Golden Mik: Simple Ingredients with Extraordinary Benefits

Calling my health conscious Gleaux Goddesses! Recently, I have added golden milk (some refer to it as golden tea) to my drinking regimen. I knew immediately I wanted to share this recipe with you because it is packed with many health benefits and healing properties.

The fact that this healthy concoction tastes great too, I can't wait for you to share in my excitement!

The main ingredient in this drink is turmeric. Turmeric, which contains curcumin, exhibits over 150 potentially therapeutic activities.

Benefits:
- Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiseptic, analgesic
- Promotes digestive health
- Boosts immunity
- Regulates metabolism and weight
- Anticarcinogen
- Improves Memory and Cognitive Function
- Helps to improve Blood Pressure
- Helps to improve Triglycerides
- Helps with sleep
- GLEAUXing skin

Ingredients:
2 cups of milk. Almond or Coconut
1 tsp organic ground turmeric
1/4 tsp organic ground ginger powder
1/2 tsp organic ground cinnamon
1 tsp organic honey or maple syrup
pinch of ground black pepper (optional)

Instructions:
Place all ingredients into a small pot and heat for 3 to 5 minutes until hot, but not boiling.
Pour into your favorite cup and Enjoy!!


So, instead of pulling out a bottle of wine the next time you are trying to unwind from the day, make a cup of golden milk instead.

Let me know what you think in the comments. XOXO

Is YOUR Protein Powder safe?

Did you favorite protein make the list? Click below to find out?

https://www.chrisbeatcancer.com/plant-based-protein-powders-contain-arsenic-mercury-cadmium-lead/

Set SMARTer Goals for GLEAUXing Results

It’s a new year! And if you are a GLEAUXgetter, being a better version of yourself is on the top of your list. According to a recent study, “being a better person” and “weight loss” share the top spot as 2018’s most popular New Year’s resolution. Additionally, “exercising more” and “eating healthier” also tops the list when speaking with clients, co-workers, and friends.

Unfortunately, most resolutions will fail by February. Don't let this be you. To stick to your goals, make them SMARTer.

A SMART Goal

The SMART method of goal setting is based on the following acronym of principles that will help you set a clear and achievable goal that will increase your likelihood of success:

Specific: Target a certain behavior. It should be clear and easy to understand.
example: I will lose weight by counting calories and eating healthier food using help from a weight-loss app.

Measurable: Quantify or at least suggest an indicator of progress.
example: I will, on average, eat X calories a day.

Attainable: Make sure you have enough time and resources to achieve your goal.
example: With an intake of X calories a day, I will lose weight in a sustainable healthy pace for my size.

Realistic: State what results can realistically be achieved, given available resources.
example: I’m gonna allow myself to have a cheat meal once per week. I have taken this into account in my realistic weight goal of Y pounds.

Timely: Specify when the result(s) can be achieved.
example: I will reach my goal in ____ weeks.

You deserve to give yourself more than just wishful thinking in 2018. Don't forget to make the process Enjoyable and Rewarding!

Get-Up and GLAEUX Proat Bars!!

The Get-Up & Gleaux Proat Bars

I have to admit, I am THE WORST when it comes to eating breakfast during the week.  My alarm sounds at 4:50a (coupled by two snooze button sessions) and I'm up by 5am. I make sure to allot myself enough time to workout, shower, and get my kids together and then it's out the door. Unfortunately, although I'm an early riser, usually before sunrise, my breakfast is usually a cup of coffee and snacking on trail mix at my desk. 

Recently, one of my all time favorite protein bars changed up their ingredients, calling into question how 'clean' of an eat they really are. I decided to try my hand at making my own, which are protein and oatmeal (proat) based. These can be tweaked to your personal liking..making it a win for the entire family! Next time, I plan to add berries,. And after that, chocolate chips! 

Get-Up & GLEAUX Proat Bars

Ingredients:

- 2 cups old fashioned oats

- 1 banana

- 1/2 cup walnuts

- handful of raisins

- 1 teaspoon honey, and vanilla extract

- dash of cinnamon and nutmeg

- 1/2 cup almond milk

- 1 cup whey isolate protein

Directions:

Mix/mash all ingredients in a mixing bowl.

Grease baking pan and pour mixture in. Bake at 350 for approx 25-30 minutes.

Once baked, allow to cool in the fridge. Cut into squares, bag, and refrigerate.  Enjoy!

Glitter & Gleaux Smoothies!

If you're anything like thousands of Americans, a plate of fruit and veggies, just isn't your thing. 

Smoothies provide you with essential vitamins and minerals. They are an easy way to nourish your body with much needed nutrients. The best way to know the exact ingredients in your smoothie is to make them yourself. All you need is a blender!

I remember when my favorite fruit smoothie place decided to go GREEN! It was like heaven sent. Because I prefer a green smoothie in the morning, to ensure I'm getting my daily intake of veggies, there was no excuse to skipping my greens in the event I didn't prepare ahead of time.
I pinned the date to my calendar, alarm and all, to the day green smoothies would be added to the menu. When the day arrived, I left home a few minutes early to make sure I had enough time before work, surely the whole world was just as excited as me, right? As I ordered my smoothie, and the young lady began to prepare it, I quickly realized this wasn't what I was expecting. Most of the ingredients was fruit juice! FRUIT JUICE people!!!! I should have kindly canceled my order and bolted out there, but it was of no fault of the young lady in taking her time to prepare. I felt I had a cup full of SUGAR, and other toxic ingredients (we'll discuss during another topic) and ended up giving it to the first co-worker who wanted it.

Needless to say, it's situations like this that I want to make people aware. Nothing is worse than someone making a conscious decision to make healthier eating choices, yet they are getting duped. We've all been a victim! And often times, choosing healthier on menus equates to more money out your wallet.

The best way to truly control what you're consuming, is to make it yourself. Planning ahead is a sure fire way to meet your goals quicker and stay on track. While there will be instances when you're on the road and need to get something quick, make it the exception and not the norm as most do. I'll admit, for a long time, my short-coming was my lunch because I simply did not plan ahead or pack my lunch. When my lunch hour came, I would jump in my car and decide while driving what I would eat, devour it, and feel guilty the rest of the day. And repeat the next day! Not planning definitely put a dent in my waistline and wallet. 

I'm sharing my favorite Glitter & Gleaux GREEN and PROTEIN smoothie so that you can stay on track. Enjoy!


Glitter & Gleaux Green Smoothie
- 2 cups kale ( about a handful)
- 2 stalks of celery
- 1 cucumber
- 1 banana
- 1 apple
- 1 pear
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (optional)
- 1-2 cups filtered water. (personally, I don't like a lot of water and will add towards the end, depending on the thickness).

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a blender. 
2. Blend until smooth or to your desired texture.
3. Pour into your favorite mason jar or glass. Enjoy!!
*Will last up to 2.5-3 days in refrigerator.

Glitter & Gleaux Protein Smoothie
- 1 banana
- 1 cup blackberry and raspberry
- 2 scoops protein vanilla protein
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tsp maca powder (optional)
- 1 cup crushed ice
- 2 cups water

Directions:
1. Pour all ingredients into a blender, starting with the frozen ingredients first.
2. Blend until smooth or to your desired texture.
3. Pour into your favorite mason jar or glass. Enjoy!!

10 PUSH-UP Varaitions. C'mon YOU can do it!

Hey Gleaux-Getters! Push-Ups can provide a dynamite upper-body workout all by itself. The best part, the only thing needed is YOU... no equipment needed.  The benefits are numerous and they help to strengthen chest muscles, triceps, shoulders, back, and engages the core. Some may shy away from this very effective exercise because they aren't able to do a standard one. If taking a push-up all the way to the floor is too difficult, scale back to a modified push-up on your knees or a wall push-up. Remember the video of Al Sharpton circulating doing table push-ups? While he was the joke of the day and made for a good laugh, I was like, 'Al betta do it!' Besides, they are the perfect way to pump out a few push-ups during office hours. So, before you grab that sweater or scarf in that cold office building, try a few push-ups to get your blood flowing to warm you up. You will have your Michelle Obama arms in no time!

Below are a few variations of push-ups to meet you where you are. If you are really feeling big and bad, jump ahead to variations 5-10. 

1. Off the Wall
This is the first step on the path to push-up dominance. It’s basically a standing push-up done against a wall, which greatly reduces the amount of weight the muscles have to support. Great for beginners are while at work.
2. Off a Table
Alright Al Sharpton! The trick to building up to a standard push-up is to start from the wall and gradually get more horizontal. Push off of a table or chair on your way down, and you’ll be there in no time.
3. On the Knees
Although referenced as a girl push-up often, make no mistake there's nothing girlie about an on the knees push-up. This is identical to a regular push-up, but performed on the hands and knees, with the feet raising off the ground as the push-up goes to the floor. This takes a lot of the work away from the abs and legs, making it a great way to practice for the real thing.
4. Standard
The most fundamental bodyweight exercises on earth. Treat the push-up with respect, and it’ll be a friend for life. I honestly think we all should bout out 10 per day to keep the body strong!
5. Shoulder Tap
This is great for all the same reasons as the hand tap push-up, but it’s a slightly longer hold that’s better for improving balance.
6. Hand Tap
Pause at the top of the push-up and use one hand to give the other a friendly tap. Switch hands with each rep. That brief pause helps improve balance and makes the exercise more isometric, which is a great way to boost strength.
7. Rotational
This involves rotating the body into a side plank when the push-up is completed, holding the upper arm straight in the air so that the body resembles a "T." This works the shoulders and oblique muscles while also helping to improve balance.

  
 8. Single-Arm Raised
It’s all about isometrically strengthening the stabilizer muscles, and by sweeping the arm out in front at the top of the extension, this variation makes it much more difficult to balance, so the core gets a nice workout.
 
9. Single-Leg Raised
This isn’t as crazy as it sounds! Perform a push-up, but extend one leg off of the ground so that it’s parallel with the floor. This adds some extra instability and recruits your abs for extra balance.


  
 10. Spiderman
This push-up brings out your creepy crawly side: Bring one knee up the side of the body toward the elbow during the “down” portion. This squeezes the obliques and will improve balance. Keep the knee in the same spot for a few reps before switching sides or bring it forward and back for each push-up.

Mashed Cauliflower! Where have you been all my Life?

Mashed potatoes has been my go-to comfort food ever since I can remember. So when a colleague raved about her mashed cauliflower being just as tasty, but with half the calories and carb content, I had to try it out. And, let me tell you...it did not disappoint.

Try it out. It's the real deal!

Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil.
2. Add cauliflower and cook until tender, approx. 10 minutes.
3. Transfer cauliflower to a food processor.
4. Add butter, salt, garlic, and parsley.
5. Puree until smooth.

You can also mash your cauliflower with a potato masher. Enjoy!

Potato vs. Cauliflower
Nutrition Facts Calories in Potato   Serving Size: 1cup Amount Per Serving   Calories 113   Total Fat 0  g       Saturated Fat 0  g       Polyunsaturated Fat 0  g       Monounsaturated Fat 0  g   Cholesterol 0  mg   Sodium 6  mg   Potassium 477  mg   Total Carbohydrate 26  g       Dietary Fiber 2  g       Sugars 2  g   Protein 2  g	Nutrition Facts Calories in Cauliflower   Serving Size: 1cup Amount Per Serving   Calories 25   Total Fat 0  g       Saturated Fat 0  g       Polyunsaturated Fat 0  g       Monounsaturated Fat 0  g   Cholesterol 0  mg   Sodium 30  mg   Potassium 303  mg   Total Carbohydrate 5  g       Dietary Fiber 3  g       Sugars 2  g   Protein 2  g