A scene being filmed in Lauren's neighborhood!
But enough about Dan Aykroyd and our many celebrity sightings. Today we have decided to extend our healthy recipe blog to include fruit and vegetable smoothies. Just like slaw recipes, smoothie options are endless and a great way to get all kinds of nutrients (especially when you are on the go). Over the last few days we have blended together several combinations of fruits and veggies. Some have been a huge success, and some, not so much. i.e. KALE (a touchy subject on this blog) does not blend well.
Smoothie Vocabulary
Kefir-originally a European smoothie, it is a probiotic yogurt drink that is good for digestive health, a good source of calcium and protein, and comes in several yummy flavors (strawberry, peach, pomegranate, and blueberry to name a few). "The word Kefir is thought to have been derived from the Turkish word, "Keif" for "good feeling"."-the side of the Kefir bottle
Assorted frozen fruit-this is like fruit that is frozen and in a bag in your local grocery store freezer. Frozen cherries are our favorite!
Spinach (not just for Popeye)-you've had it drilled into you a million times how healthy leafy greens are to consume. If its a chore for you to add that into your diet, why not blend it into a smoothie so you don't even taste it? It really does make a difference in how you feel after taking in a huge amount of nutrients. Unless of course, you're on Coumadin…then use caution with spinach consumption (advice from our doctor men).
Good Belly- This is a non-dairy probiotic vegan juice drink. Enough said. Also can be found at your local grocery store.
Banana/Avocado-the element of the smoothie that creates a creamy texture and adds a rich flavor. Also, avocados are known for protein content and bananas help with Charlie Horses (those agonizing muscle complaints you sometimes get at 2:00 in the morning-especially pregnant girls!).
Red Cabbage-there was once a Reader's Digest article about 'eating by color'. Ever since reading that article, Lauren has had a sort of phobia of the "beige" diet. Foods that have color (the deeper the better) have antioxidants that fight cancer and do loads of other health-beneficial tasks. This cabbage is significant for it's vibrant color. Throwing it into a smoothie is just another way to strive for cancer prevention…more vainly-wrinkle and ugliness prevention, etc.
Flaxseed-some substance that apparently is high in Omega-3 fatty acids. People who want to reduce their risk of heart disease, cancer, stroke and diabetes will consume this small anticlimactic-looking seed.
Lauren's smoothie:
The Nate Ruess
1 cup Kefir (we used strawberry flavored)
1 cup of frozen blueberries
1 cup finely chopped red cabbage
1 tablespoon of Flaxseed
(makes about 2 servings)
Erica's smoothie:
The Ghostbuster
Fill the blender with spinach (this may look like a lot but it will blend down)
1/2 cup of chopped carrots
1 cup of frozen mango or pineapple
1 cup of Kefir
Splash of orange juice
For the busy mom, smoothies are a great way to introduce fruits and vegetables into your children's diet.
Disclaimer: Smoothies are not an easy cleanup and difficult to get off of the ceiling and or walls if your child decides to spit it out in a helicopter fashion.
Beet Smoothie face paint??
Recently, Dan Aykroyd joined the Jackson Police Department.
Thanks to that, we can blend our smoothies in peace, without fear of harassment from the many Jackson vagrants out there. Thanks, Dan Aykroyd. We will name a smoothie after you.
If you are a veggie and fruit smoothie skeptic, that's okay. Lives can be lived in worse ways. Let us just tell you though, that when you get in the habit of sneaking in all these extra nutrients and antioxidants to your diet, you will notice increased levels of: energy, confidence, sense of wellbeing and an overall healthier feeling. Trust us, you really don't even taste the veggies once the delicious Kefir and frozen fruit flavors are added in!
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