So lately, not only am I trying to get back into the salad, I’m trying to get back into the smoothie. Smoothies are an awesome way to get in some fruits (and sometimes vegetables), protein and other good for you nutrition like calcium. Like salads, it’s easy to get into a smoothie rut – but so easy to get out of it too especially if you start to play around with ingredients and flavor combos.

I picked up some plain kefir last week and knew I wanted to make smoothies with it. If you aren’t familiar with kefir, it is very similar to yogurt (more liquid form), and can be found in the dairy aisle near the milks. It is high in protein and is a probiotic and if you use the plain version it is lower in sugar. It has a pretty tart flavor, like tart plain Greek yogurt, so if you are into the tart flavors at your fro yo shop then you will probably love how kefir tastes. Of course, you can add your sweetener of choice to your smoothie as well. I love the tart clean flavor of plain kefir so for me it’s a perfect base for smoothies like this Almond Peach Smoothie. I was introduced to kefir a few years back when I followed the 17 Day Diet, and use it in smoothies (like this Fruity Kefir Smoothie) pretty often.

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The post Almond Peach Kefir Smoothie appeared first on Aggie's Kitchen.

Once upon a time I was 30+weeks pregnant and said to myself more than a few times — I can’t wait to lose this pregnancy weight! It’s going to be fun, like a game! I’ve done this before, it won’t be hard! I’m going to walk with the baby in the stroller so much the weight is just going to melt off! I’m going to get fit in no time!

Clearly, I was a bit mental at the time. What in the world. Crazy pants.

Now here I am 20+ weeks post partum and I can not even believe how out of shape I am. I’m so low energy and just feel bleh all the time. Pair that up with not sleeping well most nights, I pretty much feel like a mess lately. Oh and it’s full on spring in Florida right now and let’s just say black yoga pants just aren’t cutting it anymore. Something has to be done here.

So I’m committed. I’m committed to exercising in some capacity every day (even if it is just a quick stroller walk with my baby). I need to be selfish with my workouts, it’s very important “me time”. I got back in the gym last week. I also got myself jogging a bit over the weekend (that felt GOOD!). Things have to change and it’s starting first with my attitude —

I need to be telling myself things like:

Just do it!
No more excuses!
and on the days I’m feeling down… What are you going to do about it? (this one is key)

So far it’s working.

I got this. But dang, it’s hard!

I’ve been making this kefir smoothie in the afternoons lately for my car ride to pick up the kids from school. It gives me exactly what I need to hold me over until dinner and I like to believe it gives me a little energy boost too. Micah’s not a huge fan of the blender so I have been avoiding making smoothies for a few months. Now when I turn the blender on I have to put on a really happy funny face to distract him from that “loud scary noise”. You gotta do what you gotta do right?

If you’re not familiar with kefir, it’s very similar to yogurt and can be found in the dairy aisle most likely near the milks. I discovered it a couple years ago when I was on the 17 Day Diet (…for 14 days). It’s a probiotic, has a good amount of protein and calcium, and is a great option for an afternoon snack. I personally like it’s natural tartness but feel free to add a little honey or sweetener of choice if that’s your thing.

Happy Monday!

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