A cool drink on a hot day doesn't have to come from a can of carbonated corn syrup or a soda fountain. There has been so much already said about the health benefits of reducing or eliminating carbonated and sugary beverages from our diets that I don't really feel like I could say more to add to the conversation. I will simply say this - I have never been a soda drinker. I was raised on water or at the very worst Kool-Aid. The only reason my mom kept a few cans of Sprite or Coke around was for medicinal purposes (settling an upset stomach). I realize though that for some the love of soda is real! However, I will also say as a young teen I remember going to Warren's Burger Bar just to order a Grape Lime Rickey. The original Lime Rickey usually consists of soda water or a lemon lime or grape soda with a syrupy flavoring added in. But I didn't know or care what was in it then. It just tasted good. So, this Healthy Lime Rickey was a treat for my kids and brought back some good memories for me too. I'll show you guys the shortcut version and the slightly more labor intensive, yet healthiest version. Both ways taste great and is a huge step up health wise compared to the original.

We love the holidays don't we? The lights. The excitement. The food. Unfortunately, we live in a society that is pretty consumer driven with lots of preconceived notions about what you "have to have"  in order to experience the "perfect" holiday - Christmas or otherwise.Well, I'm attempting to slow down. Keep things simple. Experience my children and family, remembering the real reason for the season, and enjoy this beautiful time of year for all it's worth.I'm also trying to help my body do the same. Stress, refined sugars, and overeating can really put a lot of strain on our bodies. So, even though the weather outside is frightful, this Spiced Green Smoothie will be so delightful! (No? Doesn't work?) This smoothie is full of vitamins, protein, probiotics, fiber, and the spices of the season.

My CrossFit challenge is fast approaching the final challenge event and seeing the results from our 8 weeks of hard work. Finishing strong isn't just about what happens in the gym - diet is going to make a huge difference too. So I'm going to be doing lots of detox smoothies for the next week or so. Not only are smoothies great for weight-loss, but this one is also packed with immune boosting vitamins and minerals.This bad boy is a kick of vitamins and body purifying good stuff! I used my juicer for the carrots and oranges, or if you don't have one you can buy a bottle of Simply Orange juice and pure carrot juice.

Big juicy slices of watermelon and lemonade stands are more than just reminiscent of summer, these things are woven through nearly every summer memory.  So, I thought to myself, why not combine the two? Good idea :)Watermelon, juiced to make 1 quarts1 cup strawberries4-6 lemons, juiced1 lime, juicedenough water to fill pitcher to the 2 quarthoney or stevia to taste