Mango Banana Green Smoothie

It's been a while.......but I'm baaaaaack ;-)

Of course I got this from my favorite health recipe website skinnytaste.com. It's a delicious morning smoothie that I highly recommend all of you to try. Here is the recipe and instructions. Guaranteed to give you a boost to start your day right!

Ingredients:

1 Frozen Banana
1 Packed Cup of Baby Spinach
2/3 Cup of fresh Mango (Diced)
2 Tbsp Raw Hemp Seeds (Shelled)
1 3/4 Cups of Unsweetened Almond Milk
1 Cup Ice
Sweetener to Taste (I personally prefer not to add sweetener but you can do so)

Directions: Blend all ingredients in the blender until smooth. Add Sweetener to taste.

-Markesha xoxo

Fiesta Bean Salad

As I was browsing through SkinnyTaste.com, I came across a dish that I have tried before; however, I loved it. I am a huge fan of Bean Salad and Beans are one of the most important foods that boosts your metabolism. You can eat it alone as part of a meatless lunch or a side dish. Here is the recipe. I hope you enjoy!

Ingredients

2 Cloves Garlic (minced)
3 Tbsp Fresh Lime Juice
1 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 Tsp Cumin
Pinch of Crush Red Pepper Flakes
1/2 Tsp of Salt
15 oz Can of Black Beans (rinsed and drained)
1 Cup of Canned Chickpeas (rinsed and drained)
1 Cup of Cherry Tomatoes (halved)
1/4 Cup of minced Red Onion (finely diced)
1/4 Cup Cilantro (chopped)
1 Medium Avocado (diced)

Directions

In a large bowl, combine the Garlic, Lime Juice, Olive Oil, Cumin, Crushed Red Pepper and Salt. Add the Black Beans, Chickpeas, Tomato, Onion and Cilantro; mix well. When ready to eat, mix in Avocado and eat right away. Makes 4  1/3 Cups

-Markesha xoxo

Lemon and Lime Water

Water is such an important part of our every day lives; but did you know that adding Lemon or Limes to your water aids in weight loss? After doing some further research, adding lemons and limes not only helps you lose weight, it gives your body natual electrolytes. It is a great source of Vitamin C and antioxidents which helps maintain your body's energy while on a diet and working out. It also gives your skin a natural glow.

You can also add a few leaves of Mint or Cucumbers to your water to give it flavor. We all know drinking water every single day can be a little boring as it has no taste. Now you can enjoy a flavored beverage that gives you positive results.

When adding lemon, limes, mint leaves or cucumbers to your water, leave them inside the water for an hour for more flavor. PLEASE NOTE: Do not replace the lemon and lime cleanse instead of eating other foods as it could lead to muscle breakdown and nutrient deficiencies. Drink up!

-Markesha xoxo

30 Day Abs Challenge

As I was surfing through the Internet looking for some fitness ideas, I came across an article called the 30 Day Abs Challenge. As the weather gets warmer, the less clothes some of us tend to wear and a lot of us want to look good as we roll through Spring and eventually get to summer. Here is a challenge that I think we all should try to get fit. Please consult a doctor first before trying any of these moves. While you are doing the challenge, make sure you are eating clean and doing the following:

• Drink 2.5 Liters of water a day
• Give up ALL sodas, fast food and junk food (Yes, even diet soda)
• Eat clean by eating whole foods instead of processed foods
• Toss the refined sugar or try to avoid any added sugar or sweeteners for the next 30 days
• Eat Smaller Portions (I prefer to eat from saucer plates)

Here is a routine that I found from http://skinnyms.com/fabulous-abs-in-30-days-challenge/ . You can work on your abs any way you want to, but for those who do not know what to do, here are some ideas:

Perform 4 circuits of the following routine; rest 15 seconds between exercises; rest 15 seconds after each circuit is completed. If you don't know what any of these routines are, please visit YouTube or the link above for instructions.

Leg Lifts – 20 seconds
Rest – 15 seconds
Scissors Kicks – 20 seconds
Rest – 15 seconds
Plank – 20 seconds
Rest – 15 seconds
Flutter Kicks – 20 seconds
Rest – 15 seconds
Reverse Crunches – 20 seconds
Rest – 15 seconds
Mason Twist – 20 seconds
Rest – 15 seconds

If you have any questions in regards to this challenge, please feel free to leave your question or comment in the comment section below. I will be posting before and after pictures ;-). Good luck!!

-Markesha xoxo

Karma Wellness Water

Hello Lovers,

So, I walked into the store this morning and I was going to purchase some Gatorade. I stumbled across a 18oz bottle of Karma Wellness Water. I bought the flavor "Passionfruit Green Tea." There are 5 different flavors to this water but I purchased the one that is for your Spirit. I was very stressed today.

When I finally got to work, I tried it and a few minutes later, I felt relaxed. Not sure if it was the water or not, but I like it!! It's only 20 calories per bottle. Love love love!!!!

Each bottle does different things. Here's the information for each bottle:

Passionfruit Green Tea: Spirit- Strengthens the body and helps it recover from stress.
Acai Pomberry: Balance- Enhances your immune system, brain function and mood.
Pineapple Coconut: Vitality- Natural source of caffeine that supports general health and wellbeing.
Raspberry Jackfruit: Body- Vital to muscle formation, energy storage and electrolyte and fluid.
Orange Mango: Mind- Amino acid that supports brain function, clarity and memory.

Here's how it works: First, you feel off the protective seal at the top, push to infuse the fresh vitamins, shake to inflate the health benefits then transform water into wellness. I LOVE the taste of the Passionfruit Green Tea and i'm going to try the other 4 flavors throught the week. It's Spring Water, Low Sodium, Gluten Free, Lactose Free and Vegan. What more could you ask for?? Not sure where you can buy this stuff but I purchased mine at a Holiday Stationstore. You can buy these Wellness Waters online by visiting their website: www.drinkkarma.com . Hope you enjoy!

-Markesha xoxo