Will green smoothies help?

Happy December everyone! 

Snow is on the ground and the sun is setting by 5:00! Woohooo Nothing like wearing 3 layers of pants and 5 layers of sweaters to take your dog for a walk....WINTER IS HERE FOLKS! 

So I've noticed in recent days that some of my sweaters no longer fit. I'm 100% positive this has something to do with my increased intake of cookies, cakes, and cupcakes, and my decreased desire to do anything outside of my house (it's cold out there people). 

I've heard a lot about the wonders of green smoothies decreasing appetite because you've got your fill of vitamins and stuff, and hence weight loss. Since I'm not big on taking things out of my diet (just makes me want it more), I thought it wouldn't hurt me to add something healthy and filling instead! 

Here's the first few days...

Day 1. 

Avocado, cucumber, Silk soy milk, kale

As a first green smoothie, I decided to be conservative with my serving size. I didn't want to hate it and have this all fail. 

Luckily, this was DELICIOUS! Unluckily, I was starving about 30 minutes after I had the smoothie, and absolutely needed to inhale some real food.

Day 2. 

Apple, avocado, water, lemon, kale. 

Woke up with lots of energy today! I made a bigger smoothie this time to see if I could fill up for longer...nope... hungry again in 30-40 minutes. 

Day 3. 

Still waking up with lots of energy. 

I made the same recipe as yesterday to simplify things. I think I could really start to like this drink. It's definitely not a meal replacement yet for me, but I could try adding some higher protein things...

Day 4. 

I was nearly late for work, so I had no time to sit and enjoy this smoothie (it was more of a gulp and go kind of morning). 

Again, still waking with lots of energy. I may have to start changing up my ingredients soon. I'm getting tired of this apple-y taste.

Anyone out there tried green smoothies? What's your verdict?

"Why Women Should Not Run" - Dude Unleashed Hordes of Angry Runners on Himself

If you haven't checked out the article, "Why Women Should Not Run", you should!

But before you delve in, be aware:

- the science is still inconclusive (as with many exercise-related things)
- the citations are dog-poop-relevant (and THAT'S a scientific term!)
- the anecdotal evidence is, in my opinion, unrealistic (Who has time to run 20+ hrs a week?! GAH!!)

My favourite part is reading the hundreds of angry comments from runners, most of whom don't run for fat loss, but for enjoyment, fitness, or for the sheer challenge of it.

And because I can, here are a few personal thoughts on the claims the article makes...

1) The article says weight lifting and HIIT is healthier than long distance running.
One of the things I love best about running is that anyone can do it. It doesn't require money, equipment (unless you want these) or expertise. All you need is a pair of shoes and the outdoors. The only competitor is yourself. The only person judging is yourself. Articles like this insist that I must join a gym ($$) and perform in front of a bunch of strong-looking, intimidating people with heavy objects (I prefer to suck at exercise without people watching me). Or, I must do Tabatas or sprints until the burn makes me cry. I don't like either option.

2) The article claims that running will suppress my thyroid.
But thyroid hormones depend on so many things, like general stress levels, lifestyle, and genetics. Sure excessive exercise MIGHT suppress my thyroid, but everyone's threshold for thyroid suppression is different: where you might be able to run 100 000 miles without thyroid suppression, others can only run one. Until I reach MY threshold for excessive exercise leading to thyroid suppression, why can't I run again?

3) Running will make me fat.
If I even believed that claim, why is fat bad? People come in all shapes and sizes. As long as you are healthy, able and fit, why does it matter how much fat you carry? Plus I need my fat to keep me warm, have boobs and make babies, all of which is more important than being super skinny.

OK, I'm done. End Rant.

Any thoughts?