They say abs are made in the kitchen and after this summer, I believe it.
I started summer just finishing physical therapy to heal diastasis rectii that can result from pregnancy and childbirth. When I started PT, I had a gap of more than 2 inches between the left and right sides of my abdominal wall. When I finished, no measurable gap.
But I had also just finished up 8 weeks of FIT4MOM DuPage County Body Back and had been eating really clean. Between these two factors, my stomach was the flattest it’s been, well, EVER.
And then summer started. I went in strong, staying committed to a super-healthy diet. But it’s gone astray since then, and I’ve made more bad choices than good choices in recent times. I can say I’ve stayed very active and maintained my intense workout schedule. But experts say that fitness results are 80% what you eat and 20% how you work out. This summer is driving that point home for me.
The place where I see it most? My stomach. As soon as I start indulging in too much sugar, the level of bloat in my stomach skyrockets. My pants feel tight. My tummy jiggle resumes a level I’m uncomfortable with.
Something has to change, and as much as I don’t want to admit it, what needs to change is my diet. All the extras and treats and processed foods are going to be kissed goodbye, starting now. Back to real, whole foods, limited sugar, limited booze — the eating habits that make me look and feel like my best self.
I like to see tangible, immediate results to help jump-start my commitment, so I’ve been drinking a dairy-free detox smoothie for breakfast each morning. This refreshing recipe combines frozen watermelon and frozen pineapple with chia seeds for protein and hint of lime for extra flavor.
Watermelon, with its high water content, helps to hydrate and flush out the system. Pineapple has anti-inflammatory properties and has been said to help reduce stomach bloat with its detoxifying effects. A full serving of chia seeds (soaked in water to rehydrate for the best texture) provides the protein to get me started in the morning and feel full until morning snack time.
Give this recipe a try if you need a little summer detox yourself or even if you’re just looking for a light, refreshing way to start your morning.
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Watermelon-Chia Detox Smoothie
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp chia seeds, soaked in 1/3 cup water
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 cup cubed watermelon, frozen
- 1 cup cubed pineapple, frozen
- Juice of 2 limes
- 3/4 cup water
Instructions
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Soak chia seeds in small bowl with 1/3 cup water and 1 tbsp lime juice, approximately 10 minutes.
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Add frozen watermelon, pineapple, juice of 2 limes, and 3/4 cup cold water to blender.
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Blend until smooth.
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Add chia seed mixture (no need to drain).
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Pulse blender 5-6 times to thoroughly combine.
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Pour into glass and garnish with watermelon and lime slices.
Recipe Notes
- Don't skip the step of soaking chia seeds. Chia seeds need to rehydrate for the best texture.
- Keep pre-portioned watermelon and pineapple chunks frozen together in a container or plastic baggie for simplified prep on busy mornings.
- Fresh squeezed limes have the best flavor for adding into the smoothie, but bottled lime juice works in a pinch. Substitute 1/4 cup of lime juice for the fresh squeezed juice of two limes.
NeverDoneWithFun.com
Though not exactly in the spirit of detox, I couldn’t help but contemplate how this would taste with the addition of vodka or tequila. Not for breakfast, of course… (*wink*)
With or without adult beverage enhancement, this frozen concoction is summer in a glass! Share your favorite summer moments (or beverages) with #NeverDoneWithFun.
