New Ingredient!

I love when I find a new ingredient to add to my routine. It gives me a challenge and makes an old stand by smoothie a bit more interesting. Today's smoothie is an old favorite, Banana Split. Just classic. And good!

Banana Split Smoothie for One

1/2 Banana

4 whole strawberries

6 large chunks of pineapple

1 T cocoa powder

1 - 1.5 cups almond milk

1/2 T bee pollen

2 T Hemp hearts

1 T Spirulina

 

Except I added a new ingredient, Spirulina.  I linked more info, but the general run down is that it is a blue green algae. It is has multiple vitamins, including a natural source of iron (I run low on iron but I HATE taking a supplement, this is a good alternative)! It boosts the immune system and is high in protein, yep protein!
I found a powdered form at our local health food store. I am finding it makes a great add in to my smoothies! I can't detect a taste (although it does make the color of the smoothie a bit interesting)!

Persimmon Smoothie

I have been on a bit of a quest to create some new smoothies. I have a wide variety, I just wanted to get some creative juices (ha ha) into my routine.  SO the other day when I saw persimmons in the store I got a bit excited. This is not a fruit I am familiar with at all! I did a bit of research to find out about them. High in antioxidants and Vit A, C and K, also high in fiber. They can also be high in tannin acid, which can have some adverse effects if consumed in a high quantity. I had 1 persimmon in my smoothie today, we will see what the effects are!

Persimmon Smoothie
1/2 banana
1 persimmon, peeled and sectioned
1 cup almond milk
1 T flax seed

I kept it pretty simple today, I wanted to get the taste of the new fruit. It was ok, for my taste buds. Not WOW! but ok. I have 2 more persimmons to work with, maybe with some other fruit.

Thankfulness

Good gracious! It has been a LONG time since I have posted! I will blame it on a few things. 1) Summer makes me busy . Lots of time outdoors either for play or work in the garden so I don't sit at the computer as much. 2) Because of the garden, I was blessed with a lot of good food to save for winter. Freezing and canning took up a lot of time for me. However, I love the look of my freezer full of corn, beans, carrots, peas and broccoli all from my garden. My tomatoes this year, wowzer! I have many jars of salsa, pasta sauce, crushed tomatoes and this year I even made my own ketchup and pizza sauce. I love providing such good food for my family! Of course, I already have plans for next years garden and how I am going to expand! 3) This summer was REALLY bad for fruit flies in my house! Therefore, I didn't have a lot of smoothies because the flies really like bananas, and I couldn't leave bananas sit on the counter. Bananas don't do well in the fridge and I know you can freeze them, but I don't like frozen bananas in my smoothies. And excuse number 4) My husband got me a Champion Juicer for my birthday! I have been playing with juicing now as well! Fresh juice can also replace a meal, but I prefer a smoothie for breakfast! I will post some recipes about juice too!

Ok. To the good stuff! November, a month of thankfulness. So many people post a daily thankful item. Love to see it all. I like the quote "Thanks Giving is good, but Thanks Living is better" Matthew Henry. A month of thankfulness is a good reminder, but thankful living every day, something to strive for! Anyway, to honor thankfulness I have been working on my:

 

 Thanksgiving Smoothie!

 

1/2 cup pureed sweet potato

1/2 cup pureed pumpkin

1/2 cup fresh cranberries

1 cup orange juice (or more if needed)

2 T hemp hearts

1 T flax seeds

3 T raw oatmeal

2 T maple syrup

Dash of cinnamon

Dash of pumpkin pie spice

Cranberries are full of antioxidants, fiber, vitamin C and only 45 calories for 1/2 cup serving! Enjoy and be blessed!

Not so green smoothie?

Does a smoothie have to be the color green to consider itself a green smoothie?  Today I have a yummy smoothie that isn't the color green. More brownish red. I think the raspberries have more pigment and over power the green of the greens I put in. And I must say, I put a LARGE handful of the greens. Beet greens today, which also have reddish stems so maybe that is why the color is not green. I CAN taste the beet greens in the smoothie so I know I put enough in there. Did I mention I LOVE going to my garden to get the beet greens! As in, pick, rinse, blend! Nothing fresher and uncertified organic! By the way, it is very yummy!

 

1/2 banana

1/2 cup frozen raspberries

LARGE handful beet greens

1T honey

1T ground flaxseed

1 cup almond milk

 

Blend and enjoy!

Cilantro Lime

So far so good! Green smoothie everyday!  Todays smoothie is a little off the wall, even for me!  I saw the idea on the 30dayGS blog, but I changed it a little due to missing ingredients and only wanting one portion. 

1 banana

large handful fresh spinach

1/2 cup (ish) fresh cilantro

1 peeled lime

3 inch section of cucumber

1/2 tsp ground ginger (the recipe called for fresh but I didn't have any and none in the freezer cubes)

1/2 cup water

5 ice cubes

blend and hmmm? If you don't like cilantro don't do this one! I think I would add a T of honey if I was to do this one again. Little girl didn't like it:) It is very green! Hint of bitter. Overall, not the best, but I will drink it. Definitely not one to offer the hubs:)

Red, White and Beet

In honor of Independence Day I was going to make a red, white and blue (and green!) smoothie! don't have blueberries (oops). I changed directions, raided my garden for greens and came up with this. Happy 4th of July, remember why we celebrate!

Red: 1 cup frozen strawberries

         1/4 cup frozen raspberries

 

White: 1/2 banana

            1/2 cup greek yogurt

 

Beet: large handful of beat greens from the garden!

Water to make it blend-able.

I can taste a slight beet flavor today, but since I don't mind that, yum!

Green Smoothie Day 2

I LOVE this time of year. The garden is starting to produce and I can start throwing some of the goodness into my smoothie.
Todays was super yummy and definitely a summer drink.

1/2 banana

1/4 cup coconut milk (from a can)

handful of kale

1 cup diced watermelon

1 sprig of mint leaves

handful frozen strawberries

Blend. Looks funky, kinda brownish green, but tastes yummy!

Challenge

Finally! A healthy challenge that I think I can accomplish with minimal effort! A friend of mine tuned me into the 30 day Green Smoothie challenge! I signed up, and therefore will have 30 days of green in my future. It starts today, July 1, and I signed up today. Therefore I didn't get the recipe for today, but I made my own. My daughter is currently sitting beside me and sucking my smoothie down, little does she know how good it is for her! Then again, she isn't 2 yet! Still, providing great nutrition for her.

 

1/2 banana

large handful Kale

1/2 c greek yogurt

12 segments frozen mandarin oranges

 3/4 c frozen strawberries

1 c water

1 T ground flaxseed

1 T wheat germ

1 T honey

Blend! Yes, I can taste the kale it this one, Kale has a stronger flavor than spinach. It isn't bad and I am starting the month of right. By the way, HAPPY CANADA DAY!

Another Green Smoothie

That wonderful time of year is coming. The time of year when I can wake up, go to my garden, grab some ingredients to throw in my blender.  Fresh is best. And it doesn't get much fresher! Yum. Not much is ready in the garden, it has been a S L O W spring.  But...I have enough spinach to start the harvest for my smoothies! Of course I am not organic certified, but I don't use pesticides in my garden.

1/2 banana

handful of FRESH spinach

handful of frozen pineapple

handful of frozen mango

1 T wheat germ

1T ground flax seed

1 T raw honey

1/2 c silken tofu

1 c almond milk

 

Blend and enjoy the creamy greenie!

Raspberry Mango

The 40 day challenge was over on April 30. I didn't lose a single pound. Oh well, I stayed motivated and I did lose an inch around my rib cage. Still going to stay motivated and try and hit the gym at least 3 times a week. AND start a new challenge. Exercise everyday! Must do something exercise related everyday. Pretty self explanatory! So day 1 was yesterday and I hit the gym for my cardio day and abs. Today I will get back to the gym (soon as hubs gets home) and it is leg workout day. 

SOTD: Raspberry Mango

1/2 banana

1/2 c raspberries

1/2 c mango

1/2 avocado

1 T wheat germ

1T ground flax seed

2 T hemp seed

1 T goji berries

1t barley grass powder

Should give me the energy for the gym. One thing I love about adding an avocado to a smoothie, is how creamy it makes a smoothie! Plus, I have my little smoothie girl sucking it down beside me, makes for a great start to a day!

Raspberry Kefir

After the flu, I am making sure I get the kefir into my smoothie to get the good probiotics back into my system.  This smoothie is very yummy. Not as full of "extra ingredients" as some of my smoothies. 

1/2 banana
1/2 c Greek Yogurt
1/4 c kefir
1/2 c frozen raspberries
1 T goji berries
1-2 T raw honey
1 T coconut manna (I can taste it!)

Blend and enjoy.  The coconut manna gives it a bit of a "gritty" texture, but I don't mind that. I add the honey because I find my taste buds and don't like the harsh acidity of the raspberries, but the honey could be optional. Perfect smoothie to make green by adding a handful of spinach.
Again, I have my little girl doing a smoothie taste test, she declaired it "Yum"!

Almost BRAT

I had the flu this weekend. AGAIN. 4th, yes 4th, time this winter! It is getting old. I haven't been sick like this in a L O N G time. Granted, each time I have been sick, a child has been sick as well. At least I know where I am getting it from! Of course, the child recovers faster than the parent does. I am starting to NEEd to eat but I still don't feel like eating. Smootie of the day is basic, bland and hopefully will sit well on my tummy. Hence the BRAT.
1/2 banana
1 c frozen peaches
1 cup almond milk
3 T raw oatmeal.
Blend. That is it.

Leftover Smoothie

With a family of 5, I rarely have enough leftovers to make a complete meal. Last night we had haystacks for supper, that meant a bit of cucumber, a bit of avocado and a bit of everything else left over. The cucumber and avocado made it into the smoothie this morning. I also had a bit of mango left over in the freezer. 
My other recent find for my smoothie is a salad mixture that has baby spinach, baby chard and baby kale in it. It is also organic, a plus! 

 

1/2 banana

maybe 1/4 cup mango

1/2 cup raspberries

1/2 c kefir

1/2 c Greek honey yogurt

large handful of the salad blend

1/4 c chopped cucumber

1/4 of an avocado

almond milk to blend

My husband would probably say this one tastes too green. Plus he doesn't like avocado, if he knew it was in there, he would dislike the smoothie.  I like that the avocado adds a creaminess to the smoothie that you don't get without it.  For some reason I didn't add any grains today. Not sure why. Anyway, to my taste buds, this is a good one. It should give me the boost for my workout today!

Sweet, like Cantalope Juice.

LOVING my smoothie this morn! So yum. Today is grocery day, I will make sure to buy the ingredients for this!

1/2 Banana

1/2 C cubed cantaloupe

1/2 C fresh strawberries
1/2 c honey greek yogurt

1/2 C kefir

1 T wheat germ

1T ground flax seed

Blend and enjoy. In the summer, if it ever gets here, (mid April and we have 3 day winter storm watch!) I would add a cucumber. Would be so refreshing! 

On a Kefir note- This batch is a much better experience! Like runny yogurt, not as prickly in my nose if I smell it (it is fermented after all), and a better taste.  I even made buttermilk pancakes with some of the leftovers the other day, the family didn't know (mwah, ha ha). Of course, the cooking process takes the benefit of the kefir away.

On an exercise note- met with a trainer 2 weeks ago. She helped me set up a program to help meet my goals.  I made it too the gym 3 times both weeks.  No weight loss yet, but my body is getting tighter and more toned.  The trainer is changing my program for the next 2 weeks. A bit more intense. We will see what happens now that I am into it.

Trying Kefir again

About a year ago I got some Kefir grains to try making on my own. The stuff you get at stores is super high is sugar.  That batch I did not like. Very sour, very curddled and not at all something I wanted to continue. The same friend, just gave me some new grains that are much better. Like watery yogurt, but smoother than the last batch. Trying it again to see how I feel about it.  Today was the first day I had a batch ready. 
* As a note about the pineapple core... I bought a whole pineapple and I always take the rind off and cut the column into quarters. The quarters have a firmer core to them that my kids find hard to chew. I use to gnaw on it myself and then throw it our. Thanks to my Vita Mix I now save the core, throw it in a smoothie and it grinds the core up to nothing!

Avacado Raspberry Kefir

1/2 banana

2 of  the pineapple core*

1/2 avacado

1/2 c frozen raspberries (it needs more raspberries next time)

1/4 c kefir

1 T ground flax seed

2 T hemp seed

1 T wheat germ

almond milk

The avacado makes it super creamy and thick. As noted it needs more raspberries.  Maybe 1 T of honey.

Green Hawaii!

Really!? I haven't posted one of my favorite smoothies. Oh my.  I will have a variation of this today, I think!

1/2 banana

1/2 cup Greek yogurt or 1/4c coconut cream (from a can)

1/2 cup frozen pineapple chunks, or fresh

3T raw oatmeal

1 T wheat Germ

1 T ground flax seed

large handful of baby spinach

almond milk to make 2 cups blended drink

if you want it sweeter add 1 T honey

 

 
You can also make variations of this by adding orange juice or pineapple juice to replace the milk. Make it tropical and add other fruit for example,mango, papaya and kiwi would be delicious! I have even added broccoli in!

40 day challege!

Yep, me again, saying I am going to loose weight. This time I have incentive! To the tune of $140! Some of us got together and started a 40 day challenge to get fit for spring. By the way, it is the 2nd day of spring here in GF and we have had NO melting! A ton of snow is on the ground, and another storm is on the way. sigh. Anyway, gonna get fit for spring. Today is the first day of the challenge. We weigh in at our own homes (all about honesty with this group), and 40 days from today, April 30, we weigh in again. The person who has lost the most % of body weight wins the cash!
I have incentive to change my diet, workout more and get fit for summer. My weigh in was 135 lbs. My goal for summer weight is somewhere between 115-120 (I am only 5' tall so that isn't a crazy goal) we will see where I get in 40 days. PLUS, I want to tone up, and I know muscle weighs more than fat.

 

To start the challenge my SOTD is a Citrus Berry

1/2 banana

Fresh juice of a Temple Orange

handful of blueberries

handful of strawberries

1/2 c Greek yogurt

1 T flax seed (ground)

1 T wheat germ

1 T goji berries

I have plans to workout this morning. Hopefully this will have the energy boost that I need.

I also created a little sweet snack last night in my vita mixer!
I blended 2 cups raw almonds to make almond butter, did not work. The paste was kinda crumbly and wouldn't spread very well, so I re- purposed!  I took the almond butter out of the mixer. Blended 10 whole pitted dates to make a paste. Added 1 T honey. Added the almond paste back in and blended to make a new paste. You have to use the tamper with all these processes to make it work!  Took the new paste out of the blender and rolled them into little balls. Froze them for 30 min. Then rolled them in melted dark chocolate.
My hope is that they will be a sweet treat that is healthy and curbs the chocolate cravings. 

Wish me luck!

Why not throw it in?

I am out of bananas. Obviously I need to go shopping. Smoothies can be made without bananas, but I like the creamy-ness that it adds. So today's smoothie is a bit different. I also had a bit of blackberries left, like not even 1/4 cup. Wanted to used it up.

Juice of 1 temple orange

Juice of 1/2 grapefruit

1/2 c greek yogurt

a bit of blackberries

a bit of blueberries

1 T goji berries

1 T wheat germ

1 T ground flax seed

4 large florets of broccoli (It was sitting in the fridge calling my name for a smoothie!)

I can taste the broccoli a bit, but overall the taste is citrusy/blueberry. The official taste tester (Little Girl C) says it is okay, as she is sucking it down. I love that she is getting good nutrition, including broccoli without knowing it (insert evil plotting style laugh)!

Blackberry Citrus

I haven't updated on my workout / weight loss/ 2 smoothie progress. Yeah. Not really. My excuses are as follows...1) a series of illnesses for children and mommy have made working out unappealing 2) I think I am hungry, therefore I eat 3) I found I didn't like 2 smoothies every day.

Hopefully, now that illnesses have past, I can hit the gym consistently. I did do some Wii fit on some of those days when I didn't work out at the gym. Better than nothing. I also need to think of other lunches for myself. Healthy, low calorie and filling.

Today's smoothie is:

Blackberry Citrus

1/2 banana

juice of a grapefruit

juice of a temple orange

1/2 c frozen blackberries

1 T goji berries

1 T ground flax

1 T wheat germ

2 T hemp seed

1 T Honey

Strawberry Kiwi

Sometimes I can be slow. As in, why did I not think of this combo WAY before now? Whatever. It tastes good. I will make it again!

Strawberry Kiwi

1/2 banana

2 skinned kiwis

1/2 cup frozen strawberries

1/4 c greek yogurt

3/4 c almond milk

1 T ground flax seed

1 T wheat germ

1 T chia seeds

Citrus Smoothies

Again, I have a smoothie most mornings, just haven't been posting. Lately, my FB have commented or asked about my SOTD post...time to blog.
We have a lot of fresh citrus fruit at our house. My sons school sells citrus by the case as a fundraiser.  Good fruit, don't want it to go to waste, good vitamin C, gonna put it in a smoothies.
I have found, I don't like the whole citrus in the blender, even with my vita mix. On a side note, did you know that the pith of citrus fruit (the white "skin") has many health benefits. Maybe, I need to suck it up (no pun intended)!  Anyway, so far I have been juicing my oranges.  I would probably continue to juice the grapefruits, the pith on them is very bitter.

Citrus Smoothie

1/2 banana

juice of 1 tangelo

juice of 1/2 grapefruit

1/4 c frozen blueberries

1/4 cup silken tofu

large handful of spinach

 1 T wheat germ

1 T ground flax seed

1 T Raw Honey

1 T chia seeds

I also love that my 18month old will come over to me and suck down a bunch of my smoothie! Good nutrition for her.

Yesterday's smoothie was another citrus smoothie.

1/2 banana

juice of 1 tangelo

juice of 1 grapefruit

skinned kiwi (did you know you CAN eat the skin of a kiwi? Not for me, but you can!)

handful of kale

1 T wheat germ

1 T ground flax seed

2T hemp seed

1 T bee pollen

2 oz aloe vera juice, not aloe vera gel!

 

 

Okay, aloe vera juice. Something new to try in my smoothie. I bought a bottle, will use the bottle, will not replace the bottle! I can smell it in the drink, even though I can't really taste it. The smell alone is enough to put me off. Besides that, the research I have done doesn't prove any health benefits. CAREFUL: it can be a laxative. Just so you know I DON'T speak from experience. 

Valentine's Smoothie

It has been 3 weeks since I last posted.  I have still had a smoothie most mornings, just nothing new.  I have also been really busy, a couple daycare children, plus my own to take care of during the day, doesn't leave a lot of time for me.  I have made it to the gym several times. It has been challenging with all the kids, plus illnesses (goodness we have NEVER been this sick as a family)! Spring needs to arrive so I can open windows and let the clean air into my house!
BUT today is Valentine's day!  I needed a love inspired smoothie for the day.  So I created a:

 

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Smoothie (oh yum!)

1 Cup soymilk (any milk would do, I just have soy right now)

1/4 C greek yogurt

1 Cup frozen strawberries (maybe more?)

1 T cocoa powder

1 T honey

1 T dried goji berries

2 T hemp seed

1 T bee pollen

1 T ground flax

1 T wheat germ

1 t vanilla extract

I wanted something healthy but yummy. This works. I can taste the strawberry through the chocolate, but it has all the extras to get me the nutrition I need.  Little Miss C is standing by me sucking it down!

Banana Date

Busy day ahead. Starting to care for 2 extra children. Start it off with a smoothie!

Banana Date

2 Bananas

5 whole pitted dates

1/4 c raw almonds

3/4 c greek yogurt

3 T raw oatmeal

1 T wheat germ

1 T ground flax seed

1 T hemp seed

almond milk to make 4 cups blended

It Isn't Easy Being Green

Everything green smoothie.  I needed inspiration today, couldn't think of a good smoothie. I looked in the fridge and pulled out everything green.

It Isn't Easy Being Green

1 Banana (okay, so not green!)
1 Cup coconut water

1 6oz container key lime yogurt

handful fresh spinach

2 peeled kiwis

1 cup diced honeydew melon

juice of 1/2 a lime

1 tsp barley grass powder

2 T hemp seed

1T ground flax seed

1T wheat germ

1 T honey

Very good. Can taste the hint of lime. Everytime I use kiwi, I feel a bit of tingle in my mouth. I think the blended seeds produce that effect. I don't get that feeling when I eat the kiwi whole. Anyone else?

Post Flu Smoothie / Cucumber Melon

It has been a while since I have even wanted a smoothie.  The stomach flu got me. Took me down. Sent me to the ER to get rehydrated (2 L later I started to feel a bit better. I am still not up to full eating strength. I am better, but my meals are smaller and I am just not hungry. Not a bad thing for the diet plan, actually.

I made myself a smoothie a couple days after the flu that would be easy on the stomach. Have you heard of the BRATT diet for after the flu.  Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast, Tea.  That is what this smoothie is based off.  The coconut water is good for electrolyte recovery, ginger is a digestion aid and pears are the same as applesauce (mild and easy to digest). 

Flu Recovery

1 Banana

3/4 C coconut water

1 cube of ginger

1 pear (home canned)

1/2 cup cooked white rice

Blend until the rice is smooth. 

 

Today's smoothie is very healthy looking. GREEN! Hubs watched me blend it up and decided that he didn't want any! He did try a sip and determine that the smoothie was pretty good!

 

 

Cucumber Melon

3/4 cup diced Honeydew Melon

3/4 cup diced musk /cantelope Melon

1 banana

4 inch chunk of peeled cucumber

1 T honey

handful spinach

 

Blend until smooth.

 

This smoothie doesn't require a liquid, the melon and cucumber have enough on their own that it blends to a nice smoothie consistency.  You can taste the cucumber, just a hint. Mint would be a good addition to this smoothie. Maybe in the summer when I have fresh mint in my garden.

Banana Split Smoothie

OH YUM! One of the best smoothies I have made. NOT neccesarily the healthiest, but very good! 

Banana Split Smoothie

1 Banana

1 Cup Strawberries

1 Cup Pineapple

1 T dark cocoa powder

1/2 C greek yogurt

1 T Wheat Germ

1 T ground flax seed

2 T hemp seed

Almond Milk to make a smoothie consistency

This made more than 4 cups, but I gave some to all the kids. They loved it too!

Beet That!

No post yesterday SUPER BUSY! I am a stay at home mom, yesterday I was at home for a total of 1 hr and 15 min!  During my away time, I made it to the gym!! AND I made it to the gym this morning as well! 3 times this week! Is it crazy that I already feel like I see results?

Smoothies today: Breakfast, basic strawberry orange with yogurt and grains

Lunch: Beet That!

1/2 banana

1.5 stalks celery

3 large broccoli florets

2 large chunks of fresh beet

1 cup strawberries

1 basil ice cube**

1 scoop protein powder

1 C water

This ended up making 4 cups, but after my workout I was hungry and drank it all. According to the food journal I use, it still only added up to 309 Calories. Plus it says I worked off 328 calories. Of course, all of this is just estimates, but it give an idea of what I did! Invigorating feeling!

** Note: Basil ice cubes- blend fresh basil leaves with a bit of water, pour the "slop" into ice cube trays and freeze. Pop out of ice cube trays and store in a Zipper Bag in the freezer to use when needed. I made a bunch this summer from my own basil. I use it in soups a lot.

Super Green

I made it to the gym! Finally! Hopefully I can go again tomorrow night. 
Started the day with a smoothie (before the gym).

Kiwi Green

1 banana

2 peeled kiwis

1/2 c coconut water

1/2 an avacado

1 6oz container of key lime yogurt

1 T flax seed

2 T hemp seed

1 T wheat germ

 enough almond milk to make 4 cups blended.

My husband didn't even know the avacado was in there!

Lunch time: Post workout

Veggie Green

1/2 banana

1 stalk celery

1/2 avacado

3 large florets of broccoli

1 scoop vanilla protein powder

1 cup almond milk

1 T chia seeds

 

Yummy. Can taste the vanilla from the protein powder.

Green Smoothie

Double smoothie days continue. I am finding that Saturday is a very bad day for eating!! Potluck after church, and then a date with my husband.  Food overload.  The rest of the week, I am sticking to my 2 smoothies a day!  No exercise yet, but lots of excuses as to why not!

Today's smoothies:

Breakfast- Almond Cherry

1 banana

1 cup dole frozen cherries

1/2 cup slivered almonds

1 T flax seed

2 T hemp seed

1 T wheat germ

Water to make 4 cups blended.

Next time I will add some vanilla and a bit of honey.

 

Lunch- Veggie Green Smoothie

1 stalk celery

1/2 banana

4 large florets of broccoli

5 inches of a large cucumber

1/4 cup frozen pineapple

1 T honey

Water to make 2 cups blended.

This was very good.  I was suprised that the bit of fruit I added was enough to cover the veggie taste for the most part. A bit of the cucumber came through, but not unpleasant.

Blueberry Citrus and Tropical Carrot Ginger Smoothies

A brief update on my double smoothie diet. So far so good! I have had 2 smoothies everyday, except last Saturday, for a week now! Doing fairly well with not getting hungry too! I have to admit I snack some, but I am really trying to keep them healthy ie. Kale Chips.  I haven't made it to the gym yet, but I will excuse that with the fact that it is still Christmas vacation from school, therefore I have 3 kids at home PLUS hubs is still working OT.  Hopefully gym time will start soon!

Today's smoothies: Blueberry Citrus and Tropical Carrot Ginger

Blueberry Citrus

1 Banana

1 Fresh grapefruit juice

1 Fresh Orange juice

1/4 -1/2 cup frozen blueberries

1 T honey

1 T wheat germ

2 T hemp seed

1 T ground flax seed

1/2 T barley grass powder

3 T uncooked oatmeal

water to make 4 cups

The grapefruit lends a little bit of a bitter taste to this smoothie, the honey corrects that some. Add more honey for a sweeter smoothie.

For lunch:

Tropical Carrot Ginger

1 large raw carrot, peeled and cut into large chunks

1/4 C frozen pineapple

1/2 C frozen mango

1 ginger ice cube

1 T honey

2 stalks of fresh kale (take the leaves off the stalk and discard the stalk)

1 c water

This made a bit over 2 cups of smoothie.

In addition, I have been curious about the calorie count to some of my smoothies.  I found a site that lets you add food and track your calorie count for the day. Of course, I  don't know the accuracy of this site, but it gives an estimate. I am finding that most of my smoothies are about 500 calories. Not sure if that is good or bad. However, I think the ingredients in my smoothies are all HEALTHY calories. Things like honey and the greek yogurt tend to up the calorie count too, but I still don't feel bad about them. I use raw honey in my smoothies, there is a lot of health benefits that come with that. Same goes for the greek yogurt. PLUS I am useing these smoothies as a meal replacement.   In comparison: an everything bagel with 2 T cream cheese, coffee with cream and sugar is about 450 calories. There, I justified what I do, right?

Barley Pina Colada

One of my favorite smoothies is a coconut / pineapple flavored one.  Takes me back to Hawaii, and lets face it, a ND winter day deserves thoughts of Hawaii!  I often add spinach to my pina colada smoothie, but since I have my new Barley Grass Powder, I added that today. Still a good smoothie!
I also just purchased some Coconut Manna, which is just pureed whole coconut.  I added that in there as well. Be prepared, due to the oil in the coconut manna and the chill of the smoothie, the coconut manna doesn't blend up smooth. Still tastes good!

 

1 Banana

1/2 c greek yogurt

3/4 cup coconut water

1 cup frozen pineapple chunks

1 T ground flax seed

1 T wheat germ

2 T hemp seed

2 tsps barley grass powder

1 HEAPING Tablespoon full Coconut Manna

Almond milk to make 4 cup mark

Blend. Be sure to add the coconut manna at the end. If you add it first it chills, stays at the bottom and doesn't mix into the blend.

Barley Grass Smoothie

I laugh at myself when silly things get me excited! My order of powdered barley grass came this morning, in time for a smoothie!! I really enjoy expierimenting with new ingredients.  So today's smoothie has barley grass in it. For some info on barley grass, click.

3/4 cup coconut water

2 T flax ground flax

2 T hemp seed

1 T bee pollen

1 T Goji berries

1 T wheat germ

1 T barley grass powder

1 banana

1/2 cup Greek yogurt

1 cup blackberry pomegranate juice

1 cup frozon blueberries

Blend.
The results: the kids are taking sips of my smoothie right along with me. Must be good!