Reason #24: Banana Chocolate Shake & Level 2 of Shred

I have been on a real smoothie kick lately, and I think I came across a real winner yesterday. My newest creation tastes very good, and it could easily qualify as a "heavenly milkshake" over a morning health boost. The base is merely 1 cup of Unsweetened Chocolate Almond Milk, 1 banana, and ice. Those three simple ingredients alone are delicious, however here are some great add-in options:

Banana Chocolate Shake:
1 cup of Unsweetened Chocolate Almond Milk + 1 Medium Banana + Ice

For those interested in nutritional facts, the shake is 145 calories, 4 g of fiber, and 3 g of protein and also provides >20% of Daily Recommended Values in Calcium, Vitamin B6, Vitmain D, and Vitamin E.

Banana Mocha Shake:
1 cup of Unsweetened Chocolate Almond Milk + 1 Banana + Ice + 1/2 cup of Coffee

This shake provides an extra jolt to get you going in the morning. Also, a convenient usage for leftover cold coffee.

PB and Banana Shake:
1 cup of Unsweetened Chocolate Almond Milk + 1 Banana + Ice + 1 tbsp peanut butter + 1/4 oats

Extra protein and extra decadence with a thicker consistency

Healthy Decadence Shake:
1 cup of Unsweetened Chocolate Almond Milk + 1 Banana + Ice + 1 tbsp peanut butter + 1 cup of spinach + flaxseed

Adds extra nutrients while still maintaing a great taste.

DAY TWO: 30 Day Shred

Yesterday I tried out Level 2 of the Shred workout video which was of higher intensity than Level 1. There is a strong focus on plyometrics such as lateral skating, double jump ropes, and jump squats. Additionally, the upper body gets a killer workout with plank based movements and walking out push ups. For twenty minutes I had my heart rate up, I was sweating and breathing heavy, and then I was done.

I highly recommend this workout video for the following reasons:
- It is twenty minutes of high intensity
- Works on your strength, abs, and cardio
- You can easily incorporate this into your morning, lunch, or night routine
- You feel you get the best possible workout in the shortest amount of time
- You can increase the intensity by a) going to a higher level or b) using more weight

In college, we weight lifted all of the time for soccer. Not only was it at 6:30am(which is VERY early for a college kid), but we lifted ridiculous amounts of weight. I DREADED lifting more than anything, and I had sworn never to pick up a dumbbell or bar again after my soccer career ended. Okay so maybe I was a bit dramatic, but Jillian's workout has encouraged me to begin and enjoy strength training again. Strength training and mixing up your workout routine is too important to swear off!

* For further clarification, I complete the Shred in addition to my daily half marathon training. However, the shred replaces my usual past attempts of lifting and abs.