PiYo Day 12: Rest (and a Chocolate Cherry Amaretto Shake)

Oh, how I needed this rest today. By late evening yesterday, I was spent. Completely exhausted. Not sure why, either. My legs and back ached with what can only be described as pure fatigue. I popped some Advil and went to bed at eight thirty, so grateful that today was a rest day.

I ended up waking up today and going for a long walk; I didn't want to completely stop moving, since doing that seems to be the absolute worst thing I can do for my back.

Always gotta keep moving. I'm like Dory! Just keep swimming, just keep swimming...

Before plunging into bed when the sun was still in the sky, I came home from work yesterday to find a happy green box waiting for me! My Shakeology finally arrived! And just in time for my end-of-the-week celebratory "healthy indulgence" shake!

Earlier this week I found some organic cherries at the grocery store. I knew Sous Chef would be happy about this since he always cringes a little bit when I bring home conventionally-grown cherries. The joys of living with a horticulturist who actually knows what the food industry puts on its plants.

I went with the vegan chocolate Shakeology; the sample pack Lindsey sent me was traditional chocolate, and I definitely think it was smoother and creamier than its vegan counterpart. But that's what I've always found with plant-based vs. dairy-based protein powders.

Plant protein just ain't as creamy as something that was squeezed from an animal.

Go figure.

I like the vegan option, though, because I try to limit my dairy and animal protein intake - I want to save it for when I really want the feeling of meat in my mouth (quit it with the dirty thoughts!). You know what I mean, though. Well, if you're a meat-eater, you do.

It's along the same vein as saving my calories for something that's worth it. Wasting 200 calories on a soda simply isn't as satisfying as 200 calories of Ben & Jerry's, as far as I'm concerned.

I decided to make a chocolate cherry almond shake this morning. It pretty much tastes like a chocolate covered cherry sprinkled with almonds. Or maybe a chocolate covered almond with cherry filling? I don't know. But it's good. It's pretty and slightly pink in color and ridiculously indulgent yet healthy!

*****

Chocolate Cherry Amaretto shake

1 scoop vegan chocolate Shakeology

10 fresh cherries, pitted

2 Tbsp sliced almonds

A few drops almond extract

1 cup almond milk

2-3 ice cubes

Throw it all in your NutriBullet, Vitamix, blender, or other food pulverizer. Blend and enjoy!

Shake well.