are located within three miles of a YMCA. In fact, more Americans belong to a YMCA than live in the five largest U.S. cities.  
My family and I have enjoyed the recreational sports of our local YMCA over the last few years. My 10 year old has played soccer with them since he was roughly 5 years old. The coaches are typically parents that volunteer their time and experience to teach kids the basics about sports. As my son has grown through this program his skills have developed as well as a healthy attitude toward team work and dedication. 
The ages of children on teams range from 3 to 13 years, with teams typically meeting once a week for practice {the youngest group practices 30 minutes before game time} and the games are held Saturday morning/afternoon at the local fields. The prices range from $55 for members and $85 for nonmembers. The YMCA does offer financial scholarships for memberships as well as sports and other programs.  
So, if you're looking for a local recreational place for your family, check out the Chattanooga YMCA and Explore Chattanooga!
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Monday Madness

The only down side, for me, to working out...soreness. I can't stand it. I'm such a baby when it comes to pain so when I found this article on how to combat the day after soreness, I was thrilled. I agree with the cardio aspect of helping to bring blood flow to sore muscles. If my legs are really sore a light ride on my stationary bike will usually help. Anyway, I hope you enjoy the article as much I did...and let's keep moving!

A Sore Subject

By Harley Pasternak, creator of the 5-Factor Diet

By now you've probably noticed that after working out a particular body part, it's often sore for the next day or two — especially if you're not in the habit of exercising. This is called delayed onset muscle soreness, and it's caused by tiny tears in the muscle fiber. Over time, the tears heal and cause the muscle to grow. Don't worry: The discomfort you're feeling is typical after an intense resistance workout, so don't let it keep you from sticking to your workout plan.

Challenge yourself to keep going, even if the going gets tough. You can fend off the soreness somewhat by stretching the body parts you're working out during the rest periods between supersets. If you're already sore, ibuprofen or aspirin will ease the discomfort a bit; and some studies suggest that extra doses of vitamin C can help get rid of the ache.

Engaging in some light aerobic exercise, because it increases blood flow, will also help reduce soreness. Remember: Pain is not part of a successful workout, and if a muscle is still painful after four or five days, check with your doctor to make sure you haven't sustained an injury.

original article: http://www.everydayhealth.com/fitness/team/tips/a-sore-subject.aspx?xid=tw_weightloss_20120217_fitness

This week's workout schedule: 

Monday: C25K Week 7, Day 1

Tuesday: Weight Training

Wednesday: C25K Week 7, Day 2

Thursday: Weight Training

Friday: C25K Week 7, Day 3

Goals: 

100 ounces of water a day

No carbs without protein 

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Monday Madness: My Weekly Workout {9.24-9.28}

Wow, it's back to Monday. It's always seems to show back up, doesn't it? I guess we'll get on with it then.
Today I start weight training. It's been probably 15 years since I did any serious weight lifting and after reading a good deal of info on weight loss and health, I've decided it's time to go back to the iron. Oh, and beginning Tuesday I'll start work on week 7 of my Couch to 5K program. There are 9 weeks total and I'm so determined to finish this run program...no matter how long it takes me.
Monday: weight training Tuesday: week 7, day 1 c25k Wednesday: weight training Thursday: week 7, day 2 c25k Friday: weight training Saturday or Sunday: week 7, day 3 c25k
Simple and straight to the point! I hope you all have a wonderful week!!
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Taking A Moment To Make A Difference

It's time to make a change. I'm not really sure what brought on the actual decision - maybe it's the way my pants fit, the image I see in the door as I walk into the grocery store, or simply the collective experiences I've had with disease and death. But something has to change...and that starts with me.
Diabetes has been on my mind recently. Sean went to the doctor and his blood results were on the high side. His blood sugar has had me concerned for that last week so I went out today and picked up a glucose monitor. I wanted to know what our bodies were doing with food, how it responded to what we put into our mouths, and then I wanted to know how I could do it differently.
My first reading - 117, two hours after eating sushi. My second reading - 83, coming in from a nice walk with the kids. And my final reading for today - 76, I'm now cooking dinner and can feel the symptoms of low blood sugar. My body doesn't like to get below 70 so I'm cooking a black bean burger and I'll crumble it over a salad. 
I've already been making small changes over the past month: no sugar to my coffee, trying to overcome sugary cravings, and I'm now taking notice of sugar and carbohydrates on products. I know I can't remove these items from all my foods but simply keeping them in mind and eating in moderation w/ exercise should really help my health.
It's good to know, so far, that my body is handing sugar well. With those three readings, it seems to say my levels are pretty stable, but I'll need a good weeks worth to really determine my averages. Now, in regards to Sean, his levels look more like prediabetic numbers. He is trying, he's removed the soda from his diet, and hopefully he'll start exercising. I think if we work on it together, changing our eating habits and becoming more active, we'll not only set great examples for our kids, but we'll save ourselves and our family a great deal of pain in the long run.
Sean and I both lost a parent due to diabetic complications and we don't need our own kids going through that. It's time we make a change. :)
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alternaVites Vitamins

alternaVites are high-quality multiviatmins created in a unique crystal powder that melts in your mouth. 

Designed for children aged 4 and up, these vitamins are a perfect alternative to other sugary, gummie chewables on the market. alternaVites are free of sugar, high fructose syrup, aspertaine, perservatives, and are certified as a kosher product.

My 10 year old has been using them for the last month and even though it took him a bit to get use to the taste {he claims it needs more sugar}, it's a quick and easy way to ensure he gets the nutrients he needs for the day.

When I tried the product it reminded me of the powdered treats we enjoyed as a kid, with a little bit of a bitter kick. It's a mouth full of product and may take a child a couple tries to get it all down. The price of this product is $15.95, a typical price for vitamins, and if you're interested in ordering today, you can save 20% by using the code moms20.

Overall, I think alternaVites has really hit on a great idea, providing healthy vitamins for kids, and what Mom couldn't be happy with that? :)

You can also follow alternaVites on Facebook and Twitter.

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And We're Off To A Great Start! Get Out The Door And Get Your Butt Moving!!!

Ok, so today didn't really take my outside but it did take me downstairs to your treadmill where I began week 1, day 1 of the Couch to 5K program. It's simply great to be back to running. :) And, I took my time this time around. I started off building my leg muscles with a week of bike rides then I moved onto walking and strength training with my 30 Day Shred. This weeks is where the running begins. I'll only be running 3 days a week which is a big difference from my last experience of daily running for about 8 months straight. I think I over did it. I ended up with constant swollen knees and injuries but I still felt great running. :)
So, here's to us, the freaks who've gotten up, out, and moved in some form or fashion today. I raise my water bottle to you and I'm pushing just a bit harder knowing you're making it happen as well! Keep it up and keep it strong!!

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I Am The Fitness Guru - Hear Me Roar

Ok, so maybe I'm not a fitness guru per se but I think secretly I'd like to be. :) It's funny, I guess I'm a late bloomer you might say. I was raised by a Dad that loved physical fitness and yet I didn't really get into it until I was close to my 30's, right before my Mom passed away. I then started running after the birth of my daughter and enjoyed a great year of almost daily runs. After having my 4th child it's taken me a bit longer to get back into the swing of things. But within this past week, I'm happy to say my workout streak is back and it feels great!!!!
My plan for the next two weeks is to get my body accustomed to my workouts again. So because of the knee pain I suffered with during my first trial of running, this time I've decided to start it out on my bike and build up the muscles around my knees to give more stability. And next week I'll begin my work on the treadmill, starting off with simply walking for the week, getting my tendons, joints, and muscles prepared for the hard core jogging I'll be doing soon enough. 
Yet, with a few extra pounds I'd like to do more than just a 30 minute workout a day so I'm aiming for two workouts a day to up my calorie burn. :) It can be done if it's wanted badly enough. Next week's A.M. schedule is simply to get back into the routine of walking and rising so early for a work out. I'm keeping it basic and very standard. 
So what do you think? Should I mix it up more? Cut it back? Put in your two cents worth...I'm always happy for a fellow guru to chime in. :)
Monday: A.M. - walk 30 minutes / P.M. Bike 30 minutesTuesday: A.M. - walk 30 minutes / P.M. Shed 5 Fast DVDWednesday: A.M. - walk 30 minutes / P.M. Bike 30 minutesThursday: A.M. - walk 30 minutes / P.M. Zumba DVDFriday: A.M. - walk 30 minutes / P.M. Bike 30 minutesSaturday: Rest day / Bike




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Motivated Monday: Bye-Bye Birdie

In a little over 4 weeks I'll be returning back to work. My class this year is hard. My stress level was out the window before I left for maternity leave. I've thought of several ways not to go back but in the end, it seems this is where life is taking me at the moment. And let me just say, I love what I do, it's just sometimes you go through patches that aren't so satisfying. 
And so to lessen my anxieties about returning back to work, I decided I'd treat myself to a new hair cut, new make up, and make even a few new outfits all geared toward going back to the classroom. I have about 10 preggo pounds to lose and so I don't want to feel "fat" that first day I walk back into school, so making sure I feel comfortable in my clothes and in my look will help ease me back in. I hope. :)
And, in the mean time, the weather for the next two weeks is to be gorgeous so I have no reason to not be outside, walking and possibly running. :) This is Sean's last week on 3rd shift and I'm really looking forward to having some workout time {alone} during the day.
This week's workout schedule:Monday: 5 minutes with the bar, 20 minutes on the bike, family walk.Tuesday: 5 minutes with the bar, 20 minutes on the bike, pilates.Wednesday: 5 minutes with the bar, 20 minutes on the bike, family walk.Thursday: 5 minutes with the bar, 20 minutes on the bike, family walk.Friday: 5 minutes with the bar, 20 minutes on the bike, family walk.Saturday: family is in town!Sunday: family is in town!
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30 Day Green Smoothie Challenge: Day 5

1 frozen banana1 large tbsp peanut butter2 teaspoons flaxseed2/3 cup waterlarge handful spinach
This smoothie gets a nice 3 stars from me. The spinach seems to leave a bitter after taste, maybe next time I'll use a smaller helping. Other than that, the peanut butter gives a nice fullness to the drink. Enjoy!
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30 Day Green Smoothie Challenge: Day 4

-1 small soft pear 
--1 handful of spinach leaves
--1/2 cup cold water
--1 small banana 
--2 Tblsp ground flax seeds
--a few small ice cubes
I really enjoyed the sweet pear flavor of this smoothie. It was still a soft taste so I only gave it three out of 5 stars. 
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