2 Brain Strategies For More Ease

How’s your body responding to springing forward?

The online debates have begun about why we put our bodies through this twice a year. I’m in favor of this being the last time as I prefer more daylight at the end of the day. 
 
Regardless, we know it can take a week or so for our bodies to adjust so it’s a great time to support your brain and body by slowing down, simplifying and giving your brain less choices as it adjusts to the time change. 
 
Here are 2 specific brain supporting strategies you can use right now:

1. Sun Strategy: Get more sunny movement breaks over the next week to help your brain refresh and reset.
2. Shake Strategy: Start your day with a protein shake so your brain has the fuel it needs to get going in the morning and to simplify meal planning during this time. Here are some protein shake recipes and tips.

​THE PROTEIN SHAKE SOLUTION: 

Start your day with a Protein Shake.  Tips to Build a Balanced Shake:

• 1 serving of your favorite protein powder* (we recommend vegan, pea protein)
• ¼ cup of low glycemic fruits such as dark berries
• 1 Tablespoon of a healthy fat such as coconut cream, almond butter, pecan or half an avocado
• 1/3 cup of veggies such as spinach, kale, microgreens or pumpkin
• 6-8 oz. of liquids such as purified water, almond milk, coconut milk, rice milk
• Boost nutrition with chia seeds, flax seeds, coconut flakes.
• Stick to organic, non-GMO ingredients to reduce your toxic load. 
• Post workout- add a banana to a shake within 30 minutes of working out to aid in muscle repair. 
• If you are trying to lose a few pounds- boost the veggies and use only water for liquid.

GREEN SHAKE RECIPES:

Kale Shake 
1 serving Vanilla Protein Powder (can also make without it)
Take 1 handful of kale (stems and all)
8 ounces of water
1 handful of frozen fruit or blueberries
1 banana (optional)
Blend all ingredients until smooth.
 
Cucumber Apple
2 cucumbers
2 green apples (cut into small pieces)
2 peeled limes
Blend or juice everything together.
You can add Vanilla Protein to this recipe as well.

Green Protein Smoothie
1 serving Vanilla Protein Powder
9 ounces Almond Milk
1 handful Baby Spinach
½ cup Honeydew Melon
Blend all ingredients until smooth.

Green Apple Goodness
1 serving Vanilla Protein Powder
1-2 tsp of Almond Butter
½ cup of ice
8- 10 ounces of unsweetened almond or rice milk, add ice and water
½ green apple (cut into small pieces before blending) + 1 tsp of cinnamon or to taste.
Blend until Smooth.
 
Green On The Go:
Green juice is everywhere now.  You can drink your veggies if you are low on time.  You can also add green super food powders* to your smoothie or water. One scoop of powder will give you probiotics for your gut, chlorella, blue green algae, digestive enzymes, spirulina, wheat grass, flax seed and all kinds of veggies for decreasing inflammation and improving gut health.  It’s great for when you are traveling.  No excuses not to eat your veggies.


CHOCOLATE SHAKE RECIPES:

If you’re a chocolate lover, it can be tricky to make a good tasting shake. You can throw vanilla protein powder into pretty much anything and it will taste good. Give these chocolate recipes a try.
 
Chocolate Peanut Butter Shake
Chocolate protein powder
7 oz of water or almond milk
4-6 ice cubes
1 tablespoon of peanut butter or almond butter
1 scoop of frozen yogurt or 1/3 frozen banana
Blend until Smooth.
 
Chocolate Almond Oat Smoothie
Chocolate protein powder
8-10 oz of water/almond milk/coconut milk
¼ cup of oats
1-2 tsp almond butter
Blend until Smooth.
 
Chocolate Mousse Shake
Chocolate protein powder
¼ cup of avocado
Add some ice
Blend until Smooth.
 
Hope you find this transition less painful by using these Sun & Shakes strategies to support your brain right now.

To Sun, Shakes, & Less Stress!
Mollie

P.S. For more stress management tips, download this Daily Planner to help you add 1-3 minute rest & relaxation breaks into your day. 

P.S.S. Check out our favorite vegan protein powder* here.

*indicates an affiliate link