Sneak Peak!

It's almost finished! I know I keep saying this but think really I'm on the countdown with just a few more recipes to go/create. =)

Here's a sneak peak. . .

Want beautiful skin for this summer's beach body? Eat tomatoes!!! They're full of vitamin C and since they're acidic they help cut unwanted oily skin.

Tomato Basil Salad w/ Balsamic Vinaigrette and Salted Sunflowers 

4 firm (large) bright red tomatoes

6 orange grape tomatoes

2 tablespoons balsamic vinaigrette

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

1/4 teaspoon onion salt

1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/4 cup salted sunflower seeds (roasted)

5-6 fresh basil leaves

Cube up tomatoes. Shake up dressing (vinaigrette, oil, spices) mason in jar; pour over tomatoes. Sprinkle sunflower seeds over tomatoes and garnish with basil. 

Ok- so that's a sample recipe of what's to come! Stay posted. :) 

GSC Recap Link-up / Organic Sambazon Giveaway

Kristine // Ashlee // Sally // // Jezz // Hope  

It's over which means it's time to open the discuss and hear all about the aftermath! Link-up below and visit the blogs below for inspiration and the latest on last week's challenge. :p 

There's a fun giveaway running today (sponsored by Sambazon) to top off everything so be sure and get in on that, too! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sambazon Organic Products, are:

• USDA Organic
• Non GMO Project Verified
• Ecocert Fair Trad
• Vegan and Gluten-free
• Soy-free products: Amazon Energy Drink and Acai Powder

Be the Change You Want to See

What you are doing today to build a better tomorrow? 

Green Smoothie Challenge: Day 7 of 7 {Superfood Smoothie!}

It's Day 7 of 7 green smoothie challengers. :) Congratulations- you made it!

There were close to 100 of us participating in this green smoothie challenge this wk!!!! Wow. That's amazing! How do you feel after 7 days of consistently drinking a smoothie packed full of nutrients?! Did you enjoy the experience? =) I know i did!

If you didn't join us this go around- be sure and catch us for the next challenge by subscribing here! I'll be sure and let you know any and all future dates. :) 

Ok- so here's my final smoothie post for the challenge: a superfood green smoothie! 

As much as this looks like dirt- I promise you, it's not. :p Acai powder is an Amazonia superfood packed with vital nutrients and a fresh fruity flavor. 

Tri- Power Pack/Superfood Green Smoothie

1 cup vanilla almond milk

1 frozen banana

1 pitted date 

2 cups spinach

1 tablespoon coconut oil - superfood

1 teaspoon acai powder - superfood

1/2 tablespoon chia seeds (soaked in 2 oz water for 2 minutes) - superfood (optional) 

1/2 cup ice 

Soak chia seeds in 2 oz water for 10 minutes. Pour milk and chia seeds into blender. Add spinach and blend up until thoroughly mixed. Toss in banana, date, coconut oil, goji berries and blend. Add ice. :) 

Slurp it up! 

{photo credits to Joey! he's so cute- trying to steal a sip, huh? :p }

Tomorrow is the final link-up / recap day for the green smoothie challenge! You won't want to miss the recap posts/ =)  

This pic was taken after church this morning with some of my sibs. Yep- they're pretty awesome!

See you tomorrow for a final link-up for the Spring 2013 GSC and a giveaway sponsored by Sambazon. =) Enjoy this last little bit of Sunday- aah, Monday morning is coming soooon. :p

Day 6 of 7 / Green Smoothie Challenge {EnergyBits Giveaway}

Katherine // Hope // Ashlee // Sally // Jezz // Kristine 

Wow- it's Day 6 of the green smoothie challenge!!!!!!!! Did you check out yesterday's link-up? It was AMAZING and sooo fun! Heads up - the final one for the challenge is on Monday so get to blending up those greens and posting so you can link-up! If you don't have a blog- don't sweat. Just leave a comment! I promise, we {Me // Hope // Ashlee // Sally // Jezz // Kristine} value your feedback and take it seriously. =)

Great job to everyone and if you aren't joining in on the challenge this time around be sure and subscribe here for updates about the next one! They're only getting bigger and better so you'll definitely want to be in on the next one, too. =)

I'm just back from a massive Saturday morning breakfast  (always the best!) and now it's workout time! I think I'll go for a run. Always makes me feel better. :p

So, this was the start of my wk/end. :) "Stacks" for dinner! Have you heard of them? It's basically like an open taco meal. You layer corn chips, beef, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, sour creams, peppers, nacho cheese, etc. It can be as simple for elaborate as you want!

Friday afternoon was a "rough day at the office" for me so when I got home I was literally dying to work out. Thankfully- I was in a much better mood afterwards. lol! Amazing how that works. :p

A few pictures from a spring get together with friends last night! I love southern hospitality. :) I don't know- it just makes me think of sweet tea, back porches with swings, cool breezes and good conversation.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Now for the giveaway! EnergyBits is sponsoring this one. =)

EnergyBits is donating $26.20 to The One Fund to help those hurting from the Boston Tragedy for every purchase made with the promo code BOSTONSTRONG.

If you'd like to see more information you can visit this press release, here. Giveaway winner will be announced on Monday.

***The only catch for EnergyBits giveaways is they don't mail outside US. Sorry guys :(

Ah, yes . . . it's so refreshing. :p Tomorrow is the last day of the challenge!!! I'll be posting a Super food smoothie recipe in the morning which I think you'll love, love.

And, just FYI - Monday is "recap day" and the last link-up for the Spring 2013 Green Smoothie Challenge so be there! You won't want to miss this one. =)

See ya soon!

Apple Cinnamon Green Smoothie (+ Link-Up!)

#7daygreendrink #GSC7day #realfoodeats

This is the green smoothie that I tried out on a "Standard American Diet eater". It wasn't a pre-meditated act. :p Just a friend happened to be stop by my house right after I had just mixed this one up!

At first, he said "No, thank-you!"  but . . .

He gave it a try! And, guess what?!

Here's the exact quote, "It tastes like candy!"

He even called me back once he got home to ask about the ingredients. :) Yes. This is what's it's about people. Showing people that healthy foods can and should be delicious!!! Made my day. =)



Alright, now that you're dying to know what's in this delicious "apple pie" in a glass :p here's the recipe!!!

Apple Cinnamon Green Smoothie 
1 medium crisp pink lady apple (organic, if possible, as apples are on the dirty dozen list)
1/2 banana
1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon chia seed
2 cups spinach (or more!)
1/2 cup ice (or more, depending on how thick you like it)

~

Life of late has been fairly busy!!! Having friends over 2-night to play games and hang out. :) Should be fun!

I'd laid off running for a bit but I'm back at it now. It's funny how you don't realize how much you love something until it's gone for a while!!! {which was only about a wk, but still!} Ok- wait. I admit, I mostly love the "after feeling". Pushing myself hurts but the reward is worth it! Don't you agree?

And, yes! I got called in for the birth and it went AMAZING. Sarah- you rocked it. So proud of you! You and Josh make a dynamic team and watching you guys work together makes me only hope I can be 1/2 as brave one day.

Actually, I just got back home from the birth just a little bit ago so after I finish up this post I'm heading to bed as I'm dead tired . . . :p

Music, school and work pretty much explain the rest of my life at the moment, though!

What have you been up to of late? Any exciting wk/end plans?

If you're a green smoothie challenger- LINK-UP BELOW and share your recipes / reasons / experiences! Keep it raw and real. :) 

NOTE: Fresh Friday peoples- I am taking a 1 wk sabbatical but will be back next week!!!

Chocolate Green Smoothie {Organic / Vegan / Sun Warrior Giveaway}

Are you craving chocolate? Good for you!!! It's full of antioxidants and great for your heart, digestion and get this one - mental well being. :p Yep, it's true! You just need to be sure you're getting chocolate in the raw form - without all the nutrients being sucked out by heat and replaced with hunks of sugar. 

Check out this chocolate coconut green smoothie I had for breakfast the other day. :) 

Chocolate Coconut Green Smoothie 

8 oz water

2 cups spinach

1 teaspoon coconut oil

1/2 banana

1 scoop Sun Warrior's vegan chocolate protein powder 

1 cup ice

Blend and drink! 

In light of the current Spring 2013 green smoothie challenge, SunWarrior is sponsoring a HUGE healthy giveaway for everyone. Check it out! And, you don't have to be participating in the challenge to enter. :-) 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Ok, for the first one! Ormus Greens:

• Grown and produced in America
• Certified 100% organic and non GMO
• Completely raw (cold drying process) 
• Eco-friendly

a Rafflecopter giveaway

SunWarrior Liquid Light:

• Helps balance pH in the body
• Replaces electrolytes 
• Goes great in smoothies, juice or water!

Have at it. =) Winners will be chosen tomorrow, Fri April 26! Everyone be sure and say 'thank-you' to Sun Warrior by liking their FB page!

And, of course- if you missed it you'll want to check out yesterday's GSC link-up and the other co-hosts Hope // Sally // Kristine // Jezz //  Ashlee!!!

Another link-up tomorrow- check back. :-) See you then!

Corn Flake Inventor and a Raw Foodist? {Dr. Kellogg -- The Little Known "Nutritionist" }

Are you ready for this one? It might knock your socks off. Seriously, when I read that that the man (Dr. Kellogg, an American doctor) who invented one of the most famous cereals ever was also interested in nutrition and is know for being a raw foodist- I couldn't believe it!

I don't get this one . . .  

I've  been doing research on raw food history in the US, and it's slightly hilarious that some of the early American raw food pioneers contributed some of the most popular non-raw foods. 

Like Sylvester Graham for example - the guy who invented those yummy graham crackers!!! {I like mine slathered in PB w/ chocolate chips. Just saying . . . :p} Graham was a raw food promoter, too!

Kind of strange, I know. They seem like polar opposites! 

This is one of the best articles I've run across highlighting the big names of raw foodist activists in the US. Click here to check it out. :) 

And, just FYI - I am not a "raw foodist". Nope! I just advocate nutrition and sometimes that means raw veggies are pretty helpful! :p 

Comment and tell me if you knew this about the famous Corn Flake maker or if it totally surprised you!

Green Smoothie Challenge Link-Up!

Happy Wednesday! I hope you're week so far is going great!!! We have something super fun going on today. :) Add your link below and check out the others for the Spring 2013 Green Smoothie Challenge!

Thursday is another health food giveaway for all you fine folks! This one is sponsored by Sun Warrior. Tomorrow I will be sharing a delicious coconut chocolate green smoothie recipe that you can make with Sun Warrior's vegan, plant-based protein power. Check back then! Enjoy the link-up =)

Banana Kiwi Green Smoothie

It's Day 2 of 7 for the GSC! How's it coming for everyone?

Check out this new recipe I tried out yesterday! It's got a tropical flair. :-)

Banana Kiwi Green Smoothie

• 1/2 cup water
• 2 kiwis, peeled
• 1 fresh banana
• 2 cup baby spinach 
• dash sea salt
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• 1/2 cup ice

**Recipe credit: Health Smoothie**

And, the finished product!

Tomorrow (Wed, April 24) is GSC link-up for all of you that are blogging about the challenge so go prepare those posts! I want to see pictures, read your recipes and know that you're having fun - so show & tell us!!! If you don't have a blog- no worries! You can simply leave a comment on how it's coming for you. =)

Be sure to keep up-to-date with the other co-hosts!   Hope // Sally // Kristine // Jezz //  Ashlee 

~

Alright, now for some other random food pics! 

Sprouts, tomatoes and mixed greens with mango salsa for lunch!

Sunday afternoon I was in a baking mood. I guess it's just kinda relaxing for me. :p So, I mixed up some cinnamon scones. I followed this recipe {Pidges Pantry} and pretty much all I did differently was use brown rice flour instead of whole wheat, omit the pecans and tripled the cinnamon. :)

These scones turned out absolutely delicious and I'd definitely recommend them if you're looking for something a little bit healthier than the white sugar version but still want it to taste good! {a must in my book!} They're perfect with lots of butter and jam. :)

Ooh, and this pic? Poor Mary . . . you guys can sympathize if you've ever had your wisdom teeth out. :( Does this qualify me as a good sister for not posting a picture - hehe! No, really I've felt terrible for her as she's had it rough! On a nutrition note, when I brought her home from surgery yesterday I asked if she wanted a frosty or a green smoothie. Guess what she picked? :p

fyi - I'm on call for a birth (yes, this will make #6 for me and my last needed to qualify for my birth doula certification!) Righto - I'm excited. :p Anyways, all that to say I'm planning on posting here everyday this wk for the challenge but if something happens to me you'll know what . . . =)

Hope everyone has a FANTASTIC day!!! And, remember - link up tomorrow!!! 

Green Smoothie Challenge - Day 1 of 7! {Amazing Grass Meal Giveaway}

It's here, folks - April 22! The first day of our week long easy green smoothie challenge!!! And, guess what? There are well over 60 of us participating!!!

It's so simple.

Really.

You just add 1 green smoothie to your daily eats for 7 days straight so if you're not on board yet - jump on! =) Click here for more deets and to "officially" sign-up!

I know there are a ton more of you participating than have actually left a comment just from the feedback I've gotten. So, if you haven't left a comment yet letting us know you're in - do so now. :) We definitely want to know who you are! It's not too late!!!

If you're new to all of this, I understand - it can be overwhelming but it's also exciting. Whatever your background -- a newbie not knowing where to begin or a green smoothie master simply wanting a refresher course on "How To Make Your First Green Smoothie", I put together a post last week that has all that information!

Check out the below giveaway sponsored by Amazing Grass (know for it's organic green super foods!). Have at it! Winners will be selected tomorrow, Tues (April 23). More giveaways to come throughout the week!!!

The Amazing Meal (a $70 value!) is a great addition to any green smoothie! Click here for more information. :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I will be back tomorrow with a delicious green smoothie recipe share complete with pictures! Stay tuned. :)

This Wed, coming Friday and next Monday there will be a link-up where you can share your posts and thoughts on the green smoothie challenge! This is your heads up to create some really beautiful posts (keep it real!) and share your individual thoughts with everyone. Honestly - I can't wait for these days because we get to hear from you!

Here are some post highlights to anticipate from me. :)

1. What to do when your green smoothie flops :p {haha! yes - this has happened to ME! you are not alone . . . } 
2. SunWarrior & Sambazen superfruit giveaways! 
3. Super creamy, super sweet & delicious banana strawberry green smoothie
4. Reasons why. Want to know some of the health benefits of drinking green smoothies? Stick around!
5. And, lots of sporadic, unplanned events . . . just like me! :p 

And, as always - there's the comment section so be sure to let us know how it's going!!! I love reading your blog posts, linking back to you and sharing the inspiration with everyone else so e-mail those me your post links at realfoodrunner@gmail.com.

Oh, and be sure to check out the other co-hosts to some fantastic tips like how to make spinach ice cubes for a creamy consistency! Kristine // Sally // Ashlee // Hope // Jezz

Here's to some yummy green smoothie making and a FANTASTIC ahead week! :-)

xo, Katherine

How to Make Your First Green Smoothie

Maybe you're a green smoothie veteran or a brand newbie. Either way - this post will take you back to the basics and reveal how simple making a green smoothie can be!

Step 1 - Choose your liquid. 

• You can use nut milks, dairy milks or even plain water!

Step 2 - Pick your green.

• I recommend spinach for starters. It's mild in flavor and is easy to cover up with a sweet fruit. If you want to branch out, kale or lettuce from a bag of mixed greens is also a great choice!

Step 3 - Sweeten it up!

• Bananas are one of my favorites because help create that creamy consistency that we all think of with a really good smoothie but you can really use any fruit that suits your fancy. =) 

That's really it, in a nutshell! You can take it from here and go wild!!! It can really be as simple as 3 ingredients or you can go for a power packed version by starting to add in super foods like chia seeds, flax powder or goji berries + so much more! 

I will continue to post tips and recipes all throughout next week so if you don't feel like you've quite got the hang of it - don't worry, I'm here for you! Feel free to shoot me and e-mail or leave a comment with any questions! You can also ask the other co-hosts any questions, too: Kristine, Sally, Ash, & Jezz.

To get you started - here are a few links to green smoothies I've made, making them tried and true!

Super Sweet & Delicious Green Smoothie

Mango Banana Green Smoothie

Chocolate PB Green Smoothie

Strawberry Spinach

If you haven't yet - be sure to sign-up for the 7-Day Green Smoothie Challenge! It starts this Monday, April 22!

Link-Up for Fresh Friday!

Friday is here which means it's time to link-up and share 3 of your favorite things from the week! Here are mine. :)

#1 - garden fresh zucchini salad (recipe post coming!)
#2 - backyard workout in the sunshine!
#3 - green smoothie challenge that starts Monday!!! {Click here to join if you haven't sign-up yet!}

Link-up and tell me yours, or just comment! Either way - join the fun!!! 

***Courtesy factor: Please link BACK to this post***

Life of Late

Listening to Dave Ramsey during my lunch break yesterday. Have any of your heard of this financial freedom guru? He's amazing and has some really great practical tips! 

Purple cabbage salad recipe coming soon -- so yummy. :) 

Why is it that I feel like playing Brad Paisley's "Hey, hey Mr. Policeman!" when I see a sight like this? :p 

So, I did. Yeah- I even tried to roll down the window so the officer could get a load of my crazy mood on the way home my work yesterday but my 16 yr old brother Bobby wouldn't let me. What?! Where's his fun ?  ? ? hehe! 

Just for laughs. =) And, no - this thought was not sparked by a ticket. :p 

Butternut squash made by bone broth (great alkalizing choice!) by my amazing sister Kristen. Thanks girlie- it was delish!!!

I hadn't had a green smoothie since before last week's vacation so I made it part of last night's dinner. :) Stay tuned for lots of upcoming recipes for next wk's challenge!!! 

It's lunch time now here at the office so I thought I'd share what I brought today. I threw this together last night as a quickie: spinach leaves, tomato hunks, grated zucchini, Bubbie's pickles with an oil based vinaigrette. Yum! Finished up this post so I can go eat - does anyone else get that STARVING feeling around noon? lol!

Hope everyone is having a FANTASTIC spring day. :-) We're 1/2 way through the week so comment and tell me how it's pulling off so far!

Tri-Colored Bell Pepper Salad

This is a super easy, delicious and nutritious salad! Perfect for something light and fresh. :)

You will need:

• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 yellow bell pepper
• 1 orange bell pepper
• 1/2 small red onion 
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon agave
• fresh parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper 

Slice your bell peppers and set in a bowl. Whisk together the liquid and spices / seasonings and pour over the peppers. Marinate for at least and 1 hr. Serve and enjoy!!! 

~

Stay tuned for a post on how to get ready to make your first green smoothie for the challenge. =) 

Pray for Boston

I am so sad. My heart is hurting at what happened today. I am praying for the hurt, the families of the hurting and those that lost. 

I thought Michelle's thoughts on today's event were similar to mine so I'll just link to her versus reiterating. 

1 Week from TODAY!!!

If you haven't sign-up or met the co-hosts yet:

CLICK HERE!

For all of you who've signed up already and are ready and 

rarin' to go - here's a blog button for ya! 

Oh, and comment below telling us what you are most looking forward to 

about this challenge! Is it the recipes, the community, stretching yourself or what?

Be sure to tell friends and family about this exciting challenge, too!

<center> <a href="http://therealfoodrunner.blogspot.com/2013/04/announcing-2013-spring-green-smoothie.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Green Smoothie Challenge" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBgcaCj_zASlYE3dLSOQ96-uwZGYXSwjIefoGH9OC0uhkqrLLt6Kz59shw8kKbxTTA9B8J3KYiYhYQTO2ehl73A5iqNIvhpm_fVSmGRaZDPf5ArF6IBis9wHgie1J-4awKyzzzl1EekA/s1600/GSC+blog+button.jpg"/></a></center>

FL Vacation Report

Seriously, guys - there is SO much to catch you up on! Thanks for all the great tips on things to do here in Florida. :) 

Ok, for starters! 

My sister Mary kicked off Thursday's International Sun n Fun Fly-In air show with a smashing rendition of the Star Spangled Banner. So proud of her! You rocked it girlie! 

Thursday evening was topped off w/ dinner at a friend of a friends house near Orlando. Isn't that just too sweet?! I totally wish I had a picture of all of us (there were about 20 of us all together!) + a beautiful presentation of amazing home cooked food -- such a treat for when you're on the road! 

I love making new friends. :) 

Friday night = aerobatic and firework show! Don't you just love laying in the grass looking up in the sky?

Dinner was at a cute little place called Crisper's. :) I ordered the garden salad (no cheese, please!) w/ balsamic vinaigrette and split a margherita (tomato / garlic / basil) flat bread plate with a sweet sister. Hit the spot! 

Working out in the hotel gym! For some reason I really enjoy doing this on vacation. Maybe it's because I exercise at home on a normal schedule and this just something a little different. :) 

Saturday shopping! Couldn't leave this beach town without out swipin' a little plastic. :p 

And, just finished off another rousing dinner at a fantastic steak house with more friends! Love you Walsh family. =) 

Devouring this big of a bad boy with my sister Allie! Ooh- yeah, more than a perfect ending to a wonderful couple of sunny days! I am immensely blessed with crazy good friends and more!!! {including you!}. So, this was the Steak House's "chocolate stampede". Aaah- no kidding!!!!! 

Tons more stuff was on the agenda but these are the highlights. :) More may come out later . . . we'll see. :p 

Tomorrow I'm heading back to home and real life. Monday awaits! Comment and tell me what you're up to this wk/end!!!! I'd love to hear. :-) 

Easy Peasy Homemade Guacamole

I made this recipe last week and thought I'd share it with you as it's so easy and simple + delicious! 

To make:

• 1 ripe avocado (great way to use up leftover mushy avocados!)
• 2 tablespoons finely diced red onion
• juice from 1 small lime 
• 1 small tomato, diced
• 1/8 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/8 teaspoon ground pepper

Finely dice red onion and tomato- set aside. Slice avocado in 1/2, remove pit and scrape out meat with a  spoon into a bowl. Squeeze lime juice on top of avocado and mash together with a fork. Add salt and pepper (to taste). Stir in onion and tomato. 

Serve with crispy bell slices or tortilla chips. Your choice! :-) 

Fresh Friday {Link-Up or Comment!}

#1 - Sun n Fun fly-in

#2 - YouTube workout in the hotel gym 

#3 - P51 mustangs 

What experiences this week are making your Friday a fresh one? :) Link-up or share in the comments below!

***Courtesy factor: please link back to this post***