For nearly a decade, I’ve been friends with the amazing, talented and compassionate woman Kris Carr. Perhaps you know Kris because her books
Kris’s commitment to serve and her contagious spirit continue to touch many people around the world.
Over the years my friendship with Kris has grown into a deep soul sister connection of great mutual support and love. Not only do we support each other’s endeavors, but we also show up for each other spiritually. Kris has taught me so much and continues to inspire me daily.
To give you a hit of Kris’s inspiration, I decided to interview her on the blog. In this interview, Kris shares the 5 ways to love your life more. Enjoy our riff on life, love, miracles and smoothies…
Gabby and Kris Carr on Wellness, Balance and Miracles
Gabby: How do you not beat yourself up when you fall off the health wagon?
Kris: First and foremost, I don’t believe in wagons, they’re way too confining — and they’re super old fashioned — but there’s a reason to talk about them. We all fall away from our good habits from time to time. It’s not always possible or convenient to bring our entire wellness practice with us as we jet-set around for work or play. Just remember that good health doesn’t require us to be perfect, austere monks. We’re actually more resilient than we think. So if you’re struggling with fits and starts and all the beatings that go with them. Dump that noise.
That said, what happens when you’ve been practicing self-care and feeling fantastic, then all of a sudden you have a crappy day (or week or month)? Pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and just move forward.
The point is to take your self-care one day at a time and get to know yourself at the deepest level. Above all, be kind and patient. So what if you started your day with a cup of coffee instead of a green juice? Enjoy the joe! Then make the green juice or meditate for 10 minutes etc. This is not about control or doing things “right,” it’s about an overall direction.
What’s your morning routine?
Our first moments are our most open and sacred time. They’re the bridge between dreaming and consciousness. If you’re like me, it probably takes a few minutes to really feel present and in your body. This is the perfect time to connect with your soul. Rather than tuning into the outside noise, go inside first. Silently give thanks and show yourself some much-deserved love. Begin each morning by blessing your day. How lovely, right?
Here’s an example of what I say upon waking: “Thank you for another day on this glorious planet. May I be happy, healthy, kind, loving. Have a beautiful day, sweet Kris. I love you.”
This simple practice helps shift our perceptions about ourselves and the world around us. So much of our focus is often on what we don’t have or what’s missing in our relationships, jobs or overall well-being. We wake up ready to judge and criticize. When we start our day with blessings everything shifts. While there may be circumstances in our lives that we can’t change, nothing can take away our freedom to choose our own thoughts. After that, I make a juice or smoothie!
What’s one small thing that we can all do daily to stay more present?
Our presence is the greatest gift we can give yourself and others. Personally, I try to bring awareness to everything I do. It’s not always possible and sometimes I’m terrible at it, but the intention is what matters. Whether it’s walking your dog, playing with your kids, cooking delicious healthy meals for yourself and your family, or just talking to your friend on the phone. Turn off the devices, stop the multi-tasking, and just be there for your life. You’ll be surprised at the joy and calm you’ll begin to feel. Not only that, but wow do we notice more when our eyes are fully open to the beauty of the moment.
What does it mean to you to “say yes to life”?
For me, saying yes to life is about saying yes to our aliveness, to what lights us up, and amplifies our joy. It’s also about noticing where we are blocking the generous flow of the universe or cutting off our abundance. But saying “yes to life” isn’t about saying yes to everything. Saying no is also important. Especially since every no makes space for the right yes.
You’ve got another amazing book coming out tomorrow! Congrats, sweet sister. Crazy Sexy Juice
is so beautiful, the recipes are outstanding and like everything you do, it’s thorough, delicious and filled with love. Tell us about the book!
For years people have been asking me about juicing and blending, and if I could give them more recipes. Well, I finally put all my knowledge in one place and created more than 100 juice, smoothie and nut milk recipes, plus and easy 3-day cleanse for anyone who needs a little reboot. With timesaving tips for folks on the go, advice on choosing the best produce and kitchen equipment without breaking the bank, ideas for getting your family onboard and so on, Crazy Sexy Juice will have you incorporating juicing and blending into your everyday life in a way that works with your schedule, boosts your overall energy and health, and tastes darn good to boot.
One thing people have been asking me is if there are enough smoothie recipes in the book. Actually, there are close to 60 recipes for all the blender lovers out there. For information about the book, go here.
Can you share one of your favorite recipes from the book?
Of course, I’ll share two of my favorites. The first one is awesome. It’s called the Brain Booster.
Brain Booster Smoothie by Kris Carr
Blueberries aren’t just a delicious way to sweeten your smoothies (and give them a gorgeous, deep blue hue). They’re also powerful brain boosters. In clinical studies, blueberries have been associated with increased cognitive function, including memory improvement, and they may also help to protect your brain from oxidative stress, lessening the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
The omega-3 fatty acids in walnuts are also associated with cognitive protection, and a possible mood lift (omega-3’s are thought to help fight depression). Who knew there could be so much power in your glass? (You did!)
Brain Booster
By Kris Carr
Makes 2 servings (16-20 oz.)
Ingredients
½ banana, sliced and frozen
1½ cups blueberries, frozen
1½ cups almond milk or nondairy milk of choice
2 Tbsp. walnuts, chopped
1 cup kale, leaves only, tightly packed
½ tsp. ground cinnamon
Directions
1. Wash and prep all ingredients.
2. Blend and serve.
The C Bomb Juice Recipe by Kris Carr
This recipe is one of Gabby’s favorites!
The C Bomb
By Kris Carr
Makes 2 servings (16-20 oz.)
Ingredients
1 cucumber
4 stalks celery
2 small apples, cored and seeded
1½ cups red cabbage
1-in. piece of ginger, peeled
Directions
1. Wash and prep all ingredients.
2. Juice all ingredients.
To get 100+ more juice and smoothie recipes, grab your copy of Crazy Sexy Juice.
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