Category Archives: smoothies 101

creamy, dreamy pumpkin smoothie

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seriously, this is good.  I love sweets and the flavor of pumpkin pie but not so much the actual pie (I don’t like eggs and the thought of the wet/moist texture coming from the eggs grosses me out).  This is like enjoying the pie but so much better for you and far easier to make.

Pick up a giant can of pumpkin puree.  Divide the pumpkin into ziplock bags and freeze for later.

So this recipe is the basic recipe that I enjoy but I do add more spices and protein…so get as creative as you like…bet a knob of fresh ginger would be tasty and add a boost of anti-inflammatory properties.

pumpkin smoothie, 2 serv

  • 6 oz pumpkin puree
  • 2 cups ice
  • 1 1/2 cup liquid (if you are watching your calories use water or half water and half skim milk/unsweetened almond/unsweetened soy milk)
  • 1 T agave or honey
  • 1/2 frozen banana
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp clove
  • 1/2 tsp nutmeg
  • 1 tsp molasses
optional:
  • 1/2 tsp cloves  * excellent antioxidant. great for soothing digestive system & arthritis pain
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract or coconut extract
  • 3 T hemp seeds    *adds 174 cal /  13g fat (omegas)   /  11g protein  /  16% iron  / 48% magnesium
  • 1tsp raw maca powder  *trendy new super food I found at Wegman’s heard about on Dr. Oz that boosts libido, helps fight stress and is s packed with vitamins & amino acids.  see Navita Naturals Naturals 

This recipe will make about 24-28 oz and if you try to drink it all at one time you will be stuffed!  Drink half now and half later…healthy dessert maybe?

spicy bunny smoothie

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this post comes with a fair warning that you may need a juicer for the carrots.  fret not, you can pick up 100% carrot juice at the grocery store and it will work just as well.

  • 1 1/2lbs organic carrots, juiced OR 12oz carrot juice
  • 1 inch piece of ginger (approx  1/2 the size of your thumb)  leave the skin on and juice with the carrots  OR just add chunked fresh ginger to the remaining ingredients .. it will disappear in the blender
  • 2 bananas (peel them…do I really need to tell you that?)
  • 1/4 – 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 cup almond/non-dairy milk

juice the carrots and ginger OR place the store-bought carrot juice and ginger chucks with the remaining ingredients in a blender to cream it all up.

add a few cubes of ice you want to stretch the servings or to enjoy it like a happy bunny milkshake. if you don’t want the ice be sure the bananas are frozen instead.

drink your veggies & fruit milkshake

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I’m thinking… how to get more fruits & veggies in my diet.  Using the  Dr. Weil anti-inflammatory food pyramid is a helpful guide.  Loving his veggie based pyramid as it offers a balance of the unprocessed carbs and veggies.  Smoothies seem like the easiest way to accomplish this veggie goal and so my experiments begin.  Really, like it should be hard to talk you into a milkshake-like drink.  Come on now!

I have a gal pal who uses spinach in her morning smoothies so this one is for you Cheryl….you wonder woman you!  I wonder how a beet, apple/pear and pineapple would taste blended with ice?  Just picked up a fresh pineapple & coconut milk for the next smoothie 1.0 test.  Thinking cauliflower may sneak into my pina colada smoothie…

Popeye had it right, getting pumped on spinach. Spinach is crazy rich in

  • vitamin K
  • vitamin A
  • magnesium
  • iron
  • potassium, calcium, fiber
  • get the whole scoop at WHFoods.com

Hemp seeds are a good source of protein, 3 T has 11g of protein.  Hemp seeds are also rich in vitamin E and omega 3′s.

If you choose chia seeds they also contain omega 3′s, more than flax seeds.  They are full of fiber, antioxidants & essential minerals but for the full scoop, on this new, hot health food, check out chia seeds superfoods.

This recipe is as basic as it comes so use your imagination for your blend… no reason you can’t use kale instead of spinach.  Why not add a teaspoon of cinnamon (will help slow the blood sugar spike as your body processes your meal…DOES not mean you can eat more sugar).  Grab your kids or finicky partner and rock on with this healthy milkshake!

popeye’s hemp smoothie

  • 1 1/2 c or 12 oz liquid (I used orgain but would also use non-dairy milk)
  • 1 cup blueberries (I use local berries, frozen when in season)
  • 2 handfuls fresh, organic spinach
  • 3 T hemp seeds or chai seeds
  • agave (optional)
  • ice

blend until no small child or fussy adult can tell that there was any spinach in your recipe, add a straw and enjoy!