Energizing Green Smoothie

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Ingredients:

1 c coconut water
1 c frozen strawberries
1 frozen banana
1 orange
2 leaves green kale
2 leaves swiss chard
1 tsp bee pollen and/or protein powder

Blend all ingredients until smooth. Enjoy being naturally infused with vitamins and nutrients! 🙂

Read Full Post »

Berry Green Energy Smoothie

I was expecting the sun to come out on my day off of work today. I’ve been feeling unmotivated this afternoon so I decided to throw together some ingredients from the overwhelming fruit and veggie collection that I’ve been hoarding lately (not the worst thing to get into the habit of :P). Here is the lowdown on what I threw together and I feel like I can now go about my day with a bit more energy despite the clouds and cool breeze (I’m not ready for summer to be over!):

-1 bunch dandelion greens – detoxifying, an excellent source of vitamins A, C, E, K, calcium and iron. These do add some bitterness/bite, which I don’t mind, but you can also throw in kale, romaine or spinach instead.

-1 very ripe pear – a good source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, copper, and vitamin K

-1 banana – a very good source of vitamin B6 and a good source of vitamin C, potassium, dietary fiber, and manganese.

-1 c blackberries – packed with polyphenols and anthocyanins which can help to prevent cancer and heart disease. Blackberries are also rich in manganese and vitamin C. Can sub. other berries too – blueberries would work great!

-1 teaspoon ea of unsweetened cocoa powder – rich dietary source of flavonoids, bee pollen – loaded with enzymes which help us break down and digest food, vitamins, minerals, trace minerals, and phytonutrients (please do not use this if you are allergic to bee products), spirulina – rich supply of many important nutrients, including protein, complex carbohydrates, iron, and vitamins A, K, and B complex. It also has a high supply of carotenoids such as beta carotene and yellow xanthophylls which have antioxidant properties. It is also rich in chlorophyll, fatty and nucleic acids, and lipids, rich in iron, magnesium and trace minerals, and is easier to absorb than iron supplements. The highest source of B-12, essential for healthy nerves and tissue, especially for vegetarians.

-1 c goat milk kefir – provides protein, calcium, probiotics (or milk/non-dairy option of your choice)

-a few ice cubes

Blend all ingredients together in a high-speed blender, enjoy immediately!

Read Full Post »

Fruit & Nut Muesli

This muesli combines plenty of healthy ingredients without any of the processed sugar or additives that you would normally find in most store-bought brands. Serve on its own as an on-the-go snack or at breakfast with fresh berries, milk or yogurt. Enjoy!

Fruit & Nut Muesli

Ingredients:

1 cup rolled oats
2 tbsp flaxseed meal
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp fine sea salt
1/4 cup pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
1/4 cup almonds, chopped
1/2 cup dried apricots (or other dried fruit of your choice), chopped into smaller pieces

1/2 banana, mashed (about 1/4 cup)
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tbsp unsweetened apple sauce

Preheat oven to 350ºF. Lightly grease a square, approx. 8″ x 8″ baking dish – I used a bit of coconut oil. Combine dry ingredients in a mixing bowl, set aside. Add remaining wet ingredients (banana, olive oil, apple sauce) in a separate bowl, whisk together, then mix in with dry ingredients until well combined.

Spread the mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Bake for approximately 25 minutes, until top is lightly browned. Remove and let cool for 15-20 minutes. Keep unused portions stored in airtight bag/container and refrigerate.

Read Full Post »