ashley's 5 FAVORITES

BY ASHLEY SORNSIN

This month I’m bringing you my five favorites from new healthy recipes and workout tips, to my favorite new products and foods. Health and fitness is my passion, so I will always share some words of encouragement to help support you in choosing to live a fit and healthy lifestyle. My hope is that each one of you will find something that resonates with you. I believe that it is important as women to empower one another, lift each other up and encourage each other. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life, so it’s crucial to take time for yourself and nurture positive and encouraging relationships with other women. I hope you will feel encouraged and supported, knowing that each small step you take in choosing a healthy lifestyle, brings you that much closer to the healthiest you!

ashley’s ‘BUFF BAKERY’ recipe: MINT CHOCOLATE BUFF BITES

Makes 12 (approx. 100 calories each)

1 Cup oatmeal

2 scoops chocolate whey protein powder

3 Tbsp cocoa powder

½ Cup peanut butter

2 Tbsp honey

3-4 Tbsp water

½ tsp vanilla extract

¼ tsp pure peppermint extract

Optional: Drizzle with melted semi-sweet chocolate chips OR dip in semi-sweet chocolate and top with coconut (toss in green food coloring if desired).

Combine dry ingredients; combine wet ingredients; mix together. Using a medium-sized cookie scoop, form into 12 balls, aka bites.

FIT FOODIE FIND of the month

KALE — Although kale isn’t new on the block, many have yet to try it. Move over spinach, give kale a try, and simply add a handful to your smoothie, soup or salad. Due to the deep vibrant color of the leaves, it’s highly concentrated with nutrients and antioxidants that have many benefits for your body such as: Vitamin A to protect your eyes, Vitamin C for healthy skin (as well as an immune booster), Vitamin K for strong bones, and the list goes on and on. It’s also high in fiber, calcium, magnesium and omega 3’s. No wonder they call Kale a superfood!

FIT TIP: just move!

Think of ways you can move more throughout your day. Try these simple adjustments that add up to make a big difference:

Take the stairs (if you already do, then take them two at a time)

Park at the far end of the parking lot (just like the last mile is never crowded, neither is the end of the parking lot)

Stand up as often as you can (If you have a long phone call, stand up or better yet, walk around. Each of these fiveminute walks add up, you’ll be surprised!)

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