Mad Scientist in the Kitchen

This post's title sounds a little menacing, but I promise it's not. After several years of skipping the gym and eating poorly I began feeling sluggish and my clothes were beyond tight. After taking baby steps toward a healthier lifestyle I can honestly say I feel 100% better. My clothes fit and I have more energy.


Besides trying to prepare healthier meal, I started making shakes and smoothies for breakfast. Admittedly I'm the girl who prefers sleep to getting up and making a healthy breakfast. On occasion I put together a breakfast casserole loaded with vegetables or a variation of these Omelet and Potato Breakfast Bites found at Ella Claire. For the most part though I skip breakfast. That was until the hub's cousin dropped off a box of Advocare products which included the Berry Meal Replacement Shake.  The directions say to mix with cold water. Boring! I would blend with almond milk, banana, strawberries, PB2 or peanut butter, a handful of spinach and ice. I couldn't possibly have sat down and eaten all that before heading off to work. Shakes just make life easier!


After running out of the Advocare replacement shakes I contacted a neighbor who distributes Juice Plus Complete. Overall the cost is less per shake and the Juice Plus powder is packed with easy to pronounce ingredients. Side note, I eventually want to purchase Juice Plus' capsules. Juice Plus Complete comes in two flavors (vanilla and chocolate) so I ordered the variety pack giving me both. Now onto the "mad scientist" reference...every time I get in the kitchen to mix up a shake I want to try something new. This weekend's shakes were awesome. The recipes are below in case you are looking for a new shake/smoothie idea. Also, banana and avocado is really good with the chocolate drink mix. Want to get your hands on some Juice Plus products? I know a gal and can put you in contact.


Super Berry Smoothie

1 cup blueberries


1 cup strawberries


1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract


1 cup almond milk (I use vanilla)


1 scoop vanilla drink mix

1 handful of ice cubes

Orange Creamsicle Smoothie

1 scoop vanilla drink mix

1 medium orange 

1 cup almond milk (I use vanilla)

1/2 cup orange juice

1 cup ice

Until next post...xoxo Becca

Super Berry Smoothie

My preferred ingredients with Advocare's Berry Meal Replacement Shake