Meal Substitution: Smoothie Recipe: Pears, Bananas and Clementines

This is a great recipe that uses fruits that are particular of the fall and winter season in the part of world where I live. The bananas I used were imported, and I know I shouldn't buy imported fruits but these were organic and fair trade, at very least.

Ingredients for one big glass: 

1 banana (not too ripe, not too brown)
1 big juicy pear or two small ones
3 clementines
1/2 lemon

Utensils:

Knife, cutting board, blender. This below is the blender by Black and Decker that I use, it's cheap and never lets me down. Christmas is coming...!


1. Peal the pear, half it and get rid of the core. Mine was so juicy I had to do this over the sink! Put it in the blender.
2. Peal the banana, cut in a few pieces, throw it in the blender.
3. Juice the clementines separately and then add the juice in the blender, or if you're lazy like me and don't want to get another utensil dirty, squeeze them directly in the blender, you can help yourself with a fork.
4. Add a few ice cubes if your fruit wasn't in the fridge.

Use the "pulse" cycle and then the "liquefy" cycle. If you're clementines are tart you might want to add some agave nectar or your favorite sweetener.

Enjoy!

Valentina
RealItalianKitchen

Start your day with a kick: cardio before breakfast.

This is something I read a long time ago that really gets me going in the morning and apparently also makes your metabolism accelerate.

A cardio workout means get your heart beat to rise. It doesn't have to be for a long time, it could be only for a minute.

I take the dog out for example. I live on the 3rd floor and we both sprint down and up the stairs.

Some people like to turn the radio up and just jam to the music. I can't imagine a better way to start the day.

Other people run for the bus. That counts.

I got mad at politicians this morning and how narrow minded they are. That made my heart beat rise. Does that count? Unfortunately I don't think so. The only thing that accelerates is my ulcer.

So get your blood pumping and face the day with a smile. We all have to do what we have to do.
Let's try to do it with some positivity.

I hope you all have a great day!
Valentina
RealItalianKitchen

Meal Substitution: Celery and Pear Juice - Real Italian Kitchen

I have a show in two weeks and I have to fit in a dress that should be illegal in most countries....BUT I"M SO BLOATED!!!!!!!!! From weeks and weeks of cookies, cakes, chocolates and red meats. I've been a bad baaaad girl. Not good.

Here's my remedy: besides putting myself on a healthy diet again, I'll start each day with a freshly made JUICE! I'll try to do it for at least two weeks, until the day of the show, we'll see what happens!

I'll post a new combination everyday, so if you decide you want to do this with me keep checking :-)

Today's juice:

2 oranges
3 stalks of celery
1 big apple
1 juicy pear
1/2 lime

Peal the oranges and put everything through the juicer. The pear is plenty sweet so don't add any sugar.

The taste: the pear is predominant, but you can still taste the orange. The apple gives it a nice texture and makes it pleasant to drink. You can't even taste the celery but it's so so so good for you!

Why is fresh juice important?
It has been clinically proven that fresh juice speeds up your metabolism. It's also a very filling snack, so you don't feel the need to eat anything else after a big glass of fresh juice. It's rich in fibre which will stimulate your digestive system. It's rich in vitamins, which will make you stronger against the seasonal flue. Lately I have even heard from a YouTube guru that it will help wash out inflammation in your joints and loosens your tighten muscles. Pair it with some effective exercise and fresh juice will be the panacea of all problems!

Spring is coming, invest in a juicer.

Valentina
http://www.youtube.com/RealItalianKitchen