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The well thought out smoothie…

So today is day 8 of my sugar detox and besides Valentine’s Day, this has by far been the hardest day. I think going out last night and having a couple of drinks did not help, at all. Why is it when you have some drinks, you crave bad stuff the next day?

Okay so back to my Vitamix and smoothies  — Best. Investment. Ever. I love this thing and cant believe how much we are actually using it, every single day! There was a bit of a learning curve and it took me a little while to figure out exactly what I wanted in a smoothie, what my kids liked and what my husband would like, but think I’ve figured it out and I’m SO excited!

When I got my Vitamix, my mission or goal to was find a smoothie that was as nutrient dense as possible that tasted pretty good and well, if it tasted great, then that was just a bonus. I don’t need a mixer to eat lots of yummy fruits. I have no problem getting those down and since fructose is still sugar, that is something I don’t really want to over do. But, I can always use more greens in my diet and if this machine is going to help me (and my family) do that, then I am so happy!

First, I debated about kale versus spinach for my base in the smoothie. Turns out, kale has more vitamin C, A, K (I need to look that one up) and calcium and spinach has more fiber, magnesium and iron. So, I decided to use both. Why not, right?  I do use the juice from a whole lime to take away any bitter taste from the spinach and kale.  Since I make this smoothies twice a day, I like to get a big bag of limes from Costco.

I start by blending my kale and spinach. I’ll just use some warm water to start blending and then will let the vitamix run on high for a minute or two.  I do this so the greens can actually heat up a little and my body will be able to absorb more iron.

I know, I know you gotta be thinking, he’s making a big mess. Just look at his shirt. But don’t worry, he’s on clean up duty as well…

I also wanted some more veggies too and was using celery and cucumber, but then thought, why exactly am I using these. I like to make educated decisions on what I eat whenever possible. And after a little research, I found out that celery and cucumber are pretty light in the nutritional arena so decided to go with a few carrots instead for their beta carotenes and vitamin A and a little bit of sweetness.

Next I needed to add something else to make this a little sweeter. Since Costco’s Wild Organic Blueberries have a super high amount of antioxidents.

Now pre-sugar detox, I was also adding in half a banana and 3-4 drops of stevia. And as far as taste AND nutrition, in my mind, this was a perfect concoction.  Tate even loved it!!  But since I was doing the detox and wanted to stay away from high sugar fruit (and stevia) since it can cause cravings, I left these two things out. At first I didn’t love it, but now I look truly forward to it, twice a day!  Talk about changing your taste buds!!

Here is what you need:

 

  • kale, 1-2 handfuls
  • spinach, 1-2 handfuls
  • water
  • almond milk, about 1/3 cup
  • blueberries, 2/3 cup
  • chia seeds, 1 tbsp
  • raw cacao powder, 1 tbsp
  • banana, 1/2 (optional)
  • stevia, 2-4 drops (optional)
  • Lime, whole, juiced
  • Handful of ice
I love this thing!!

 

By the way, I’ve started experimenting with green powders like Green Vibrance (thanks Gracie for all the great smoothie ideas including this one!). I had also heard about Healthforce Vitamineral Green and am curious, do you use these? Do you like them and/or notice a difference in how you feel?

As for the rest of the family, this is Alice’s favorite is called Chocolate Covered Strawberries (or rasberries). Here is what you need:

  • spinach and/or kale
  • coconut water
  • coconut or almond milk
  • Strawberries (or rasberries)
  • Stevia, few drops
  • Dark chocolate chips

Here is Tate and Scott’s breakfast smoothie:

  • spinach and/or kale
  • blueberries
  • coconut milk (TJ’s can)
  • almond butter
  • ripe banana
  • 1 tbsp dark chocolate chips
  • 2-3 drops stevia IF banana isn’t really ripe

By the way, I went to costco yesterday because I need to restock on some smoothie ingredients and was so excited to find so many other great things…

By the way, this sausage is amazing in the cauliflower soup!

Have a good long weekend and stay warm!!

 

  • Jill - Where did you get that cute robot cup?! Thanks for the recipes. We are trying them today!ReplyCancel

    • landriav - Hi Jill! Got the cup from Target.ReplyCancel

  • Lisa Bell - Thanks for all the yummy smoothie ideas. Could I substitute peanut butter or sunbutter for the almond butter? I’ve promised smoothie’s for breakfast!ReplyCancel

    • landriav - Hey Lisa! 🙂 Yes! You could substitute any nut or seed butter. I hope the girls like them!! Thanks for posting!ReplyCancel

  • Shannon - Hey Landria!
    I’ve been drinking your smoothie concoction, and I really like it, lots of energy, maybe it’s the cacao? .just wondered if you’ve come up with any others or found a green powder u like?ReplyCancel

    • landriav - The Cacao does help give energy. As for green powders, Vita Mineral Green is suppose to be a really great one but I haven’t actually tried it yet. Here is the link to it. Let me know what you think if you try it Shannon! Thanks!ReplyCancel

  • Susan - Hey Landria- if you could add the amounts of the ingredients to the last two smoothies, this smoothie newbie would love to try them. 🙂ReplyCancel

    • landriav - Hey Susan, yes absolutely. Next time I make them I’ll pay close attention and let you know, soon! 🙂ReplyCancel

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