Sip Your Way Skinny: Day 8-Water Sangria

Sip Your Way Skinny is almost over and we have yet to really talk about the most obvious "health drink":

water.

You don't need me to explain to you the health benefits of water.

But I think most of us can admit that water can get a bit boring just by itself all. the. time.

I'd assume that's how soda and juice entered the picture.

But as we already know/have been learning, these alternatives have so. much. sugar.

So how about combining our favorite aspects of the two:

Taking water, adding a few sweet/sour/still nutritious elements, mixing them together and making them look pretty?

We saw a similar idea here, and gave it a try.

We like to call it "Water Sangria" (cause that just sounds more exciting than "flavored water").

Want to know our favorite parts?

1. You can use whatever fruits, herbs, veggies (cucumbers mostly) that you have on hand.

2. It's an effortless yet perfect presentation--the colors are pretty enough without adding any other fancy things.

3. It brings new life and new love to water again.

4. It's a perfect alternative to soda for parties

(or for more of a customized drink feature try our water bar idea)

What about you, what are your thoughts? We'd love to hear!

Sip Your Way Skinny: Day 2- "Green Smoothies"

Who doesn't love smoothies? I like to think of them as milkshake's healthy and better looking twin sister.

They have similar consistencies, are still delish, but are (usually) made with fruits and dairy that we're told that we need!

But what else are we told that we need probably more than anything?

Veggies.

If you're like me, it can be hard to find ways to get those 3-5 servings per day that the good old food pyramid suggests.

(Veggie sticks don't count apparently. Similarly, taking vitamins in the place of veggies isn't ok either, ...or so I've been told)

So, when the Internet started exploding with "GREEN SMOOTHIE" recipes, I had to see what it was all about. 

Adding romaine, kale, chard, collards, or ....spinach to your smoothie?

I wasn't so sure. So, I tried it out.

And I'm happy to report that it was good.

 Really good.

Like, "eating healthier without noticing" kind of good. (my favorite kind).

While there are lots of recipes floating around out there, I'll share what I did with you.

(It's a good starter one, because it's not even green and scary like some).

Here's what you need:

spinach

(I tried spinach because we had it, but really any of the greens listed above are used)

frozen blueberries

strawberries

raspberries

yogurt

(I used Activia, but using greek yogurt would be great to add protein)

ice

Here's how to do it:

Layer it all into your blender/magic bullet. (I mostly just used the measurements of "half spinach, half everything else, + a few ice cubes", there's a lot of flexibility based on your preferences).

Blend until smooth.

and sip your way skinny...

And incase you haven't heard about all the health benefits of greens, I compiled a list for you.

It's just a  few of the many health benefits that drinking green smoothies have been linked to:

1. clearer skin and stronger hair and nails

2. increased energy

3. weight loss

4. regular digestion

5. stabilized blood sugar.

This info was taken from here and here, but there are a lot of articles and more benefits if you want to research a bit more.

There you have it friends... go green!