yulu

There is something about the new year that excites me and makes me want to just do better.  I love setting goals and figuring out how I can grow as a person.  I am so not ok with staying ‘as is.’ Oh Heaven help us all if I were ok with that! I have so much growing to do, but do you know how thankful I am to be alive to do that growing?  It is so cliché’ to say that God isn’t finished with me yet, but boy, do I rest in that truth.  He allows us a brand new day, a new morning, to get back up again and start anew.

New Mornings & Morning Routines

I am discovering a key way to stay strong and be ready for whatever life brings is to have a solid morning routine. I cannot tell you the difference this is making in my life.  I happened upon a life-changing podcast that introduced me to Hal Elrod and his book ‘The Miracle Morning.‘  I have been implementing his strategy the last 3 days and it is seriously blowing me away–yes, big change in just 3 days! Today I was up at 5:30 and how I spent my time during that extra hour and a half made the world of difference in my day.  Life even brought me a huge bump emotionally later in the morning, and because of the prep work I did early morning with getting my thoughts where they need to be, I was able to pick myself back up, realize what is in my power to change or not change, and move on with my day.  I will share my specific early morning routine in up coming posts, but for today I want to focus in on the simple routine I’ve implemented in the mornings to nourish my body.

Routine To Nourish My Body

1.before coffee.

2. Eat a nutrition-filled breakfast that includes a bit of protein.

3. Take Extra Vitamin D + Turmeric. (The rest of my supplements I take at night)

4. Early morning OR mid morning smoothie. (As breakfast or as a mid-morning snack)

Let’s talk smoothie.

It is amazing how many nutrients one can pack into a smoothie.  Fruits, veggies, leafy greens, superfood, and even oats or nuts. I have been adding yogurt to my smoothies because yogurt has amazing probiotics in it.  This makes me especially happy because I am on a big probiotic kick.  Why? Because gut health effects brain health, and gut health starts with balanced flora which is what probiotics help do.

Although I limit dairy, I don’t hesitate to add yogurt to my day due to its amazing probiotic content. By adding it to my  routine of morning smoothies, it knocks out #2 & #4 above. Another plus is it gives my body a great dose of protein!  It is amazing how much longer I feel full when I have a bit of protein for breakfast.

Hello Yulu. Goodbye Greek.

My new favorite brand of yogurt is called Yulu.

I have never been a big fan of the sour taste of yogurt.  I’m a bit picky with my yogurt, as I prefer it to be creamy, but not as thick as Greek yogurt. Greek yogurt tends to be an “acquired taste,” as it is quite tangy, so I have stayed away from it.

Yulu is an Aussie-style yogurt that is made here in the USA.  It is double-smoothed and double-creamed, so it was a whole new yogurt experience for me.  It is not too thick or not too thin. It does not have the too-sour quality that is found in Greek yogurt. I think it tastes divine.

It comes in a container that is see-thru, which I thought was pretty cool and is a clear sign of the honest company that it is.    The ingredient list made me smile as they use real fruit, fruit juice and even vegetable juices for color and flavor– so no artificial colors– and it there is 9 grams of protein in each cup.

If you want to know more about Yulu, you can check out at yuluyogurt.com or follow them Facebook or Instagram.  You can also check out all their Aussie style ‘pinspiration’ at their pinterest boards.  Keep in mind that Yulu is a new product on the market, so check their site for locations & availability in your area.

Morning Vitamin C, Antioxidant, and Protein Monster

I must to tell you about this new smoothie creation that I have been crushing on.

I call it my Morning Cranberry -Orange Creamsicle Smoothie & it is a vitamin C, antioxidant & protein Monster!

I stock up on Cranberries when they are in season, because they are so good and so healthful.  I love combining them with the flavor of orange and a hint of cinnamon.  This smoothie recipe does just that and  is extra creamy thanks to Yulu yogurt and the addition of a banana.

This smoothie is really special and delicious.  Special enough to be served in fluted champagne glasses on Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s or Valentine’s morning.  Or you could just do what I do and fill up these cute little bottles, pop on a lid, store in the refrigerator and have them ready to go for the morning.  I’m not sure how long they last in the refrigerator.  I have stored yogurt filled smoothies up to 3 days and they keep their deliciousness.  My kids get to them so fast that they never have been around for longer than that!

Morning Cranberry Orange Creamsicle Smoothie

1 cup fresh raw cranberries

1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (or a whole orange if you have a high-powered blender)

1 banana

1/2 to 1 cup milk of your choice

1 container honey or vanilla flavoed Yulu brand yogurt

3-4 Medjool dates (or other sweetener of your choice. Only use dates if you have a high-powered blender)

1-2 tsp orange zest

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 cup ice

pinch salt (preferably sea salt)

Add all ingredients to blender and blend until creamy.

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What about you?

Do you do smoothies for breakfast? Do you have a morning routine?  Do you wake up just in the amount of time needed to get out the door or do you give yourself extra time?  Do you like the idea of a less tart, new creamy- textured yogurt?

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Yulu. The opinions and text are all mine.