Day Two: Green Smoothie 101

I am on day two of blog every day in May challenge.  The challenge for today is to educate everyone on something I am good at or am knowledgable at.  This may be a stretch, but it is all I could come up with.

It just so happens that I just started teaching Zumba again.  While I don't feel I am a professional by any means, I do feel like I know what it takes to have fun, while shedding the pounds.  Growing up as a dancer I came to love moving to music.  As soon as I was done dancing professionally, my heart yearned to move again.  I tried to run, but I am horrible at it.  That is where Zumba came into my life.  After attending my first Zumba class I was hooked.  The class was one hour but ended up flying by.  I didn't catch myself looking at the clock once.  I had so much fun shaking it and groovin to the music.  

I instantly wanted to become an instructor.  I went and got my Zumba certification and started teaching soon after.  Zumba is a rush for me.  The energy I get from teaching gives me chills.  I love the response I get from my students.  Not only has it changed their fitness level but it has mine.  I ended up shedding the pounds as I taught Zumba three days a week.  After my miscarriage and shortly after getting pregnant with Penelope, I decided it would be best to put teaching on hold.  I missed teaching every day. 

 After having Penelope I got re-certified immediately.  I just got offered to teach two classes at GB3.  Yesterday was my first day back.  It felt so good to hear the people in my class cheering and smiling back at me.  Zumba is rewarding in so many ways.  It is a great way release those endorphins and put whatever kind of day you had behind you.  It is so easy to get lost in the music and just have fun.  I have so many people say Zumba is not for them.  I think it is a bit intimidating for some, but I always tell them to just come try it.  As soon as people get past the fact that no one is really paying attention to them, they embrace it and have a blast.  Really everyone else is so worried about themselves they don't have time to watch you.  My father-in-law can do it and so can you!  If you can take that leap of faith and give Zumba a chance.  I promise you won't regret it!

My hubby spoiled me with new shoes and work out clothes.  There is something about new work out clothes that motivates me to get to the gym.

I try to follow up my Zumba class with a Green Smoothie.  It is the only way I seem to manage getting in my daily fruits and veggies.

Green Smoothie Recipe

1 1/2 cup water

1 handful of spinach

1 handful of Kale

1 handful of carrots

2 heaping handfuls of frozen fruit (Wawona's tropical fruit blend at Costco is my favorite)

2 apples (green apples always put out the best flavor)

2 bananas

2 squirts of vanilla stevia

You can add ice if you like it chilled

I always start with water on the bottom.

Add your green veggies and bananas.

Mix until well blended.

Add in frozen fruit blend.

Slice apples and add to mixture.

Add carrots and vanilla stevia.

This recipe makes at least 2 servings.  You can always store in the fridge and save some for the following day.

I realize it doesn't look that appetizing, but it is oh so good!