#MySimpleChange: A Healthy New Year with JuicePlus+ [Sponsored]

Hello foodie friends!   I’m excited to share with you that over the course of the month, I will be documenting #MySimpleChange journey with Juice Plus+, showing easy ways to inspire you to live your healthiest life yet!  Whether it’s a new recipe, workout idea, or just a health tip, I hope you’ll enjoy learning how simple it is to make lasting changes for your health.

Besides getting familiar with the products (capsules, chewable and shakes), I really wanted to incorporate a few different things to change up my routine.  For reference, Juice Plus+ is whole food based nutrition, including juice powder concentrates from 30 different fruits, vegetables and grains. Juice Plus+ is made from quality ingredients from farm to capsule to provide natural nutrients your body needs to perform at its best.

Simple Change #1: Get Outside/Move on My Lunch Break

While I typically eat at my desk or eat between meetings and calls, I wanted to take dedicated time to enjoy getting outside in the beautiful sun and by the beach which is by my home (and that I don’t take enough advantage of).  I took a 5K run by the beach and it not only lifted my spirits, but helped boost my metabolism and kept me focused and creative for the rest of the day. Before running, I tried the Orchard Blend capsules – I felt energized throughout my run, and got a nice serving of fruits and veggies in easily on the go.

Simple Change #2: Eat Breakfast

I don’t always make time to eat breakfast or find a lack of inspiration for breakfast, so some times I end up skipping this most important meal of the day.  To change this, I opted to make the Dutch Chocolate shake with almond milk.  It was delicious (and I have tried a lot of powder shakes in the past) so I was pleasantly surprised.  It was a delightful morning treat and I also love the fact that it’s 100% vegan and there are no additives. I felt full until lunch and it took less than 5 minutes to make.

Simple Change #3: Take More “Me” Time on Sunday 

I really wanted to take more advantage of utilizing my Sunday for rest, relaxation and rejuvenation.  On Sunday I took a yoga workshop which allowed me to clear my head, set some great intentions and get my week started off on the right foot. It was great to have the chewables to snack on to keep my energy up throughout the 2-hour workshop.

I am looking forward to this week and sharing more simple changes with you!  Cheers to your health!

Disclosure: Juice Plus+ provided me with the products mentioned in exchange for this post.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

B is for Black Iron Burger Shop

When two of my friends said they were craving a burger and they wanted to go to the East Village/Alphabet City on Friday night, I knew I had to find something that was not only non cost-prohibitive, but that also stacked up in terms of good burgers (reference my previous post on my favorite burgers in the city; FYI: I would now add this place to my list).  With this in mind, I took to Google and NYMag.com, two of my favorite reference tools, and stumbled upon the Black Iron Burger Shop , 540 East 5th Street and Avenue B.

Black Iron Burger Shop is simple – cash only, bar stools and highboy tables, front and back page menus, napkins, ketchup and silverware to the side of each of the tables, and food served on aluminum foil – and there was just something perfect about the simplicity I enjoyed. The beer selections are all written on the mirror along the bar and they serve up a variety of specialty brews (and malts and shakes if you’re feeling non-brewsky).

Black Iron Burger Shop

I opted for the House Burger topped with their specialty horseradish cheddar and bacon, although our server noted house favorites include the Iron Burger which is topped with carmelized onions and the Black and Blue Burger with cajun seasoning and blue cheese (note: fries are a separate side order and I also highly recommend the onion rings and blue cheese dressing as a dipping option):

House Burger at Black Iron Burger Shop

Onion rings at Black Iron Burger Shop

In keeping with the alphabet, no B’s here – A for a job (not burger) well done.