it's my girls' world: It's the little things.... like my huge smoothie obsession- Recipes included.

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

It's the little things.... like my huge smoothie obsession- Recipes included.

Last year, we became the proud owners of a Vitamix- thank you, very generous mother in law. After that, it was like a smoothie fever exploded in this house. Our smoothie fixation kind of reminded me of when a new relationship starts- hot and heavy, an everyday thing along with that feeling that you can't live without the person/item. Seriously, I began craving them and on the days when I couldn't have them I felt like my body was craving all the nutrients-- weird I know... bear in mind that this was also when we did our sugar detox and I guess any sort of sweetness- natural fruit sugars included) was a bit of nirvana.

Now, my smoothies and I have developed a calmer, more meaningful long term existence. I usually have them about 3-5 times for the week, mostly on mornings but now that it's summer, sometimes as my post workout lunch. D and the kids also have them with me, with Cass getting mad that they're usually green and A calling for a 'moodie' on most mornings. Here's my mix that I usually use.... bear in mind, that this is a meal for me so I like a really big smoothie

1 cup of almond milk-- or sometimes coconut milk. I try to limit my dairy intake to milk in my tea or coffee so I look for non dairy alternatives when I can. I'm yet to try quinoa or hemp milk. Coconut water is great as well.
1 cup of greens or veggies. I use kale or spinach but I've also tossed 1/2 carrot, small cucumber, 1/2 celery stalk or even raw broccoli in there for the added nutrients
1/2 banana or 1/2 apple. I usually do the banana as it adds a creamy texture to the smoothie but in a pinch, apples are delicious in there as well.
1/2 of whatever fruit you have on hand- I use a combo of fresh/frozen fruit, whatever is in season and whatever is getting too ripe to eat. The options are endless-- berries, peaches, pineapple and mango are popular but I've also done melons, cantaloupe, plums and even grapes in a pinch.
A couple tablespoons of greek yogurt-- dairy I know but I like it for the protein and probiotics
1 tablespoon of hemp hearts or chia. I try to stay away from the whey proteins as I find they are a bit processed. And
5-6 cubes of ice.

This usually makes a large glass with just a bit left over for whichever child wants it. These days, I usually have to double this recipe for my family though. It's not that sweet so sometimes I add a little juice or honey in the kids' stuff. Spices are also great for a kick but I haven't experimented with them yet.

Some of my favourite combos are:

berries and bananas
papayas, carrots and bananas (otherwise known as "Save my eyes with all the Vitamin A I'm ingesting")
strawberries, bananas and oranges
peaches, bananas and cantaloupe

The options are endless, I tell you. Endless!

My new favourite is one inspired by the Peanut Cup at my local health food store. It's a bit more decadent than what I would have for breakfast, but it's great for a post workout smoothie or a lunch smoothie.

1 cup of unsweetened almond (or if you're going a little basinga, chocolate almond or soy milk)
a frozen banana
a handful of spinach (to get those greens in)
a tablespoon (or more!) of cocoa powder- I want to get some cacao nibs to try as well
1 tablespoon of peanut butter- natural with no added anything)
hemp seeds to add to the nuttiness of the smoothy even further
a touch of sea salt
5-6 ice cubes
honey or stevia (I don't usually use it but if you need a bit more sweetness)

It's like a little bit of heaven, with some chocolate thrown in for good measure.

Have a healthy Wednesday everyone!

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