O yes… I made it!! I’ve mentioned a few times that I was really pushing to make it to 6am yoga, well this morning I DID IT!!

  

                                               Before Class                                         After Class

Recently my wake-up time has been getting later and later. I used to wake up everyday at 5:30 to workout before work, but over the last few months my wake up time has been creeping to 7:30-8:00. This usually pushes me to get my workouts in around lunchtime or in the evening. Well not anymore… I’m working to get back on track! There is just something about completing your workout before your day gets started… it makes you feel glorious!!

That being said yesterday’s workout was a late one and upon arriving home I wanted a quick throw-together kind of meal so I took out this package of mixed veggies from Trader Joe’s.

I tossed the veggies in some olive oil, salt, pepper, and cayenne, then put them on the skillet. I topped it with a diced up Trader Joe’s veggie burger for some protein! Let me tell you I had high expectations for this quick meal, but it was less-than-stellar. In fact it was a total botch… the squash and carrots took so much longer than everything else to cook and I ended up just eating the veggie burger and some toast.

I wasn’t exactly satisfied so I made a quick trip to Menchies, a fro yo spot just up the street and treated myself to a nice cup of creamy deliciousness. I was in an indecisive mood and couldn’t decide between fruity and chocolatey indulgence…so I went for BOTH! This is why I love self-serve. I picked a swirl of berry, one of watermelon and then I spotted Dulce de Leche. I think next time I’ll just be getting a huge cup of Dulce de Leche thank you very much. I topped the fruity portion with some kiwis, mochi and chocolate chips with sprinkles. I left the Dulce de Leche swirl alone except for a few carob chips. Boy o boy, this was fantastic and typing this now is just making me crave another one!

Now onto our weeklong series regarding my smoothie ingredient list. The first one to tackle… Bee Pollen.

Yes, you read that correctly… BEE POLLEN! This pollen has been packed into granules by bees with added honey or agave.

Bee Pollen is a good source of B vitamin complex, vitamin C, vitamin E, folic acid and carotenoids. The pollen is also a great source of “essential fatty acids and minerals such as potassium, phosphorus, calcium, copper, magnesium, sulfur, zinc and iron.” (source)

It has been stated that Bee Pollen has multiple health benefits, but little extensive research has been conducted to prove these claims. Some of the health benefits are: “enhancement of the immune system, allergy relief, increasing strength and sexual function, enhancing vitality and stamina, and slowing the aging process.” (source)

I first heard about Bee Pollen last summer when Luna’s Living Kitchen first opened and I stopped by to pick up a smoothie. I was intrigued and immediately went home to read about it and learn more. I used it occasionally for a few months, then I went to LA to visit a friend from college and she took about a teaspoon on a daily basis. I started reading more about bee pollen and the one claim that immediately caught my eye was the increased energy. SOLD! Ever since I have been adding a teaspoon to my smoothies everyday. You can also take it plain by the spoonful, but to be honest I just can’t do it!!

At first, I really did notice a difference in my energy levels and now I think I am just used it :)

You can find Bee Pollen at any natural foods store such as Earthfare, Whole Foods etc. They are located in the supplements section in the refrigerated case with the probiotics, oils, etc. At first only start out with a few granules and slowly increase up to a teaspoon as some people can have a bee allergy and you want to make sure. These are potent so really pay attention to see if you have a reaction!

What do you think about Bee Pollen? Have you used it before? Did you notice any changes?

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