How to Work Out Comfortably When You Are Plus Sized

This discussion is generously brought to you by Rainbeau Active. Make sure you check them out on Facebook and thank them!

How to Work Out Comfortably When You Are Plus Sized with tips on how to get have less pain when exercising as well as how to cut down pain set-backs.

Working out can be hard for anyone, especially when just starting out or when you have been out of the game for a while, but as a plus sized person, you may notice that it presents it’s own set of challenges. Have you ever heard of the dreaded “Chub Rub”? If you haven’t heard that term, let me assure you that you most likely will or have experienced it and it is not pretty at all. It’s actually very painful. Athletes of all sizes and fitness levels can get this kind of chafing but it’s one of the biggest issues with plus sized fitness that often demotivates even the best intentioned athlete.

If you want to start working out or are finding your workouts are currently too painful or uncomfortable, here are some tips on how to work out comfortably when you are plus sized you may be able to use.

How to Work Out Comfortably When You Are Plus Sized

Stop Chub Rub before it starts. Chafing in tender areas where there is lots of motion (aka Chub Rub) can be extremely painful and even lead to nearly bleeding if you do not take the time to prevent it. Most commonly occurring in the inner thigh area, it can also happen in the underarms, in the folds of the buttocks and even under your stomach area and breasts. If you find it happening, prevention is the best option. I recommend greasing up the area with a product called Body Glide. It cuts friction that creates the chafing. You can also use my favorite anti-chafe preventive called Lady Anti-Monkey-Butt (funny name, but it is amazing!).

plus size fitness

Stretch before working out. This is a skipped step a lot and while doctors and health experts might be back and forth on whether it is nessisary, I find that it helps with, if nothing else, making me more limber and my body ready to go right before a workout. You don’t even have to do the typical stretching either. Try doing yoga for a fun way to limber up!

plus size workout tips

Wear proper fitting clothes. Clothes that are either too loose or too tight can lead to chafing, fabric rubbing wrong, fabric cutting into your body or even cutting off circulation. Plus, I find that items that offer some compression are great for me because they help keep my already ever-present edema under control and even reduce it when I work out to make working out more comfortable. I really love the brand Rainbeau Active because it is made for plus-sized athletes and fits my curves well while leaving me feeling smokin’ hot. Check out this great design on the Jacylynn Print Legging in Blue Ombre Lace!

Plus size clothing for working out

Wear layers. I typically wear layers during the winter,spring and fall when I work out and sometimes in the summer. This Adrianna Sweatshirt is great because it has pockets for keys or cash and is lightweight enough that it doesn’t feel like you are wearing something that will weigh you down. It is also soft like your favorite vintage Tee and offers 4 way stretch for a perfect fit.

how to work out when you are plus sized

Wear a great support for “the girls”. There are many plus sized bra brands out there, but I have found that many of them don’t offer good sports style bras or ones that don’t cut off circulation while still offering support. Rainbeau Active has solved that with their Jocelyn Tank with Bra. Typically, because I am a 42 DD, I can’t just wear a cami with a built-in bra and have it be enough, but this one is amazing at offering support all around and smoothing out my curves.

plus sized fitness help

Listen to your body. Fitness won’t be easy, and it won’t always be comfortable, but it shouldn’t be too uncomfortable, either. This goes for anyone at any size, too. There is a balance between pushing yourself to meet a goal and not give up and pushing yourself into pain for no good reason to keep up with an imaginary place you are “supposed” to be. Keep in mind that every body is different and you will gain more endurance if you keep at it over time rather than try to get there all at once. I like the saying that “overall fitness is a marathon not a sprint”. You can seriously injure yourself if you push too hard as well.

running for plus sized

I am now blogging over at Rainbeau’s blog! Make sure you check out their blog and read more from me on plus size fitness tips!

Cheap Organic Foods You Can Buy

Cheap Organic Foods You Can Buy- Organic doesn't have to be expensive! There are many organic staples for your fridge and pantry that are only pennies more!

For those of us who want to eat healthier and save money as well, eating organic can be expensive if we let it. It is possible to eat cheaper while eating more organic on a daily basis if you know what to buy and where to buy it. Here are just a few of the top cheap organic foods that you can buy now to get help you eat better and stay on budget.

Cheap Organic Foods You Can Buy

Beans. Full of fiber and with so many varieties, beans are a great organic buy whether you buy them in bulk or in the can. Make sure the cans are marked BPA free. Also, check out your grocery store’s bulk bin for a good deal on any quantity you may need.

Potatoes. Since potatoes last several weeks, so when you see them on sale go ahead and buy a few pounds. Some of the best deals on organic potatoes are often the store brands, and most times there is a bin of locally grown potatoes for your picking.

Bananas. For just a few cents more per pound, bananas which pack a huge potassium punch, are a great find in the organic section of your produce market.

Tea. If you are a tea drinker and don’t mind buying it in the loose variety, check out the bulk bins of assorted organic teas. They are not produced with any pesticides and you can pick and choose how much of your favorites you want to buy.

Frozen fruits. Of course, fresh fruit from your local farmer’s market grown nearby is always a plus when you can afford it, but a cheaper way to stock up on fruit is to buy it frozen. There are so many choices in the organic frozen fruit section and they are a great addition to smoothies, cereal, oatmeal, and salads.

Milk and Dairy. Milk and Dairy are one of the cheapest ways to go organic. Local co-ops as well as farmer’s markets often offer many products that are organically produced. This was one of the first things I chose to go organic with and it’s one of the easiest to find as well.

Spices. Spices in jars can be super expensive, but if you want to buy organic and get good quality spices, once again use the bulk bins and only buy what you need. Keep stored in airtight containers and they will last just as long as the pricier jarred spices.

Living and eating an organic lifestyle can be challenging today, but with a little extra effort and shopping around, you can save some money and still buy some good stuff at your favorite stores. Most major chain grocery stores are offering their own organic brand of items now, so prices are much lower than they used to be. Just check out your sale flyers and keep your eyes out for coupons as well.

How I Switched to Cloth Pads and Got Over the ICK! Factor

How I switched to Cloth Pads and How I got Over the ICK! Factor- Cloth pads, or "mama cloth" are a great way to do right by the environment and your wallet.

There was a time when I could have never imagined using cloth pads for my monthly cycle. I just couldn’t imagine cleaning them and letting them go in with my regular wash. I didn’t do well with body fluids when my daughter was in diapers, how could I ever do well with this? On top of that, the idea that they were just cloth and didn’t contain anything other than that to absorb anything, I felt it was a disaster waiting to happen. I imagined myself having to be anxiety ridden and changing them out every hour and not being able to leave my house. Then, I decided to give them a try and I am here to say I will never be going back to disposable menstrual products and here are some reasons why as well as how to care for cloth pads if you are thinking of making the switch.

 

How I Switched to Cloth Pads and Got Over the ICK! Factor

 

Cloth pads absorb a lot more than you think. The ones I use, anyway, and I have been told this is pretty much the same across the board. Call them what you want; cloth pads, mama cloth, it all works well and the only time I have ever had a leak incident is when I put it on backwards the first time. I can go a solid 6 hours not changing them out in most times during my period. And not to get to TMI on you, but I have very heavy periods sometimes.

Cloth pads don’t cause rubbing or skin irritation that many disposables do. When I used disposable menstrual products, I was constantly getting skin irritations and rashes from them. No matter how “soft” a brand claimed to be, the same thing would happen. As if periods aren’t enough of a pain to deal with in the first place! Disposables are full of chemicals that are not good for your skin. Cloth pads cut that stuff right out and to be honest, they feel like a soft cloth against my skin, because they are. I also notice that they lock away moisture much better and I don’t get that gross wet feeling.

Cloth pads save tons of money. Because my cycle was so heavy at times, I found I was using so much product that it was costing me at LEAST $10 to have my period every stinkin’ month. The cloth pads I bought were only $25 for 4 with a wet bag (a place to put them when I changed them out in public.) and they will last for at least 5 years. This means that over the next 5 years, I will save $600. That’s HUGE.

Cloth Pads are not as gross as you think. How many times have you stood over a sink and cleaned out your “accidents” from your period in your panties? I know I have since I started my cycles in middle school many times. Cleaning out a cloth pads is pretty much no different. And if you are worried about odor, I have never had a problem with it.

 

How to Take Care of Cloth Pads

 

To wash them, I start with hand wringing in the sink with cold water. I just do this until the water runs mostly clear. Then I throw them in the wash with other clothes like delicates. They can be washed with other stuff, I just like to keep them separate because despite my best efforts to explain to my husband that its not gross, he still won’t get over it.

I recommend washing with an Eco-friendly, plant based detergent like ECOS. I get mine at Costco for less than $13 for a huge bottle that lasts us an entire month of washing or you can buy ECOS on Amazon, too.

Dry them in the dryer just as you normally would. Some people say to air dry them or tumble on low, but I haven’t had an issue with drying them on a regular setting.

I find that washing them right away is better than letting them sit too long. No reason other than I just don’t want odor to become an issue if it will.

I recommend buying at LEAST 4 or 5 to start with. I have 6 now and find that with my heavy periods this is enough to get me through so I am not doing too much laundry.

 

More Ways to Be Eco-Friendly with Personal Care:

 

Why Every Woman Needs to Switch to a Sckoon Cup

Brushing Teeth with Activated Charcoal

DIY Almond Scented Homemade Deodorant

 

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Gluten Free Chicken Lo Mein Stir Fry

Derrick is sharing a recipe for Gluten Free Chicken Lo-Mein Stir Fry that is sure to please anyone who tries it. This version makes a few substitutions to make it gluten free, but you could swap it with gluten items and get the same great taste if you prefer.

Gluten Free Chicken Lo Mein- this recipe is super easy to make in a hurry on a busy night. It is gluten free and a crowd pleaser.

This version of Lo Mein is breaking a few rules, but it is all in the name of deliciousness. We’re using gluten-free spaghetti instead of rice noodles, is that okay? Of course, it is! The rest of the cast is standard issue. We got chicken, onions, bell peppers, carrots and broccoli. I can’t think of any reason not to smile with a big bowl of our Chicken Lo Mein Stir Fry staring you in the face. Get the recipe below.

Gluten Free Chicken Lo-Mein Stir fry

lo mein

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound chicken strips, cut into smaller pieces
  • 1 pound gluten-free spaghetti
  • 1 cup onions, chopped
  • 1 cup mixed bell peppers
  • 1 cup carrots, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup young broccoli
  • 3 tablespoons of light olive oil
  • 1 - 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 3 - 4 tablespoons of low-sodium gluten free soy sauce or Bragg’s Liquid Aminos
  • 1/3 cup flat-leaf parsley, chopped
  • 3 - 4 eggs

How to Make Gluten Free Chicken Lo-Mein

1. Prep. In a skillet over med-high heat add olive oil. Cut chicken into small pieces and season with salt and pepper. When oil is hot add chicken, brown and cook. When chicken is finished, check for doneness, and set aside.

chicken for lo mein

2. Fill a large stock pot with water and bring to a boil, add a tablespoon of salt and add gluten-free spaghetti. Cook the pasta following the cooking directions on the package. When pasta is al dente drain using a colander. Return spaghetti to pot and drizzle with one tablespoon olive oil and one tablespoon of sesame oil, toss well and set aside.

3. Using a wok over med-high heat add sesame oil saute vegetables in batches: adding oil as needed

  • Onions saute for 3 minutes
  • Pepper saute for 3 minutes
  • Broccoili saute for 4 minutes
  • Carrots saute for 4 minutes

sauted peppers

4. Using a separate skillet over medium-high heat add olive oil, when oil is hot crack eggs into the skillet and whisk well, scramble eggs quickly. Spoon eggs into a small bowl and set aside.
eggs for lo mein
5. Wipe wok free of all debris. And add a little more sesame oil. When the oil is hot add spaghetti, chicken and vegetables a little at a time to stir-fry spaghetti lo mein adding soy sauce to taste. Stir in the fried eggs and top with chopped parsley.
Serve.

More Great Chicken Recipes:

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Natural Ways to Get a Better Night’s Sleep

Natural Ways to Get a Better Night's Sleep- You can get a better sleep without the use of medications. Check out these natural ways to sleep better.

I don’t sleep well many nights. There are many reasons for this but often for me, it’s due to pain or anxiety about all the stuff I didn’t get done or need to do before I can go to bed. I had to stop this cycle of non-sleep because I find that if I don’t get enough sleep, over time, my body starts to let me know in not so subtle ways such as giving me an extra dose of pain, having memory and concentration problems and even falling asleep at the computer. What makes it hard for me to sleep is often the fact that my body is sending relentless pain signals and I can’t shut my mind off.

In the past, I tried sleep medications, but I found that they stopped working after a while or gave me a medication hangover in the morning and since I try to live as naturally as possible when it comes to medications I put in my body among other things, I gave them up. I now have certain nightly rituals that help me get to sleep and stay asleep. Here are some natural ways to get a better night’s sleep that I hope will help you.

 

Natural Ways to Get a Better Night’s Sleep

 

Create a ritual before you go to bed. I found that much like kids need a wind-down period before bed, so do adults. This can be anything that helps you relax from a glass of warm milk to a meditation session or even reading.

Consistency in time you go to bed is important. It doesn’t matter really when you choose to go to bed, as long as you are getting enough sleep, but try to go to bed around the same time every night. This will put your mind and body into a routine and allow you to fall asleep faster.

Use a biomat. I have a Richway BioMat that I use for pain management, but I also find that it helps me sleep better and more soundly. A BioMat is a mat that warms up for you depending on the setting you put it on and also releases negative ions as you lay on it. It is filled with real amethyst crystals. In fact, I did an experiment with it when I first got it from Healing Arts Garden. I have an app on my phone that records sleep and records how deeply I am sleeping based on the sounds I make (or don’t make). On average, without the biomat, I was only getting short bursts of deep sleep and lots of interruptions. With the biomat, I found that I was sleeping deeper for much longer and fewer interruptions. I was actually pretty floored that just one session on the biomat gave me these results and even more intrigued when it continued to happen. I lay on my BioMat for 20 minutes right before bed (I found sleeping on it was not comfortable for me personally) and my pain is reduced and I sleep better.

biomat

Take a detox Bath. A detox bath is easy to do and it is a great way to lull your aches, pains and anxieties away.

Think about what you are eating before bed and in the evening. Cut out caffeine by mid afternoon and skip spicy foods before bed. It’s also a good idea to not eat heavy foods right before bedtime, either.

Turn off the electronics. We have so many screens to look at these days from TVs to Tablets and even our phones. It is very tempting to read that latest book on your tablet in bed or catch up on Facebook on your phone, but it can actually trick your brain into thinking its still daytime and make it harder for it to shut off and get into sleep mode. Try to withhold these devices for 20 minutes or so before you plan on falling asleep and definitely don’t look at them in the dark.

More Natural Remedies:

Natural Ways to Deal with Chronic Pain without Medications

4 Natural Pain Relief Solutions

8 Natural Mosquito Bite Remedies

25+ Natural Cold and Flu Remedies

Natural Congestion Relief Sinus Bombs

 

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Why You Need a Salt Lamp

Why You Need a Salt Lamp- Himalayan Salt Lamps are good for your indoor air quality as well as having a nice glow. Here are reasons everyone needs one.

I got a salt lamp last summer and I had always wanted one. If you don’t know what I am referring to, it’s a lamp made out of Himalayan salt that has some great benefits. Not only do I think they look nice and add a great glow to any room, but they can help with lots of things around your home. You can buy them in solid form, like the one pictured (that is the kind I have) or you can buy them in pieces and add a bulb to them. Check out these benefits of a Himalayan salt lamp and consider getting one for your home. Here are some reasons every home needs a salt lamp.

salt lamp

Why You Need a Salt Lamp

Salt Lamps Create Negative Ions- This is something that is created a lot more in natural settings and bringing a salt lamp home can help create some in your living space. Negative ions are great for purifying the air, especially since we have so many electronic devices these days.

Last summer, I went to the Oregon coast and I felt so great after a summer rain that happened there. One of the reasons for this is the natural air purification of negative ions. Salt lamps can create this on a small scale.

Salt Lamps can reduce allergens in the air. Salt attracts water and moisture and with the light bulb heating the salt up a bit, it attracts even more. When the lamp gets a hold of pollen and other things in the air, they stick to the lamp rather than floating in the air.

You can relax easier and get more restful sleep with a salt lamp. This is again due to the negative ions put off by the lamp. You will also find that the soft glow of the lamp can help send you into a more relaxed state than harsh light bulbs and overhead lights.

They create a nice atmosphere. Even if you don’t believe in a lot of the reasons to get one, although science does back up the negative ion benefits, salt lamps look pretty awesome and they are a great low cost way to light a room in the evening.

 

 

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Watermelon, Blackberry and Blood Orange Non Alcoholic Cocktail

Derrick is sharing his recipe for a fun summer time non-alcoholic cocktail that’s sure to impress your guests at backyard parties and makes a perfect breakfast drink for a quick morning burst of energy! Check out this recipe for Watermelon, Blackberry and Blood Orange Non Alcoholic Cocktail.

Watermelon, Blackberry and Blood Orange Non Alcoholic Cocktail- This summer time drink is perfect for backyard parties or a quick morning burst of energy!

This fresh squeezed juice blend is like taking a swig of summertime right from a frosty glass. This is a perfect go-to healthy breakfast beverage or a great low-calorie energy boost. And with a hint of honey or guava nectar, this is juice perfection in no time flat. This drink is non-alcoholic, but it would taste great with a twist of your favorite liqueur as well. The Watermelon, Blackberry and Blood Orange Cocktail is perfect for serving to guests at fun summer time get togethers as well. Your guests will surely be impressed by this great looking and super refreshing drink.

watermelon drink

Because it is non-alcoholic, its a great thing to serve kids, too. They will love the little garnishes on their “grown up” drink. For best results, chill the glasses before serving and pouring, preferably in the freezer so the glass is frosty.

 

Watermelon, Blackberry and Blood Orange Non Alcoholic Cocktail

blackberry cocktails

How to make this non-alcoholic juice blend:

Ingredients:
  • 1 cup of watermelon juice
  • 2 ounces black berries
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 3 ounces fresh squeezed blood orange juice
  • 1 ounce of honey or guava nectar
  • 1 wedge of watermelon for garnish
  • 1 wheel of blood orange for garnish

Directions:

Extract fruit juices using a cold press juicer or cut up the watermelon, rinse and add blackberries to the blender as well as the orange juice, blood orange juice, and guava nectar. Blend well and strain using a fine mesh sieve. Pour the juice into a glass jar and keep in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Garnish with a fresh wedge of watermelon or a wheel of blood orange.

watermelon cocktail

More Great Drink Recipes:

 

Mango Bubble Tea

Citrus, Chia and Banana Smoothie

Watermelon Pomegranate Sweet Tea

Sugar Free Chai Tea Smoothies

 

How to Go Paper Free in the Kitchen

How to Go Paper Free in the Kitchen- Tips for transitioning to a paper free kitchen that is more green and frugal.

I used to be a huge consumer of paper products in the kitchen. I loved paper towels (the expensive ones!), napkins, and those disinfectant wipes. I used paper plates when I didn’t feel like doing the dishes and I wiped up every spill with a paper towel. I always felt guilty about this as I knew it was wasteful and I was trying to live a greener lifestyle but I just couldn’t part with my paper.

Then one day, I decided enough was a enough and I started on a journey to get rid of my beloved paper products and I am mostly done with them other than occasionally buying them for picnics and such. If you want to go paper free in your kitchen but not sure how you will ever part with your products, here are some tips for how to go paper free in the kitchen that I hope you will find useful.

How to Go Paper Free in the Kitchen

Make small changes. For me, the first thing I did was stop using paper napkins. I went to the thrift store and bought lots of cloth napkins for 25 cents each and started using these when the need arose for a napkin. This was a low cost first step to take and since we didn’t use napkins all that often on their own (we mostly used paper towels in their place), it was an easy one to make the switch to.

Check out local thrift stores for towels and rags. You can also make your own from old towels, t-shirts and even clean socks with holes. I have a lot of rags now that I use in place of paper towels for things like spills.

Buy some microfiber clothes and use them in place of paper towels. I now love using microfiber towels and cloths instead of paper towels because I find them easy to keep in a drawer and they ares great for holding lots of liquid because they are far more absorbent than paper towels. I use them for cleaning, wiping out my sink after use and wiping down my cabinets and oven. I have about 10 of them and this seems to be a good amount for starting out so you aren’t doing too much laundry.

Get a small bucket to place under your sink for your dirty rags and cloths. I bought a simple ice bucket from a thrift store that I use to toss my dirty rags, napkins and towels into when I am done using them. This keeps them out of sight until I am ready to do a load and makes it super easy to just dump them all in at once into the washer.

Wash your microfiber cloths alone. I learned the hard way that you don’t want to wash microfiber with anything else because lint sticks to it like crazy and no one wants lint coming off on clean dishes or counters when you go to dry them.

Keep cloths where they are convenient for everyone and will get used. Make sure your family knows of your plan to go paperless and keep towels where they are easy to reach. You can do it like I do and keep them in a kitchen drawer or you can set up a pretty glass jar on your counter for folded cloths to easily access. Whatever works for your family! The trick is to keep things just as convenient as they were with paper products.

Resist the urge to buy paper products at first. It will be hard to transition, but if you resist the urge to give into paper products you will find that it becomes very easy and you will be paperless in no time!

More Ways to Go Green at Home:

10 Things Your Can Buy at the Dollar Store to be More Eco-Friendly

11 Eco-Friendly Laundry Tips

How to Be Self-Sufficient in an Apartment

How to Clean Grease with Lemons

What to Use Instead of Plastic

 

20 Delicious Protein Powder Recipes

20 Delicious Protein Powder Recipes- sick of boring protein shakes? Check out these delicious and innovative ways to use protein powder!

As a diabetic and someone who likes working out, I know the importance of eating enough protein. I admit that I am not perfect when it comes to protein intake and I also hate the taste of protein powders when they come in the form of shake mixes or just added to a smoothie. I really did try to like them this way, but to no avail.

Knowing that protein intake is important for building muscle (which will ultimately burn fat) and for helping regulate blood sugars as well as keeping me feel fuller longer (something I struggle with because of my diabetes), I had to find some way to get more protein and honestly, there are only so many chicken breasts a person can eat.

I was super happy when I was browsing Pinterest one day and I came across so many creative recipes that contained protein powder that would pretty much make this powder itself disappear into a delicious snack or dessert. That’s something I can get on board with! If you are like me and hate protein powder, but want to add more of it to your diet for whatever reason, here are 20 Delicious Protein Powder Recipes to try out! I would love for you to make some and come back and tell me your favorites!

 

20 Delicious Protein Powder Recipes

 

2-Ingredient Protein Crepes / Little Bits Of

Photo credit: Little Bits Of

Photo credit: Little Bits Of

Chocolate Peanut Butter Energy Bites / Chef Savvy

Blueberry Protein Donuts / Southern In Law

Healthy Birthday Cake Protein Cookies / The Big Man’s World

Photo Credit: The Big Man’s World

Healthy Snickerz DIY Protein Bars /Desserts with Benefits

Pumpkin Pie Smoothie Bowl /Hummusapian

No Bake Apple Pie Protein Bars / The Big Man’s World

Protein Puppy Chow / Pancake Warriors

Pre-Workout Protein Pops / Grok Grub

Photo Credit: Grok Grub

Photo Credit: Grok Grub

Blueberry Pie Overnight Protein Oats / Amy’s Healthy Baking

“Wendy’s Frosty” Protein Shake / Fit Girl Training

Zero Carb Protein Waffles / More Than Heels

Protein Ice Cream / FitFluential

Protein Pizza Wraps / Protein Cakery

Double Layer Chocolate Protein Cake / No Excuses Nutrition

Banana Pudding Protein Smoothie / Losing it Daily

Photo Credit: Losing it Daily

Photo Credit: Losing it Daily

Protein Cinnamon Rolls / Campus Protein

Muscle Mashed Potatoes / Livestrong

Strawberry Protein Cupcakes / Worth Every Chew

Protein Cookie Dough / Energetic Fit and Healthy

 

More Healthy Recipes:

 

Citrus, Chia and Banana Smoothie

Steak and Rice Bowl

Elderberry Blueberry Fruit Leather

Hemp Flax Seed Granola Bars

 

Super Smoothie Boosters to Add in

Super Smoothie Booster to Add in- Here are some great smoothie boosters to add into your next smoothie for weight loss, bloating, healthy skin and more!

We all love a good fruity smoothie, but what can we do to make them healthier and how can we reap the most benefits out of our favorite smoothie creations? Check out these great super smoothie boosters to add in to your next drink!

Super Smoothie Boosters to Add In

 

Help with blood sugar- Try adding cashews in whole nut form or cashew butter as a great addition. Coconut oil is a healthy fat that help reduce insulin levels, and surprisingly coffee has been shown to help fight the symptoms of type 2 diabetes.

Weight loss boosters- There are many options here, but some of my favorites are adding diced apples of any variety. They are loaded with natural fiber which helps keep you fuller a lot longer. Green tea is known as a “super beverage” because of it’s amazing anti-oxidants that help fight some types of cancer, and speed up your metabolism that increases fat burning. Results are much better if green tea is added daily. Spinach is also classified as a “super food” because of its high fiber and multiple vitamin and mineral content.

Nails, skin, and hair health add-ins-. Just a few great add-ins for natural health are fresh lemon which can increase the shininess in your hair as well as boost collagen in your skin because of the high level of vitamin C. Almonds are another great choice and here again, all natural almond butter can work, but as another healthy fat, almonds that contain a lot of protein and fiber. Kale is always a good green to add to a smoothie for its vitamin K and A and high amount of anti-oxidants.

Bloating busters- One of the best additions for a healthy smoothie is adding fresh ginger root. It’s has an amazing calming effect on the digestive system. Pineapple is a surprising choice, but with its fiber and water content, it helps aid in busting bloat and ease discomfort. Let’s not forget the soothing agents in the fragrant herb mint. It soothes an upset stomach, so add it to your smoothies when you aren’t feeling so great.

Energy enhancers- We all could use a lot more energy in the day. Finding some new add-in’s for our daily smoothie could be just what we need to get those extra tasks done. Try adding chia seeds because of their high protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Almond butter is another great option because it has a natural balance of fats, fiber, and protein so it makes it a very high energy ingredient for a good energy smoothie. Kidney beans, I know it sounds a little different, but because of the high amount of iron found in kidney beans makes it a super energy booster.

More Healthy Eating Tips:

10 Reasons to Eat Bananas

10 Perfect Uses for Juicing Pulp

How to Eat Clean for Cheap

Citrus, Chia and Banana Smoothie

Sugar Free Chai Tea Smoothies