Finding your WHY

Hello and Happy Wednesday!

"He who has a why can endure any how" -Frederick Nietzsche

Lately I've been doing a lot of reflecting on life, success, and figuring out my purpose. Maybe it's because I just turned 25 last week which feels like a huge milestone or maybe it's because I'm almost (finally... I know) done with school but either way I wanted to share some thoughts on finding your "why" and your purpose. Life is hard, confusing, and there will always be obstacles, but if you know your why, it will always pull you up and keep you fighting. 

When you wake up each morning, what drives you? 

If you don't know the answer, then you have no reason to improve your life and become more successful.  The truth is motivation will ALWAYS fade. You might get reinspired from time to time but that fire lit by motivation will inevitably die. This why you must create habits and stick to them. You have to know WHY you're doing what you're doing, make a plan, and stick to it. You have to know what you're fighting for and why your goals are important to you. You have to know what drives you, what inspires you because that is the only thing that's going to pull you up and keep you going. 

What are you passionate about? 

Instead of focusing on what you're doing, ask your self why you're doing it? Seriously, take a second right now and stop and think about everything you do on a daily basis. Now, ask yourself why you're doing all of these things? If you don't have an answer that excites you, it may be time to refine your list of priorities.  If you want to be successful in reaching your goals, you must be passionate about the things you're doing. You need that gusto because your purpose is what leads the way but passion is what keeps you going.  

Find an answer that speaks to you soul.
Find your why and let that drive push you to go forward, to be successful.  Find that one part of you that will never change, regardless of what life throws your way. Your purpose- your why is the one single thing that lights you up, that one thing that when you're doing it, time seems to stop. Once you have your answer, write it down and keep it with you. Carry it around everyday and feel it deep in your heart. Look at it from time to time as a little reminder WHY you're doing what you're doing! 

I hope you enjoyed this post! 

With lots of love, 

Ashley 

Super Green Detox Drink

Thirsty Thursday  

I love this Super Green Detox Drink for several reasons.  Mostly because it’s simple and easy to make.  It’s one of my go-to recipes that I make weekly.  I like to make a big batch on Sunday evening, divide the juice out in mason jars, and then I have “to-go” juice for the week! 

The Super Green Detox Drink is great for your immune system, is anti-inflammatory, helps with indigestion, and more.  It’s also filled with Vitamin C, potassium, minerals, and antioxidants.  

Super Green Detox Drink 

Recipe makes two 16-20 oz glasses.  Double the recipe if you’re making more.  

Recipe 

2 Apples 

1 Cucumber 

5 Handfuls of Spinach 

6 Kale Leaves 

1 Lemon 

1 Thumb of Ginger 

Directions 

Wash all produce 

Peel the lemon and core the apple 

Put all ingredients through the juicer and drink up! 

Let me know what you think of this recipe in the comments below! 

XoXo 

Ash 

Healthier Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe

So... there's no denying the fact that I love PSL season however, when I looked up the nutrition information of the beloved drink, it was a complete and total buzzkill.  In fact, I haven't been able to order one since then.  So, I decided to make my own healthy fall drink.  One that I didn't feel so guilty indulging in! 

Starbucks Nutritional Info

No. Thank. You.

                        

Healthier Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe
Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Vegan Friendly 

1 serving 

Ingredients:

1 cup of almond or coconut milk 

1 tbsp pumpkin puree 

3-5 drops of vanilla 

1 tsp of cinnamon 

pinch of nutmeg 

pinch of ground ginger 

3/4 cup of coffee 

Directions:

Place the milk and pumpkin in a small pot or pan, over medium heat.  Stir constantly until the mixture starts to simmer.  Add in the vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.  Whisk until frothy.  

Place coffee in large mug, pour heated pumpkin mixture on top & enjoy! 

By the way, this drink is only 55 calories and has less than 10 carbs per serving! 

XoXo, 

Ashley 

Recipe of the Day: Tropical Green Smoothie

This is one of my favorite smoothies... especially in the summer!  If you hate greens, this is a fantastic way to sneak in some spinach!  Once you take your first sip... you will second guess if spinach is even an ingredient! 

Recipe makes 3-4 servings 

Ingredients: 

1/2 cup of shredded coconut 

1 cup of sliced pineapple (fresh or frozen) 

2 cups of sliced mango (fresh or frozen) 

2 cups of spinach 

2 cups of orange juice (preferably fresh)

Directions: 

Place orange juice and spinach in blender first and blend.. then set aside.  If using fresh fruit, remove the skin of the mango and pineapple.  Slice the fruit away from the core and discard the core.  Place all other ingredients in blender and blend away.  Pour and serve… Top with shredded coconut if you want to add a little extra flare to your drink! 

Tip: 

If you prefer your smoothies to have a thick texture (like Keva Juice) use frozen fruit...rather than just adding ice which will water any smoothie down ;) 

 Also, I always recommend blending your greens 1st because when greens are broken apart in a blender, they are activated! So, its always better to blend your greens first! 

XoXo Ashley 

Recipe of the Day: Mock Wendy's Frosty

This recipe is so simple! All you need is 5 ingredients and in less than 5 minutes you have yourself a delicious, guilt-free, treat!  

Ingredients: 

1 cup of Almond Milk or Coconut Milk 

1 cup of Ice 

1 tbsp of Cocoa Powder 

1 tbsp of Coconut Nectar 

dash of Cinnamon 

dash of Nutmeg 

Directions: 

 Place all ingredients in a blender and blend! 

I prefer coconut nectar because its low in calories, carbs, and it's a great natural and organic  sweetener!  You can also use honey or agave.   

This scrumptious treat is only 110 little calories with 15 carbs!  Sometimes I need a sweet treat and this Mock Wendy's Frosty helps kick those chocolate cravings! 

Xoxo 

Ashley 

Clean "Cookie Dough Ice Cream" Sandwiches

Clean "Cookie Dough Ice Cream" Sandwiches

Ingredients:

1- 15 oz can of salt free garbanzo beans (aka chickpeas) 

2 Tbsp honey

1/4 cup your favorite smooth nut butter

1/4 cup of coconut flour

2 1/2 frozen bananas

mini chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. In a food processor (or blender), blend garbanzo beans, honey, and nut butter until completely smooth. (Taste and add stevia if you want a sweeter "cookie dough".

2. Remove "cookie dough", place in medium bowl, and fold in coconut flour. 

3. Add as much mini chocolate chips and you desire. Knead dough.

4. Line an 8x8 pan with parchment paper.

5. Press "cookie dough" into pan so that it covers the entire pan. Freeze for 1 1/2 hours. 

6. Remove "cookie dough" from freezer. Place bananas in a food processor (or blender) until creamy. Be patient during this part! Frozen bananas can take awhile to get to the thick "ice creamy" stage.

7. Cut "cookie dough" into squares. Spread "ice cream" on dough and make sandwiches. 

8. Place back in freezer for another 20-30 minutes.

9. Enjoy!

Recipe by Amber Castro 

Recipe of the day: The Strawberry Refresher

This is one of my favorite smoothies!  It's refreshing, light, and very easy to make! I swear it tastes like liquid candy but it's nutrient rich and full of antioxidants! 

The Strawberry Refresher 

Ingredients: 

 1 cup of fresh juiced red apples or apple juice not from concentrate 

1 cup of pineapple 

1 cup of frozen strawberries 

*you can use fresh strawberries, but if you use some frozen fruit you get a thicker texture (like Keva Juice) 

Directions: 

Place all ingredients in blender, blend, pour, and serve! 

I like to make a big batch and store whats leftover in my freezer,  in an airtight container (mason jar).  Whenever I'm craving something sweet, I'll substitute dessert with this smoothie! 

This smoothie is absolutely perfect for the warmer weather!

I hope you enjoyed this recipe! 

Xoxo 

Ashley