Smoothies: A different way to get your fruits and veggies

You’ve heard all about them.  They’re not new – and they’re not rocket science either!  The key to making a healthy smoothie is putting only healthy things into them.  Duh.  Don’t like to eat your brussel sprouts at the dinner table?  Put some kale in a blender and call it “good” instead. 

For me, less is more.  I use frozen fruit, a little yogurt, maybe some chia seeds, a dash of spinach, and a healthy liquid drink choice.  (oj, almond milk, whatever).  Add to a blender viola.  My favorite part honestly, is knowing that if I have an abundance of produce in my fridge that will go bad if I don’t eat it soon, then I throw it in the freezer.  When I make my smoothie, the ingredients are not only healthy, but cost effective too. 

Do you prefer your smoothies frozen?  Try using frozen ingredients instead of ice.  That way its disguised as a frozen dessert.  Prefer more liquid like a V8 drink?  This is not disguised at all, by the way, and you deserve a solid pat on the back.  Especially if your smoothie is green.  It’s your smoothie – make it any way you want! 

 

For some of you, recipes are more your thing than my “dump and go” philosophy.  More power to you.  Your smoothies will probably taste better too….  That’s ok, you can just make one for me.  Here’s a helpful touch point for you to follow in making your own special concoction.  If you don’t know the ingredient, just skip it. (like, what the heck are golgi berries?)

Step one: Choose your Liquid

  • Water

  • Almond Milk

  • Coconut Milk

  • Coconut Water

Step two: Choose your Greens

  • Spinach

  • Kale

  • Other Greens

  • Powdered Greens

Step three: Choose Protein Powders & Seeds

  • Whey, Pea, Hemp Protein Powder

  • Chia Seeds

  • Hemp Seeds

  • Flaxseeds

  • L-Glutamine

 Step four: Choose Oils & Other Healthy Fats

  • Flaxseed Oil

  • MCT Oil

  • Coconut Oil

  • Apple Cider Vinegar

  • Avocado (1/2)

 Step five: Choose Other Misc. Ingredients

  • Herbs

  • Maca Powder

  • Shaved Coconut Flakes

  • Cacao

 Step six: Choose your fruits/veggies

  • Any Berries

  • Mango, Pear or Cherries

  • Banana and/or Goji Berries

  • Cucumber, Celery or Beet

A little of this, a dab of that, a touch more of the other and you’ve got a fruit & veggie drink.  Next time, try a new mixture!  No matter what, give yourself credit for exploring more ways to enjoy healthy choices.  Go YOU!

Real.  Positive.  Change.

Judi