Kale and Apple Smoothie

Kale is an amazing super food known for its wonderful anti-cancer agents that help your body detoxify and remove carcinogenic compounds.  It is also filled with vitamins A and C which help make it a great immunity builder.  This smoothie is one of my favorite breakfasts.  The lemon cuts the bitterness of kale and the little bit of agave adds just the right amount of sweetness.  Kale is tough and full of fiber so it is best to use a vitamix or high-speed blender to break it down.  Either way it is still a little chunky towards the bottom of the glass so I usually add a little water or use a spoon to finish it off.    

In a Vitamix or other high-speed blender place 3 cups of fresh kale,
2 apples, cored and quartered, 1 lemon, peel removed, 8-12 oz water and 1 tsp agave.
Blend well on high.

Makes 24 oz.
Enjoy!

Pumpkin Pie Smoothie

Pumpkin pie is a popular dessert this time of year and through the holidays.  Making a smoothie is a healthful way to enjoy the taste of pumpkin pie without all the extra refined sugar and calories.  Today we begin a season of holidays where treats and desserts seem to be everywhere.  So the next time you walk past that bowl of Halloween candy, just keeping walking and make one of these to satisfy your sweet tooth!

In a blender mix 1/2 cup canned pumpkin, 1/2 cup plain yogurt, 1 frozen banana in pieces, 1/2 cup your choice of milk (I used almond), 1/2 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, 1 teaspoon honey and a few ice cubes.  Blend well.

Enjoy!

Peanut Butter and Banana Smoothie

This smoothie is a great post-workout recovery drink or back-to-school breakfast.  I like to use frozen bananas because it gives the smoothie a milkshake-like consistency.  I am a little picky when it comes to bananas.  I don't like them too green or too brown.  When my bananas are at their ideal ripeness for my taste, I cut them up and toss them into a freezer bag or container.  That way I always have ripe bananas on hand for smoothies.   If you don't have bananas in your freezer you can use the ones on your counter, just throw in a handful of ice.

In a blender place 1 cup of your favorite plain yogurt; whole milk, non-fat,
goats milk, greek, soy, whatever your preference.
Add 2 frozen banans, 3 Tablespoons of all natural peanut butter,
1-2 teaspoons of honey and 1/2 cup of almond, soy or cows milk.
For extra nutrients you can add wheat germ or ground flax.
Blend well and serve.  Enjoy!

Thai Green Smoothie

This Thai Green Smoothie is one of my favorite smoothies and often makes an appearance in my 3 day raw detoxes.  It is a great way to start the day!  I like to drink half of it in the morning and save the other half to drink in the afternoon.  I recommend using organic produce when possible.

In a high speed blender combine 3 cups fresh spinach, 1 cup fresh cilantro,
half of a fresh pineapple, peeled, cored and cubed, 1 lime, peel removed
and 1 cup coconut water or filtered water.
Blend on high until well combined.

Enjoy!

Orange Delight

This delicious shake reminds me of an Orange Julius, but this version is much healthier with no refined sugars or artificial flavors.  It is best made with freshly squeezed orange juice but store bought is fine too.  You can use a regular or high speed blender for this recipe.

2 cups orange juice
1 cup plain yogurt
1/4 cup honey
2 cups ice cubes
1 Tablespoon vanilla

Combine juice, yogurt, honey, ice, and vanilla in blender.

Process until slushy.

Enjoy!

Simple Green Smoothie

Green smoothies are a great way to include leafy greens to your diet.  After being broken down in a blender, the greens are easier for your body to assimilate and the nutrients become easily absorbed.  Here is a great starter  green smoothie because it is sweet and creamy.  My kids love this one.  At first they were put off by the color and had absolutely no interest in trying it.  Then my husband came up with the brilliant idea of telling them to close their eyes and picture it pink.  When they did they said it tasted great and finished the whole drink.  Now they have no problem with the color.  I recommend blending in a high powered blender like a Vitamix, it just makes the smoothie so smooth.  Just throw in the ingredients and blend on high.

1 banana
1 cup strawberries
2-3 cups fresh spinach  
1 cup coconut water

ready to blend

beautiful living foods

enjoy!