As most of you know, I like to start my day with veggies. Not as in I eat a salad for breakfast but in the form of a greens packed smoothie.

As of last week, I was able to take my time, explore different recipes and try out new ingredients each morning as I was preparing my daily green smoothie; however, since starting my new job this past week, my mornings have been jam packed without an extra minute to spare especially in the smoothie making department.

However, my smoothie drinking habit certainly hasn’t take a hit because of this… I’ve just had to be a better planner.

Certainly a perk of the Ninja – individual size cups that go right on the blender.

Perfect to take to-go!

If you, like me, have busy mornings but love your smoothies like I do, don’t give them up or save them for the weekends anymore! Simply prep them the night before…

Here’s how:

1. Grab your blender pitcher out the night before
2. Throw in a handful of your favorite greens – I prefer baby kale and spinach
3. Toss in any light ingredients like ginger, lemon juice, cinnamon, maca powder, chia seeds, flax meal, protein powder, nut butter, etc.
4. Throw in any heavy ingredients (besides the fruit) such as carrots, celery, peeled cucumbers, etc.
5. Place the fruit that you plan on using in a single ziplock bag and place it in the freezer overnight… a few if my favorites include bananas, berries, peeled kiwi, mangos, etc.
6. Place the cap on the blender and place it in the fridge overnight
7. Wake up the next morning and pull your blender out
8. Pour in 1-2 cups of unsweetened almond milk or water (depending on how many servings you are making)
9. Grab your frozen fruit out of the freezer and place it in the blender
10. Add a few cubes of ice
11. Place your pitcher on the blender and blend away!

Easy enough right!?

A perfectly healthy and delicious breakfast made in no time!

Have an awesome Thursday evening – almost Friday!

Good health!

The post The Great Smoothie Solution appeared first on The Gypsy Dietitian.

Hi friends! Just checking in.

As you can tell, things are extremely busy but I’m loving every moment of it…okay, okay so maybe not my 5:30 am report time (that’s a 4 am wake up call!) but I’m learning so much, meeting so many incredible people and trying to take it all in at the same time.  Between weddings, bachelorettes, and Mayo, my sleep habits, or lack there of, are struggling slightly, but as time goes on I know I will get into a routine and things will continue on perfectly.  When I was in high school my mom would say, “Ashley, you just need to get some sleep.” My response was always the same, “Mom, I’ll sleep when I’m dead.” Now I see why she told me that…to prepare for times like these! My response now, “I’ll sleep in eight months?” No, really, I’m going to work on this

Haha, an old and cheesy picture but it sure would feel nice to curl up in those PJs right about now

Workouts have  been slacking greatly too which really disappoints me (squeezed one in Monday, had to skip yesterday, thirty minute dog walk today), but again, once I get into a routine, things will fall into place again.  A 3:30 am workout just isn’t going to cut it right now when I am not able to hit the pillow until 11 pm.  Maybe next week? Coffee and tea have become mandatory as you could imagine.

Myself and the two other interns went to dinner with the older class of interns Monday night and it was so comforting to hear the words, “You can do this!” as they explained that it was overwhelming for them to begin with as well, but with time, we will figure it out. I already knew that but isn’t it funny how when someone else tells you something it’s so much more believable?

Anyways, just wanted to let you know that things are going well; it’s hard to believe the amount that I have to learn in the next 7-8 months but it will be done! I am loving my field more and more everyday Hope all is well for you too! Talk to you soon? I hope!

Good health!

The post Busy as a Bee appeared first on The Gypsy Dietitian.

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Day one at Mayo was certainly a success, although I am definitely going to have to get used to this whole schedule thing again (haha, I say that after only one day)! The 4:45 am alarm came pretty early this morning but since I was excited about the day, I seemed to bounce right out of bed. After a 45 minute workout (I think I’ve told you that I CAN’T workout at night or it simply doesn’t happen), breakfast,a shower and coffee, I was out the door and Mayo bound.

Today was simply an orientation day (for all new employees, not just dietetic interns) where we learned all things Mayo; it was awesome to be surrounded by other people who are as excited about their given opportunity as I am mine.  I finally got to meet the two other interns as well and am beyond thrilled to know that I will be in good company

Along with the massive amount of information that I learned today, I also learned something else: that I have no idea how mom’s do it.  Since arriving home (after running a few errands first) I have cleaned our house, cooked dinner, made breakfast for tomorrow, walked the pups, fed the pups, got the mail and now it’s already almost 9 pm and I still have to do a little studying before my head meets the pillow. No I understand the quote, “living for the weekend.” I also understand, now more than ever, the importance of working a job that you love because if not, you will spend the majority of your life doing things that you don’t want to do. And I certainly don’t want to do that.

Anyways, just wanted to check in…I hope your day was spectacular as well. I have another orientation day tomorrow and then it’s time to dive in to the nutrition realm! I’m beyond excited.

Good health!

The post Day 1 = A Success! appeared first on The Gypsy Dietitian.