Beet, Carrot, Apple and Ginger Juice photo (okay, not quite a smoothie) from Goop.com

smoothie shortlist

Here are some great, easy, healthy, and fast smoothie recipes:

• 5 Holiday Smoothie Recipes from The Healthy Happy Life. Includes a Sweet Apple Pie smoothie that is healthy - and vegan!
• Winter Smoothies from thekitchn.com. Smoothie recipes using common winter ingredients around your kitchen, like oranges.
• Holiday Cranberry Smoothie from Greenlemonade.com
• Green Monster Movement: Easy to make green smoothies by Angela from Oh She Glows.
• Smoothie Bowl: Ever heard of SIAB? FitSugar explains this acronym.
• Almond Banana Smoothie from Epicurious
• Detox smoothies from Goop.com (scroll down for smoothie action).
• Get Your Greens Smoothie from Whole Foods. Only three ingredients!
• Paradise Found Smoothie from Whole Foods. Try adding some silken tofu for a punch of protein.
• Stay Young Smoothie from marthastewart.com is loaded with long-term health boosters.
• NY Times Smoothie [video]: Mark Bittman makes smoothies and goes over some dos and don'ts of smoothie making.

whitney's proteinacinno

I'm a vegetarian, so finding protein is sometimes a challenge. I came up with the Proteinnacinno to get my day started off right. This recipe is delicious, makes me happy, and is without question better for me than just a cup of coffee for breakfast.

proteinacinno recipe

• 1 Scoop Chocolate Designer Whey Protein Powder (or any chocolate protein, I hear Vega is good for Vegans)
• 1 1/2 Shot of Espresso (brewed on the stove is the best), or a packet of Starbucks Via
• 1 tbsp of almond butter (I prefer raw)
• 4 ounces or so of water
• 1 tsp. of unsweetened organic cocoa powder
• 6 or so ice cubes depending on if you want a frappuccino or an iced latte version
• *Optional 1 tbsp of coconut milk creamer

A little bit of coffee, a little bit of protein and a lot of deliciousness in one cup. Sip and enjoy!

According to myfitnesspal, the iPhone app I use to measure my daily calorie intake, this recipe is about 215-235 calories, 23 grams of protein and only 3 grams of sugar.

What's your favourite smoothie recipe?

Above: Tiffany takes the Run: Flow Thru Dress for a spin!

I have to be thoroughly honest with you.

I'm not exactly what you would call a 'hardcore' runner. When it comes to my running program, the words snow, rain, cold, or anything else unpleasant simply do not have a place. Summer running is where it's at.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I actually really like running. I really, really like running when I am wearing the brightest, coolest and most functional pieces on the running market. Who wouldn't? This is why I love lululemon!

For instance, my first outing of the running season was this past Monday, and I decided to sport the new Run: Flow Thru Dress. For me, this dress was a match made in runner's heaven. It's fun, cute, and made with Silverescent technology. The dress upheld its Flow Thru name – the air flowed right 'thru', and kept me cool during my 5km – which felt more like 50km!

Like some, my iPod is my running companion. I'm not a person who can run and talk at the same time – my breath will simply not have it. The amazing thing about lululemon run gear is it harbors all sorts of gadgets and gizmos for your running routine. The Run: Flow Thru Dress has a handy pocket near the small of the back – perfect for a key, map, or in my case, a running mate!

On that note, I'm looking for some new music to keep me company. I know there are others out there like me… what are your favourite running tunes? (Leave me a comment below).

Now for all you summer runners out there (and all you hardcore ones too!), I pronounce the 'official' running season open!