And it’s fabulous to set goals for ourselves even if we feel like they are going to be challenging to reach. Life is about challenging ourselves, and in order to find your healthiest, happiest you, you have to take the time to figure out what it is you want to change in a sustainable way.

You all know I made a big old list of resolutions… 14 for 2014, heck yeah. Not all 14 are necessarily things I want to change, but also things I want to add into my life and also things I want to maintain. And I have added to my list since the New Year… my newest goal is to run a half marathon sometime this year, and another is to create a TBV iPhone app!

As for how I’m doing with my resolutions… I would say very well, so far! I’ve got #1, #3, #5, #7, #9 and #14 on lockdown, and I am working on the rest. Next up: buy a cute journal, and start writing fiction every day. (The writing one shouldn’t be hard, considering the second semester of my Creative Writing Masters program starts tonight!) Oh, and #2: have an alcohol free month. I’m thinking February is going to be it. Who’s in?

#OneChange

Do any of these images look familiar to you? 

…Perhaps because you identify with one of them? Or all of them?

I would say I identify most with the “Number Cruncher,” because I have a tendency to get very obsessed with the amount of calories/protein/fiber/fruits/veggies/nuts/you-name-it that I am putting into my body. It can be stressful and it definitely takes me out of living in the moment and enjoying food the way I know I should. Hence many of my resolutions centering around listening to my body.

Because I believe so wholeheartedly in sustainable, healthy, gradual lifestyle changes, I could not be more excited to be partnering with Vega One for their #OneChange campaign. The campaign is centered around choosing one healthy change to define your new year. Whether that be listening to your body and cutting out alcohol (like me!) or setting a specific goal for yourself in the gym, choosing that one change and sticking to it will be so rewarding and worth it.

The #OneChange campaign lasts until February 28^th, so I will be posting healthy smoothies using Vega One protein powders throughout the month to inspire you to find YOUR one change. Once you’ve decided what your change is going to be, head over to Instagram and post a photo that captures your change (it can be a photo of anything – a healthy meal, a quote, some weights, a TV if you’re planning on watching less TV…etc. Be creative!) and hashtag #theblondevegan, #vega_team and #OneChange. By February 28^th I will choose three winners to each receive a free large tub of Vega One Protein powder!!!

Now… let’s get started with recipe numero uno!

 Super Creamy French Vanilla Green Smoothie

This smoothie is decadent, delicious, oozing with creaminess and bursting with all things healthy. It’s one of those green smoothies that somehow manages to taste like a dessert shake, and will leave you fueled for your day and satisfied for hours.

Ready?

Ingredients:

1-2 very ripe bananas (I used two because mine were small)

1 large handful spinach

½ cup blueberries

1 tbsp almond butter

1 tbsp French Vanilla Vega One protein powder

½ cup almond milk

½ cup water

5 large pieces of ice

Directions:

Blend all ingredients thoroughly. Top with granola if your heart desires! (Mine did. Great choice.)

Nutrition Information: