Day 3 10-Day Green Smoothie Challenge July 24, 2018

Well, it's a bit early in the day to be blogging on the 3rd day. It's closer to day 2.5, but we'll give it a go, and inform the world of all the things that are taking place in my body as I do try to keep the challenge going.

Today I decided to throw in an avocado to the mix.  Avocados are so good and are so healthy, even if they have "fat", it is the right kind of fat, and helps your body in so many ways. Rather than rattle off all the benefits an avocado has, I'll direct you to Google, so you can do your own research. It may be helpful for you to do that anyway. I simply like (love) avocados, so I'm using them.  This breakfast smoothie consists of:  1 small avocado, 3/4 cup of kale, 1/2 cup of frozen mango and strawberries, and I used grape juice as a liquid, and added chia seeds that had been soaking in water for a few minutes to let them puff up before I puree them. Next time I'll use coconut water. I think the grape juice added a bit too much sugar. Natural sugars are still sugars, and you need to be aware of that when you make yourself a healthy drink.

I read an article about the best smoothies for you, and I learned that many people use bananas and avocados in their smoothies, adding both types of fat and sugar. They also make the mistake of pouring up a 16 oz smoothie when an 8 oz drink is really all you need.  If you keep your smoothies down to 8-12 oz for each drink you have a much better chance of lessening the calorie intake and in my case the sugar content.  Next time I'll be better, I promise.

Since it's all about the poop, I'll go ahead and tell you that yes, this morning my movement was very large, and probably the darkest green I've seen in many years.  Kale has a way of changing your poop, so don't be freaked out if you waste more than you expected, and if the thickness and color are different from what you've experienced in the past.  I knew about the changes, and I was prepared for it.  Just be sure and tell yourself there will be changes, and it could come on strongly at first. You never want to over do it, and you never want to make drastic changes. If you feel you need to talk to your doctor before you make these changes, please do. I'm not a medical doctor, so I couldn't begin to tell you what is good for your body.  I'm barely qualified to say what's good for my own body, but I am getting better at it. I'm researching and putting into practice what I need to do, and what I know to do.  Better late than never.

I made enough smoothie for breakfast and lunch. I'll eat a good dinner and walk 2 miles at the barn tonight. We tend to do a bit of walking there - it's a good thing.  My pedometer doesn't give me the correct reading when I'm riding, so I just have to be sure and work out with posting to get a bit of cardio in when I can.  This is really going to pay off, I can tell.  If I can drop 2 pounds a week I'll be 164 pounds by the time I turn 57 in mid November. That would be so wonderful. My goal weight is 150, so it looks like Christmas may see me in a size 8 dress. That would be a gift in and of itself.