In a previous post, I mentioned that I do a lot to manage my stress level. But when things get crazy busy, I tend to stop taking care of myself when it is most important that I do so.  To prevent this, I’ve learned to build some systems into our lives.  When my workload explodes, I can now still get what I need to function optimally and take care of myself.

My standard breakfast is a green smoothie. Since moving the soaproom to Scottsburg, this is also my lunch on most days. This smoothie is very healthy and keeps me very satisfied and gives me lots of energy.

The problem is when I get really busy, I forget to make it and drink it. And then… if I wait too long I become ravenous and the smoothie no longer satisfies me.  I then get cravings for junk or fast food that I usually succumb to.

So… I have taught Fletcher how to make my smoothie for the times I wouldn’t make it for myself.

My smoothie goes through periodic changes. Currently this is what we make. It is enough for 3 large servings. Jim gets 2 servings and I get 1.

• 24 oz cold green tea
• 1 banana
• 3 heaping scoops chocolate Amazing Grass (dehydrated green foods)
• 2 scoops vanilla protein (usually whey protein, but sometimes soy)
• 3 Tbsp almond butter
• 1/2 bag spinach
• 1 big handful kale
• 1 thumbnail size piece of ginger (optional – helps cut the taste of the kale)

Now, I do have to say that you need a really good blender to make a decent green smoothie.  We have the blend-tec* (which is awesome), but a Vitamix will also work.  If you don’t have a good  blender, there are pieces of spinach unblended and I find it undrinkable.  With a good  blender, it tastes really good.

The reason we use the green tea is because it has a small amount of caffeine which helps to rev up our metabolisms.  We have two pitchers and Fletcher makes sure he always has some green tea brewed and at least one pitcher full so we don’t have to use hot tea (which requires a lot of ice).

So that’s how I make sure I always have something healthy to eat.  Fletcher does a great job and while he occasionally needs reminding, he rarely complains (as long as Greyden washes out the blender for him. )

You may not have a child available to make your smoothie for you. But with thought you can come up with a different plan that works for you.

So what do you think?  Do you have a system in place to take care of yourself when life gets crazy?

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