Banana, Chia, & Greens Smoothie (v, gf)

Banana, Chia, & Greens Smoothie (v, gf)

This delicious green smoothie is rich in protein, calcium, and omega-3s all thanks to chia seeds, has two servings of fruit, is rich and sweet in flavor, and is great for decreasing belly bloat and boosting energy. It's also super easy, filling, and a quick way to get necessary nutrients in your body when you're on the go...

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The Drink More Water Challenge

Water is a very controversial issue these days. There are millions of people who do not have access to safe and healthy drinking water. Note: this is not just abroad. Flint, Michigan is still in the midst of an extreme water access problem. Other states are finding contaminated water problems and political issues blocking proper access. I definitely take advantage of this important resource, and I want to call attention to just how important water really is to the body and a healthy lifestyle of Great Vibes.

The brain and heart are composed of 73% water, the lungs about 83%, our skin 64%, and our muscles and kidneys are about 79%. Even our bones are watery! They clock in with about 31% of a concentration. Imagine how much your body suffers if you are not drinking enough water or getting a safe supply.

Dehydration causes an exceptional amount of health issues you might not associate with a lack of water. Short term memory can get a little fuzzy, it is the main cause for afternoon fatigue, and those pesky tension headaches can all be caused from too little H20. It's been found that not guzzling enough water can lead to holding onto excess weight (almost 10 pounds worth!), unexplained stress and anxiety, and a build up of toxins in your system. 

So now that you've probably freaked out, let's get you drinking an adequate amount for your body.

Generally the rule of thumb is if you are thirsty, you are probably already dehydrated, but some recent studies have shown that might not necessarily be true. Either way, if you are thirsty, drinking more water should be your MO. We're going to start small and build up to a level that feels comfortable for you.

While everyone puts in their own two cents, the old standby is 64 ounces of water a day, or eight 8 oz. glasses. Some will say half of your body weight in ounces should be consumed, so if you weigh 150 pounds, you might aim for 75 oz. of water a day. Also, the types of food being consumed (some have more water content than others like celery versus beans) and the type of exercise you engage in regularly (the more you sweat, the more you want to replenish) must be considered. 

This challenge is going to start you out small with just four, 8 oz. glasses of water the first four days. This is the traditional size of a reusable water bottle. I highly encourage investing in a nice glass or stainless steel one you keep on you always to stay hydrated and meet your challenge. You can do this! I'll be keeping up with you, so check in if you're struggling, and let's get started. 

The Drink More Water Challenge :: 

Days 1-4: drink 4 8 ounce glasses of water

Day 5: drink 4.5 8 ounce glasses of water

Day 6: drink 5 8 ounce glasses of water

Day 7: drink 5.5 8 ounce glasses of water

Day 8: drink 6 8 ounce glasses of water

Day 9: drink 6.5 8 ounce glasses of water

Day 10: drink 7 8 ounce glasses of water

Day 11: drink 7.5 8 ounce glasses of water

Day 12 -14: drink 8 8 ounce glasses of water

Bonus challenge! Incorporate water concentrated foods like watermelon, celery, romaine lettuce, etc. into your diet starting on day one. 

What's your favorite way to drink water? 

Tag @yourfriend_em on Twitter or Instagram with a picture of you, your water bottle, and your dedication to beginning the challange. Share this with people who could use some more H2O in their lives. Hashtag #thegreatvibesguide to spread the Great Vibes and encourage hydration! Xx


P.S. Get a free 8-page Guide to Great Vibes filled with recipes, tips, and tricks to the lifestyle and body of your dreams.  >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

P.S.S.S. Have you checked out all of the
other places Emily's spreading the Great Vibes?

Super(Bowl) Weekend Finds || 1.30.15


 || Fast Intense Week, Relaxed Laid Back Weekend ||

Was I lazy this week or was I overly productive with things not on my to-do list. I'm staying optimistic and not deciding. A busy week for me -- have you checked out my Work With Me tab above? Holistic Health Coaching? We're a go. It's still being all planned out and finished, but it's in the beginning stages, and I'm ready to work with you on your health -- both mind & body. Annnywayyy, I've got some fun things in the making -- Valentine's Day recipes, nutrition posts, some yoga bliss, and general feel good fun. Still trying to stay on top of everything -- but do what you love, and love what you do, right?

I'm going exploring tomorrow with a friend of mine, being spontaneous in my heart, and setting myself up for an awesome weekend. Superbowl on Sunday? I hope so. My professor told my class today that the Superbowl was named after the super ball (you know that ball that bounces way too high when you throw it into the ground -- injuries are a definite) -- apparently during the merge between the AFL and NFL, the son of one of the league's figureheads was playing with the ball and, well, one thing led to another. Think it's true? If not, I like it anyway.

What are you up to this weekend? Watching the game?


LINKS & FINDS ||

Beautiful lace dress. Looking for a more inexpensive option now.

Definitely love this idea for having my own business. Make make admin day Wednesdays.

A fascinating take on children's playtime.

Why it's so quiet when it snows.

 Beautiful bathroom makeover.

Making these confetti sticks for my 21st birthday without a doubt.

For those planning their football party and tailgating plans, here's a guide

Love this minimalism challenge.

This french girls trick to getting dressed is genius.

The idea of walking someone to the door and waiting for them to leave is beyond lovely.

Loved this art tab over on Miss Moss. 

Basically the size of my place now. Beautiful design.

 


Explore, love, hope, and be yourself. Always.

xx