Make May Amazing + this month’s challenge!
I can’t believe it’s May already! So many exciting things on the way: Cinco de Drinko Mayo and Meg and Kyle’s wedding! I’ve been picturing Livi on the dance floor for at least 8 months now, and it’s finally almost here. Any tips for avoiding the dinosaur cry while I watch the ceremony? I’m going to be up there bawling my face off.
May is the perfect time to figure out early fall fitness events, start training, enjoy outdoor activities and picnic. I hope that those of you in school are enjoying the end of the semester- your summer break is almost here!
Here are some ways to add some *amazing* into an already great month:
-Take your pet for a little TLC. Last week, I took Bella with me to get dog food later at night. The Pilot was at home giving Livi her bedtime bath and story, and on the way back from Petco, Bella and I passed the park. I made a U-turn and pulled into the parking lot. It’s been a long time since I’ve taken Bell to the dog park and needless to say, she was ecstatic. She got to chase the big dogs along the fence, played with a chubby chihuahua named Squirt, and we walked the loop twice. I felt like she was smiling the rest of the night. Even though we walk Bella and Caroline regularly -ok, Caro rides in the BOB with Livi- I’m going to plan at least two more dog park dates with Bella this month. I think Caro might like it, too.
-Check your SPF. It’s important to wear SPF daily ALL year, but take extra caution to protect yourself from the sun’s rays. A little Vitamin D is always nice, but be sure to wear sunscreen and a hat to keep your skin healthy and youthful. It’s also a good time to check out any suspicious moles to have them checked out by a doc. The Pilot has a mole on his forehead that I’ve been harassing him to get checked; this month will be the month.
-Kick or start a new habit. Write down a personal goal that you want to change this month. If you’re a smoker, here’s my mama-like push to try and quit. My friend Gena has an amazing post about when she quit smoking if you want to check it out. Want to start a new habit, like putting together your lunch or gym clothes each night before bed? Give it a whirl for at least a week and see how great it feels. If you feel like sharing, let me know what your personal goal is in the comments section!
-Try out a new lip gloss. Spring is always a fun time to freshen up your makeup routine, and I love this post the Meg did on lip stains. My current favorite is the LUSH tinted lip balm- it smells lovely and gives the perfect amount of color.
-Treat yourself to a new lightweight workout tank. Soft tech material is always a good choice, especially if you like super sweaty and/or outdoor workouts. Reebok, lululemon, Target and Old Navy all have some fantastic warm weather tanks.
-Pump up your strength training plan! If you haven’t changed up your fitness routine, the time is YESTERDAY. Remember that our bodies are intelligent machines- if you demand the same thing, it will kick into cruise control and you will get the same result from your work. Insanity is doing the same thing and expecting different results, right? Same goes with strength training. Great news, too! Summer Shape Up starts May 27th- buckle up!
-Join us for this month’s challenge: a smoothie a day in May! Fresh juice counts, too 🙂 Juices and smoothies are an awesome way to get in a huge dose of nutrients, plus they’re super refreshing in the warmer months. For some of my favorite smoothie recipes, check out this post, and Gena has a fantastic roundup of juice recipes here. You can also make a batch of smoothie packs for the week. Please be sure to check in each day with your creation (leave a comment below or tweet/Instragram @fitnessista #smoothieaday #eatlikeapro). The person who stands out with the most check-ins will win a prize. I’m not sure what it is yet, but I promise to make it awesome 😉
What are you looking forward to this May? Who’s joining in the smoothie challenge??
xoxo
Gina
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Excited for this month too!
Setting lots of healthy goals.
I always love your first of the month tips! Thanks! I was just thinking about how I want a smoothie! Time to put some bananas in the freezer. 🙂
Would love to join the smoothie challenge however we are PCSing and will be driving across country this month. Any tips on getting healthy smoothies on the go? I find that a lot of smoothie chains use syrups or other unhealthy ingredients.
i find that jamba juice is a usually a good option!
Yes! They also can change things around as you want them in your smoothie. They can substitute for other delicious items. I also love that they squeeze most of their juices!!!
Well I completed Day 1 of smoothie/juice month and didn’t even know about this! haha 🙂 I had a fresh (not canned) mandarin orange, apple, ginger and spinach juice this morning! yummmm.
I really need to invest in a good quality blender. I’ve been using the bullet one, but sometimes it doesn’t do the job. I want to start trying spinach in my smoothies.
Thanks for this! I was thinking on my way to work this morning about the fact that I need to really set goals and commit. I’ve been too wishy-washy with a “good” meal here and a workout there, but I know a lifestyle change needs to become a part of my daily routine. Count me in for the smoothies! I will be goal-setting today. 🙂
Where is that pink top you’re wearing from? I love the back!
Looks like the flow and go tank from lululemon
that’s it- thanks, ali!
SO excited for the month of May! I have a bunch of things happening, and I couldn’t be more happy.
Nervous but excited.
I always love these challenges for the month.
I’ve been trying to get in a smoothie a day, but now I really want a juicer, especially for Summer!
Gina – would love to know where you got that awesome looking orange tank you are wearing in one of the photos above!
here’s the link: http://shop.lululemon.com/products/clothes-accessories/women-tanks/Flow-And-Go-Tank-II?cc=7208&skuId=3491270&catId=women-tanks 🙂
My birthday was last week, and I bought myself a subcription to Yogadownload.com. It’s been 5 days since I’ve replaced my evening facebook/blog/email time with yoga time, and I already feel such a difference! The interwebz can wait until morning just fine, I’ve been sleeping much better and having less back pain. Definitely a habit I hope to continue!
I’m also a chronic late-night snacker. I’m going to try a modified Intermittant Fast, maybe not 16 hours, but starting with 12. Finishing dinner by six and breakfast at 6 or 7 is totally doable.
I love May! It’s so warm where I live but not too hot. There is always a lot of stuff going on Cinco de Mayo/Memorial Day weekend I usually have fun things planned with friends!
I have been waiting for you May post since last night! I am so excited for May and to start a new life plan!
I did one of you Tabata’s today and it inspired me so much that I decided to make a major life change, get into shape and live my life for me! Thank you so much for your daily posts!
I had a almond banana smoothie with protein powder this morning for a quick breakfast! I am downing water like a beast as well!
I needed this happy inspiring post this morning! Thanks!
I had an excellent smoothie this morning! Frozen mango, Greek yogurt, spinach, orange juice, and flax seed. Yummy, and enough left for a snack later.
I will work out this month. I will. 3 days a week, I will do something in addition to my normal everyday activity. Maybe putting it here and having accountability will help… tired of being the chubby one 🙁
Yay for may, my birthday month!! My goal for this month is to cut out dessert after every meal and limit it to one after dinner 🙂 I crave dessert after every meal and I guess that’s just a bit too much.
where is that adorable tank top from? i am in love with the back!
thank you! lululemon
Spring has finally arrived in WI! It’s so much easier to make healthy active changes when it’s not freezing and gloomy outside! Time to get back into the smoothie habit too!
Love this post. I already do a smoothie a day and love it. I’m in.
Also, for the SPF goal…..
I know you love less toxic products so what is a less toxic SPF you use or would recommend?
Thank u
Also, any SPF recommendations for the face? I’m tan and some of those with titanium dioxide leave me with a white ashy cast. No fun!
My fave smoothie right now is vanilla protein powder, one banana, milk and ice cubes. Yum. Just like a banana milkshake!
I use this and I love it!:
http://www.origins.com/product/3824/10350/Bath-Body/Star-Collection/A-Perfect-World/A-Perfect-World-SPF-25/Age-defense-moisturizer-with-White-Tea/index.tmpl
i use kiss my face- it’s my favorite all-natural brand 🙂
Such an inspiring post!
Lots of health & fitness goals for May, as well as career stuff!
Enjoy NH!
I am looking forward to Spring in the midwest and being able to go for more walks outside with our pup! Smoothies are making their way back into my meal planning more and more now that the weather is getting warmer. My favorite:
1 tbsp almond butter
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
1 banana
1 tsp coffee grounds
a few ice cubes
YUM!
I remember doing this challenge least year, so excited you’re bringing it back! Will definitely be joining in 🙂
Love this post! I will definitely be joining in the smoothie a day challenge! Every time it gets warmer out, I always crave fresh juices and home made smoothies. yummm!!
Love the peach tank! Where’s it from??
thank you! it’s from lululemon http://shop.lululemon.com/products/clothes-accessories/women-tanks/Flow-And-Go-Tank-II?cc=7208&skuId=3491270&catId=women-tanks
I know it’s not super specific but I set a goal for myself to try at least 2 new things this month. Since I don’t have very specific parameters for my goal I’m excited to see what it brings!
Love the smoothie a day in May challenge! I have been craving fruits lately in smoothie form so hopefully I will be able to keep up with this one 🙂 Can’t wait for SSU!!
I love that picture of Bella! And I’m excited to step up lots of healthy eating habits. I have a little over 2 months to my wedding!
I’m so excited to do the May Smoothie A Day Challenge!
Making my smoothie today postworkout! Banana, spinach, strawberry, ginger and lemon!
Some great tips to make May great! Excited to tune in with the Summer Shape and get new inspiration for workouts! Thanks for keeping it real! Enjoy the wedding, and wear water proof mascara. 🙂
Hey, chica! My dad just had SIX, yes, SIX heart bypasses. After they took him off the vent in ICU, his first whispery words were, “Please don’t ever smoke.” I’ll never forget it. Ever. Scariest moment of my life was waiting for that doc to come out. He’s doing well and surprising everyone. No more smoking!
omggggggg. so glad to hear he’s doing well <3
Great goals!! I think now that the weather has broke, we’ll for sure need to take our pup on more trips to the dog park 🙂 I’m so excited to add some more smoothies back into my life. I’ve been freezing them on Sundays and grabbing one a day for an afternoon snack at work. SO nice to enjoy them again in the sun!!!
I started May with a Green smoothie for breakfast! Almond milk, frozen blueberries, frozen mango, a handful of walnuts, 2 handfuls of baby kale and honey.
I’ve been having a Chocolate Cherry Green Smoothie (via Detoxinista) for the 2nd week now for breakfast. Yum. I am all over this challenge!
Yay, I can actually join in this challenge! I just started juicing a few weeks ago. My juice for today was cucumber, romaine, kale, parsley, rainbow chard, apple, lemon.
I love this list! I recently splurged on some Lululemon workout gear and I have to say, it’s definitely worth it. I’m also OBSESSED with that Lush lip balm…along with all their other products 😉
I love this as well!!! I am going to try and do some new strength training for my arms this month!!! I want them to look extra nice in my tanks! I will try and do the smoothie a day challenge. HAPPY MAY!
A smoothy a day, great idea! Such a good way for me to get some greens in! My goal for May is to lose 5% of my body weight. Along with being more consistent with weight training, and actually training for a race. Big plans, big month!
Very stoked about my mom’s birthday weekend, warm weather/sun and kayaking on the lake with the hubby!
Definitely gonna join the juice/smoothie a day challenge 🙂 Love the super green smoothie and peanut butter banana smoothie–my faves 🙂
I have a few goals in the works, but I am really excited about the idea of smoothie-a-day May!
I’m 2 for 2 on smoothie a day! Breakfast smoothie: spinach, unsweetened vanilla almond milk, vanilla sun warrior, frozen mixed berries, almond butter, ground flax. And post workout I’m just about to enjoy a fresh juice: beet/blueberry/apple/spinach. Yay May!
Where is that super cute coral tank from!?
lululemon 🙂 http://shop.lululemon.com/products/clothes-accessories/women-tanks/Flow-And-Go-Tank-II?cc=7208&skuId=3491270&catId=women-tanks
my second ever half marathon is this month, and my first duathlon this weekend. eek! So that is exciting, and hopefully a few other amazing things are in store for me, but those are secret for now.
My husband and I have been having two green smoothies a day since New Years Day. It helped me shed my baby weight to get me back to my pre-pregnancy weight. I’d love to see some other people’s smoothie creations tho for new ideas and share some of my own. 🙂
I have to EAT for this challenge? Okay.
I had to check twice when I woke up today and my phone told me it was May 1st. Not only because we’re supposed to get snow tomorrow (UGH) but because that means that summer is technically officially here and there are all kinds of cool body bootcamps and summer programs popping up in the blog world! Unfortunately, we’re still 27 days away from my favorite program 😉
Please share if you get any good anti-dinosaur tears advice! I’m getting married in exactly four months and I need to know how to not sob at the alter 🙂
Was just finishing a smoothie as I read this post! (frozen mixed berries, spinach, protein powder and almond milk). Good timing!
I love May! I’m also very excited for this month to be beginning 🙂 I won’t commit to a smoothie everyday- but I will definitely be upping my intake of both fresh, homemade juices and smoothies.
My husband and I are starting tomorrow and going to wake up early and workout before we go to work (or internship rotations/graduate class for me), we are hoping it turns into our normal routine
Love the smoothie a day idea, especially since I pretty much devour one every morning anyway! Motivation to come up with some new concoctions =)