Smoothies and Too Hot Summer Runs

Two Saturdays ago, I went on a 5K jog around the canal at 9am. I felt accomplished afterwards (might have bragged to the fiance for a couple of days) but also like I was at the edge of death related to the insane heat outside. I should have gotten a clue based on the fact that I live in the desert, but alas. So yesterday I thought I would outsmart the heat and got up to run at 7am. Haha heat, I'll show you!

I had to check the weather after my run, because it seemed even hotter than last week! The uplifting part of this picture is the fact that the lows are still in the 70's... not looking forward to the nights in the future that only get down to 95. Please, please don't say "It's a dry heat". Thank you. 

Don't be fooled by the 2-3 trees that are in this picture, my running route was completely devoid of shade! Leading me to run 2.6 miles and walk the last half mile. Yowza -- Heat 1, Danielle 0. My plan next week is to move the run to a tree-lined street and see if I can have a bit more endurance. 

This crazy heat leads to feeling like I want to drink smoothies all day long for each meal. I don't do that, it sounds too much like one of those insane juice cleanses. I have yet to meet a dietitian who believes in those things, I'm sure they are out there but the majority of us just want you to eat food. And maybe a few extra smoothies for the summer to stay cool and refreshed. 

Summer Refresher Smoothie

1/2 banana

3 strawberries

1 kiwi

1/4 c mango

1/4 c yogurt

1/2 c orange juice

... Blend and enjoy!

What's great is that smoothies are so flexible. You can use whatever fruit you have hanging around. Don't have OJ? Use another juice or milk! You can use regular yogurt, greek yogurt, plain or in whatever flavor you have hanging around. Or omit it all together. However, you'll miss out on protein without the yogurt and thus you won't feel as full, but it will still be plenty refreshing. I also sometimes pour in an Emergen C, both when I am feeling sickly or when I need some extra recovery after a workout.  

A note about blending versus juicing: I love a good cold pressed juice, however, please note that when you juice fruits you remove the fiber. Fiber is one of best reasons to eat fruit, other than it being delicious. I could go into a tangent about how great fiber is and how much it does for your body, but I won't - just suffice it to say, it's healthier with the fiber in there. Blending doesn't remove the fiber, so when you can blend, I highly recommend it. 

Lastly, did you notice that my smoothie was in a Magic Bullet?! Those things are the jam! Mine is super old, but I couldn't not buy it - after all, the informercial was the best thing to watch. Like better than some TV shows. Anyone? Anyone? 

This lady was meant to encourage you to buy the magic bullet. SOLD!