The start of a new series:
Letting Out the Domestic (New Apartment Life)
Summer is on the way out. The nights are turning cooler, the breezes ushering in fall, and the autumn sweaters being broken out of closets for some cuddly & cozy fun. It's that time: your last chance for a tasty summertime fruit smoothie!
I got excited last night because I realized it was time not only to make use of my lovely blender in the new kitchen but also to finally post a review of a great new product I've been using lately:
Ultima Replenisher, a hydrating supplement that's great for Bikram yogis. Thirsty after class? Thirsty before class? Throw a packet of this fruity-flavored and easy-to-mix powder into your water bottle or morning blender mix, and you're set to go. Electrolytes recharged. Sugars avoided. Health improved!
All summer, I've been whipping up creamy, delicious and healthy smoothies using fresh fruit, juice, and half-frozen yogurt. Nothing fancy here, but that's what makes the simple texture and taste so pure and enjoyable. This time, I threw in the orange-flavored packet of Ultima, some frozen bananas, peaches, strawberries, vanilla yogurt, orange juice, milk... and (don't judge) a few scoops of vanilla ice cream! Whoops, so much for no sugar :)
The results were delicious, as you can see from my big smile. Now normally, I would not add the ice cream due to its sugar and fat content and the fact that those scoops are just going to weigh you down if you're about to head to class. Note: not recommended! I would not recommend drinking a smoothie even an hour or two before Bikram, actually. But, the morning before your evening class? Perfect. This gives your body ample time to absorb all the great stuff you include in the drink.
Which brings me back to Ultima Replenisher's line of well-crafted, health-minded products. I was given a promotional pack of all four flavors (grape, orange, raspberry, and lemonade) to try out, and I have to say I was pretty pleased with the results.
The powder mixes easily and tastes pretty good (there's a little hint of the vitamin-y aftertaste, but it really reminds me of EmergenC, which I love mixed with a little fruit juice and poured over ice). When you add it to a smoothie, you're not even going to notice that you've added a supplement! Who can beat that?
The other awesome reason to try it: apparently Ultima is the only 100% natural, non-GMO, gluten-, sugar- and dye-free electrolyte beverage on the market. You can find it easily in most Whole Foods stores or visit the company's website at www.ultimareplenisher.com.
I can't say I'm not still a huge advocate for coconut water products (VitaCoco is my fave, followed closely by Zico's line), but I'm definitely newly convinced of the benefit of having a supplement on hand. 
Do you drink electrolyte-boosting drinks before or after yoga? What are your favorites? I'd love to hear your thoughts and definitely add to this post if you've tried Ultima Replenisher. If not, I'd recommend ordering or picking up a box or two to try and to gift to your yogi friends at your home studio. Stay hydrated!
And make some smoothies before it's too cold out to enjoy them, friends! Get ready for some warm & cozy soup coming up next time in the series -- a guest post from another talented yogini blogger. Until next time!
