I have recently started drinking a yummy smoothie each day as a meal replacement. I typically have one of these beauties for lunch and it keeps me filled up for hours! Not only is it delicious but its got so much good stuff packed into it, its insane! I have a number of variations that I will share with you, here is the first one.

1 Frozen Banana

2 Handfuls of Baby Spinach

1.5 Tablespoons Chia Seeds

1 Scoop Vanilla Protein Powder

1/4 Cup Dry Oatmeal (I take this in my hands and rub it together to break it up until its pretty fine)

1/2 Fresh Peach

Water to blend

Place the ice and the frozen banana into the blender and chop em up briefly.

Next, add the remaining ingredients and blend in the blender until smooth and silky (about 1 minute or so).

Where I am so far

So, I have been working out and trying to eat healthier for a while now (its been close to 9 months)...and I am really starting to see results! Isn't that just the best feeling in the entire universe? i got back into my cute skinny jeans from 2006, they don't fit perfectly just yet, but I got my post twin pregnancy body into the damn things! Can I get a hooray!?

So, I am going to detail some of my workout habits that I have picked up for the past few months, from arm to leg to cardio routines, I want to share what I have been doing and what has worked for me.

I started out feeling a bit self conscious about myself and my ability, so i just stuck with hard cardio for the first few months. I just wanted to hid in the back of a class, get a good sweat and then leave. I am a huge fan of spinning (cycling) classes, so I made the commitment to get to at least 2 of these a week. Spinning so so fantastic for a great number of reasons, its low impact so its easy on your knees, it burns hundreds of calories per class (500-700 depending on how hard to push it) and its just all around fun class. You can go at your own personal pace so you dont have to be a cycling pro to attend a class. The instructors play fast paced fun music, which helps to pass the time and take your mind off of all the hard work that you are doing.

If you are new to the gym and are looking to get a great workout in I would absolutely recommend trying out a spinning class. You will get a good workout and its a great place to burn off a ton of calories.

I credit the spinning with seeing some quick results in my figure. Pair it with eating right and its a recipe for skinny jeans! :)

Getting the right workout shoes

As I was quick to find out, having the right pair of shoes was crucial in me preforming well when I worked out. Old shoes don’t support you correctly and can easily cause undo stress on joints, muscles and bones. It’s not just your feet that you need to worry about when you workout in old shoes, your knees, back and even up to your neck and shoulders can all be affected when your shoes are unsupportive. A good way to tell if your shoes need to be replaced is by taking a look at the soles. Is the sole worn down on one side, does the back of the shoe where your heel goes look worn and thin? If so, it may be time to replace your old news with new ones.

When you are looking to buy new shoes there are some things to keep in mind. There are so many styles and features out there that it may seem a bit daunting at first. Here are some tips on selecting your next new pair of workout shoes.

Know your style

Are you a marathon runner? Do you only lift weights in the gym? Are you into aerobic or crossfit classes? In order to get the best shoes for you, you need to consider what it is that you do for your own personal workout. Running shoes have a bit more give and flexibility in them as opposed to shoes made for walking. Be sure to seek out shoes that are designed for your personal workout style.

Get to know your feet

Have your foot evaluated at the shoe store. So many shoe stores these days have the ability to evaluate your foot and your running gait. This will prove to be invaluable information when searching for your next new shoes. Do you have low arches or high ones? Are you a neutral runner? These are all things that a quick evaluation will be able to tell you.

Take ‘em for a spin

When at the store don’t just slip on one shoe and glance in the mirror. Put on both shoes, with socks, and take a jog around the store in them. So many times buyers will buy shoes from just standing still in them. Shoes can shift and change in the way they feel when we put pressure on different areas of the feet while running and jogging. It doesn’t have to be a long jog, just a short jaunt up and down one of the stores isles to get a feel for how the shoe fits.

Getting the right pair of shoes for your own personal workout style will make all of the difference. Whether you run, walk or lift weights, the right shoes will be a welcome addition to your fitness routine. Not only will you perform at your best, but your feet, knees, back and joints will all thank you.