The month of April has gotten away from me. Can life possibly whizz by any faster?

I'm sure you've been on the edge of your chairs wondering about my April challenge. This month I have done two: one for the physical and one for the mental. Of course the boundaries tend to overlap. Life is mushy.

Mental:

Once again, I have dusted off my gratitude journal. Each evening after dinner or close to that time, I list three things I am grateful for or loved about the day. I chose this challenge because I have been wanting to get back in the gratitude journal habit. I have managed a 100% track record thus far this month. I decided to use dinner as my trigger. Triggers help create and reinforce habits. For example, wake up in the morning, brush your teeth. Only in my house, sometimes Kyle has first priority over brushing my teeth, but I try.

Previously, I tried to write in the gratitude journal before going to sleep. There I was with my journal and pen, tucked into bed, often tired with a husband who was anxious to turn off the light. I would rush through it failing to savor the flavor. Part of the fun of recording gratitude is reflecting on the day and appreciating. After dinner, when I still have mental energy has been a better time.

Physical:

The Green Smoothie Challenge. Yes, you read that correctly. Green and Smoothie absolutely go together. I had support and encouragement from SimpleGreenSmoothies.com .They have been running an April Challenge complete with recipes and themes for each week.

I am thoroughly enjoying this challenge. OK, I admit to being somewhat of a freak about food, but I do get excited about this stuff. I've had an underused Vitamix for the last 20 years. It's the Mercedes of blenders and can turn anything into a delicious smoothie.  A few months ago, at a book event, I talked to a raw foods gal at a neighboring booth. She changed her life, turned her health around, by going raw. And a big part of that rawness involved green smoothies. I had dabbled only minimally before this. I was so inspired by her, I bought her cookbook and have been on my own green smoothie journey ever since. My daughter Rachel introduced me to Simple Green Smoothies on Instagram. Yup, us smoothie freaks like to take photos of our magic drinks. They are so pretty.. sometimes. But even the ugly ones usually taste good as long as you avoid turnip greens.

Here's what they are and why they are so lovable and good for you too.

From http://simplegreensmoothies.com/about, an online resource for rawesome people who want to learn how to blend healthy green smoothies that taste really good.

By introducing more leafy greens into your diet, you will reap the benefits of phytonutrients, antioxidants, and essential vitamins and minerals. In other words— green smoothies will rock your body.

Whether you find yourself being a victim of the Standard American Diet (keeping your body undernourished with empty calories), or you wish to adapt a clean-eating lifestyle, Simple Green Smoothies can help you add this one insanely healthy habit into your daily life.

Green Smoothies are a simple way to incorporate large amounts of greens into your diet. Did you know that leafy greens have more valuable nutrients than any other food group? They contain high-quality amino acids, important minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, and beneficial phytochemicals (plant-based chemicals also known as phytonutrients). Phytochemicals keep your body's immune system and body functioning properly, improve health and longevity, and may reduce life- threatening diseases.

5 REASONS WE LOVE GREEN SMOOTHIES

1. Natural energy booster


2. Natural weight loss drink


3. Simple way to boost your immune system


4. Full of disease-fighting antioxidants


5. Hands down— The best fast food

"One of the most delicious and nutritious superfoods in a cup." — Underground Health Reporter

What are green smoothies and what's in them?

We know how hard it can be to get in the daily recommended dose of leafy greens— and we believe green smoothies are the answer. These plant-based drinks are packed with leafy greens, fruits and a liquids... and they taste delicious!

Simple Green Smoothie recipes are easy to make: all you need is a blender, some leafy greens, fruit and water. Incorporating spinach, kale and other super greens into smoothies is a simple way to give your body nutrients it craves.

I have discovered that Kyle absolutely LOVES a green smoothie in the morning. I almost have to fight him for the last few drops. Since water is his normal drink, they are an extra special treat and I love knowing he leaves the house loaded with really good nutrition.

Don't like green veggies too much? I can almost guarantee you will like green smoothies anyway. I know, I know, I sound like an advertisement, but I am enthusiastic.  If you are living with a kiddo with autism, or just plain living, your body needs nourishment for this journey. Dust off the blender and give it a go.

30 green smoothies in 30 days

30 gratitude journal entries in 30 days

Life is good, yes?