Thursday, July 31, 2014

Hula Dancer Smoothie

Inspired by hula grass skirts!

Hula Dancer Smoothie Recipe
Makes 1 serving. 

Ingredients:
  • 1 cup almond milk
  • 1/2 cup frozen pineapple
  • 1 cup fresh spinach
Instructions:
  1. Toss spinach and milk in the blender.
  2. Blend well until spinach is tiny green flecks.
  3. Add frozen pineapple. 
  4. Blend, serve and enjoy.

Wash the spinach well before tossing it in the blender. I recommend blending it up with the milk first to minimize the flecks of spinach and produce a smoother drink, but you could add them all in at once if you don't mind it.

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Chocolate Blueberry Smoothie

A dessert treat!



Chocolate Blueberry Smoothie Recipe
Makes 1 serving. 

Ingredients:
  • 1/2 cup hot chocolate
  • 1/2 cup almond milk
  • 1 cup frozen blueberries
Instructions:
  1. Toss all ingredients in blender. 
  2. Blend, serve and enjoy.

Be sure that the hot chocolate is well chilled before adding it. Alternatively, simply use all almond milk and a scoop of cocoa powder or chocolate-flavored protein powder. You'll want to drink this up quick before the blueberries melt!

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Triple Berry Oat Smoothie

Great for your sweet tooth!

Triple Berry Oat Smoothie Recipe
Makes 1 serving. 

Ingredients:
  • 1/2 cup cranberry juice
  • 1/2 cup almond milk
  • 1/2 cup frozen strawberries
  • 1/2 cup frozen blueberries
  • 1 packet/scoop protein powder
  • 1 Tbs fine ground oats
  • 1 Tbs fine ground flaxseed
Instructions:
  1. Toss all ingredients in blender. 
  2. Blend, serve and enjoy.

The cranberry juice makes this drink very sweet, so use unsweetened almond milk and an unsweetened protein powder, if possible. For this recipe, I used Vega Protein Smoothie:Bodacious Berry flavor, which is sweetened with stevia. 

Monday, July 28, 2014

Strawberry-Pom Smoothie

Pomegranate and strawberry flavors combine perfectly!


Strawberry-Pom Smoothie Recipe
Makes 1 serving. 

Ingredients:
  • 1/2 cup pomegranate juice
  • 1/2 cup almond milk
  • 1 cup frozen strawberries
Instructions:
  1. Toss all ingredients in blender. 
  2. Blend, serve and enjoy.

The pomegranate juice makes this drink very sweet, so use unsweetened almond milk, if possible. Add a dash of cardamom if you have it on hand - it's superb!

Sunday, July 27, 2014

Chocolate Strawberry Smoothie

Chocolate-covered strawberries without the mess!

Chocolate Strawberry Smoothie Recipe
Makes 1 serving. 

Ingredients:
  • 1 cup hot chocolate
  • 1 cup frozen strawberries
  • 1 Tbs chia seeds
Instructions:
  1. Toss all ingredients in blender. 
  2. Blend, serve and enjoy.
Be sure the hot chocolate is very well cooled down - such as overnight in the fridge - before adding to this drink. 

Saturday, July 26, 2014

Muscle Blaster Smoothie

Smooth and frothy, pre-workout drink!

Muscle Blaster Smoothie Recipe
Makes 2 servings. 

Ingredients:
  • 2.5 cups almond milk
  • 1 frozen banana
  • 1 cup frozen strawberries
  • 1 packet/scoop whey or soy protein
Instructions:
  1. Toss all ingredients in blender. 
  2. Blend, serve and enjoy.
For this recipe I used Tera's Whey Vanilla Whey Protein and Winn Dixie Almond Milk. Be sure that protein powder is well-mixed into the drink to avoid a gritty, sandy texture.

Friday, July 25, 2014

Acai Berry Boost

A great picker-upper for post-lunch or pre-workout!

Acai Berry Boost Smoothie Recipe
Makes 1 serving. 

Ingredients:
  • 1/4 cup acai juice
  • 3/4 cup pomegranate juice
  • 1/2 frozen banana
  • 1/3 cup frozen blueberries
  • 1/3 cup frozen strawberries
Instructions:
  1. Toss all ingredients in blender. 
  2. Blend, serve and enjoy.
Be sure to rinse strawberries and blueberries well before freezing overnight. For this recipe I used Sambazon Acai Juice and Pom 100% Pomegranate Juice. 

Thursday, July 24, 2014

Pomegranate Plunge Smoothie

Sweet and balanced smoothie!

Pomegranate Plunge Smoothie Recipe
Makes 1 serving. 

Ingredients:
  • 1/2 cup pomegranate juice
  • 1/2 cup cranberry juice
  • 1 frozen banana
  • 1/2 cup frozen strawberries
Instructions:
  1. Add all ingredients to blender. 
  2. Blend, serve and enjoy.
For this recipe, I used Pom 100% Pomegranate Juice and Simply Cranberry Cocktail. Be sure to check the sugar content in fruit juices before buying to ensure a not-sickeningly-sweet smoothie.

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Caribbean C-Burst Smoothie

Great sunny drink for a cloudy day!


Caribbean C-Burst Smoothie Recipe
Makes 1 serving. 

Ingredients:
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 1/2 cup carrot juice
  • 1 Tbs goji berries
  • 1 frozen banana
  • 1/2 cup frozen mango
Instructions:
  1. Toss orange juice and goji berries in blender.
  2. Mix well - until goji berries are small red specks. 
  3. Add rest of ingredients. 
  4. Blend, serve and enjoy.

Soak the goji berries in filtered water for a few hours before adding them. I used Bolthouse Farms 100% Carrot Juice and Winn Dixie Orange Juice with no pulp. Be sure to use a ripe mango for this recipe. 

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Go-Go-Goji Smoothie

Sweet and tart in harmony!

Go-Go-Goji Smoothie Recipe
Makes 1 serving. 

Ingredients:
  • 1 cup orange juice
  • 1 Tbs goji berries
  • 2 frozen bananas
Instructions:
  1. Toss orange juice and goji berries in blender.
  2. Mix well - until goji berries are small red specks. 
  3. Add bananas. 
  4. Blend, serve and enjoy.

Goji berries lend their strong flavor to this simple drink. I recommend soaking the berries in filtered water for a few hours before adding them.

Monday, July 21, 2014

Crantastic Smoothie

Cranberry steals the show in this fruity smoothie!

Crantastic Smoothie Recipe
Makes 2 servings. 

Ingredients:
  • 2 cups cranberry juice
  • 1 frozen banana
  • 1/2 cup frozen blueberries
  • 1/2 cup frozen mango 
Instructions:
  1. Toss all ingredients in blender.
  2. Blend, serve and enjoy.

Check the sugar content before buying cranberry juice or cocktail otherwise you'll get a super sugary drink! 

Friday, July 18, 2014

Raspberry Orange Smoothie

Refreshing morning smoothie!


Raspberry Orange Smoothie Recipe
Makes 1 serving. 

Ingredients:
  • 1 cup orange juice
  • 1 cup frozen raspberries
Instructions:
  1. Toss all ingredients in blender.
  2. Blend, serve and enjoy.

Keep it simple with this smoothie with two simple ingredients. Adding sweetener won't be necessary for this well-balanced drink.

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Chocolate Cherry Smoothie

A real crowd-pleaser!

Chocolate Cherry Smoothie Recipe
Makes 1 serving. 

Ingredients:
  • 1 cup prepared hot chocolate
  • 1 cup frozen raspberries

Instructions:
  1. Toss all ingredients in blender.
  2. Blend, serve and enjoy.

For this drink, I used instant hot chocolate and allowed it to cool overnight in the fridge. If your hot chocolate is not cooled down, you'll get a melty or watery smoothie. If the smoothie too thick, add a splash of almond (or whatever kind) milk.

This smoothie was so delicious, even the boyfriend (who is smoothie-picky) raved about it!

Monday, July 14, 2014

Raspberry Coffee Smoothie

Great morning smoothie!

Raspberry Coffee Smoothie Recipe
Makes 1 serving. 

Ingredients:
  • 1/2 cup almond milk
  • 1/2 cup prepared coffee
  • 1 cup frozen raspberries
  • 1 Tbs agave nectar

Instructions:
  1. Toss all ingredients in blender.
  2. Blend, serve and enjoy.

For this drink, I used a unsweetened Almond Breeze original almond milk and agave as sweetener. The coffee must be room temperature or cooler for this recipe otherwise you'll get a lukewarm smoothie! Adding a teaspoon or two of vanilla extract is recommended. 

Saturday, July 12, 2014

Raspberry Freeze Smoothie

Delicious raspberry smoothie!


Raspberry Freeze Smoothie Recipe
Makes 1 serving. 

Ingredients:
  • 1 cup almond milk
  • 1 cup frozen raspberries
  • 1 Tbs agave nectar

Instructions:
  1. Toss all ingredients in blender.
  2. Blend, serve and enjoy.

For this drink, I used a unsweetened almond milk and agave as sweetener. Feel free to change it up with maple syrup, honey or sugar instead of agave. Yogurt would be a fantastic addition, as well.

Friday, July 11, 2014

Wild Berry Smoothie

Creamy and fruity smoothie!


Wild Berry Smoothie Recipe
Makes 1 serving. 

Ingredients:
  • 1 cup almond millk
  • 1 cup frozen berries
  • 1/2 cup yogurt

Instructions:
  1. Toss all ingredients in blender.
  2. Blend, serve and enjoy.

For this drink, I used a mix of raspberries, blueberries and blackberries, and greek yogurt. If needed, add honey, maple syrup or agave nectar to sweeten. 

Thursday, July 10, 2014

Pineapple Freeze Smoothie

Great breakfast smoothie!

Pineapple Freeze Smoothie Recipe
Makes 1 serving. 

Ingredients:
  • 1 cup orange juice
  • 1 cup frozen pineapple
  • 1/2 cup yogurt

Instructions:
  1. Toss all ingredients in blender.
  2. Blend, serve and enjoy.

For this drink, I used pulp-free orange juice and greek yogurt for a tart, but refreshing drink. Top it with berries and granola for a breakfast treat!

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

Vanilla Berry Smoothie

Great pre-workout snack!

Vanilla Berry Smoothie Recipe
Makes 2 servings. 

Ingredients:
  • 2 cups almond millk
  • 1 cup frozen berries
  • 1 packet vanilla protein powder

Instructions:
  1. Toss all ingredients in blender.
  2. Blend, serve and enjoy.

For this drink, I used a mix of raspberries, blueberries and blackberries, and whey protein powder. If you're using a sweetened protein powder, consider using unsweetened almond milk.

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Acai Berry Smoothie

A berry exotic smoothie!

Acai Berry Smoothie Recipe
Makes 1 serving. 

Ingredients:
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • 1 packet frozen acai juice
  • 1/2 cup frozen blueberries
  • 1/2 frozen banana

Instructions:
  1. Toss all ingredients in blender.
  2. Blend, serve and enjoy.

You can find Sambazon Frozen Acai Smoothie Packs in the frozen goods isle of your local Whole Foods. This recipe is courtesy of my roomie, Eva. Top with fresh raspberries, blackberries and yogurt!

Monday, July 7, 2014

Tropical Freeze Smoothie

Love the way strawberry flecks color this drink!


Tropical Freeze Smoothie Recipe
Makes 2 servings. 

Ingredients:
  • 1.5 cups orange juice
  • 1/2 cup guava nectar
  • 1/2 cup frozen strawberries
  • 1/2 cup frozen mango

Instructions:
  1. Toss all ingredients in blender.
  2. Blend, serve and enjoy.

Guava nectar can be purchased cheaply at your local latin grocery and adds a great deal of sweetness to smoothies. I like the addition of strawberries to this drink for their bright red color, however, pineapple would be a delicious partner to the mango, also. 

Sunday, July 6, 2014

Melon-Berry Smoothie


Simple two-ingredient smoothie!

Melon-Berry Smoothie Recipe
Makes 1 serving. 

Ingredients:
  • 1 cup watermelon
  • 1/2 cup frozen raspberries
Instructions:
  1. Toss all ingredients in blender.
  2. Blend, serve and enjoy.

This recipe is so simple and watermelon is great for a post-workout treat to relieve muscle soreness as determined in this study.

Friday, July 4, 2014

Pumpkin Pie Smoothie

Better than Pumpkin Spice Latte!


Pumpkin Pie Smoothie Recipe
Makes 2 servings. 

Ingredients:
  • 2 cup almond milk
  • 1 cup frozen coffee
  • 2 Tbs agave 
  • 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/2 cup pureed pumpkin

Instructions:
  1. Toss all ingredients in blender.
  2. Blend, serve and enjoy.

For this recipe, I used Almond Breeze Unsweetened Almond Milk and canned pumpkin. Instead of agave, you could use maple syrup, honey or sugar. Freeze the coffee in an ice cube tray the night before.

Thursday, July 3, 2014

Island Green Smoothie

Get those leafy greens in today!


Island Green Smoothie Recipe
Makes 2 servings. 

Ingredients:
  • 2 cup almond milk
  • 1 frozen banana
  • 1/2 cup spinach
  • 1 stalk kale
  • 1/2 cup mango
  • 1/2 cup pineapple

Instructions:
  1. Toss all ingredients in blender.
  2. Blend, serve and enjoy.

For this recipe, I used Almond Breeze Unsweetened Almond Milk. Surprisingly, the sweetness of the fruits carries this healthy smoothie recipe straight to deliciousness.

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Beach Bum Smoothie

Fresh and fruity!



Beach Bum Smoothie Recipe
Makes 1 serving. 

Ingredients:
  • 1 cup almond milk
  • 1/2 cup frozen strawberries
  • 1 frozen banana
  • 1 Tbs cocoa powder

Instructions:
  1. Toss all ingredients in blender.
  2. Blend, serve and enjoy.

For this recipe, I used Almond Breeze Unsweetened Almond Milk. I found that the ripe banana lent sufficient sweetness to the drink, but if the cocoa powder causes too much bitterness for you, add a sweetener such as maple syrup to taste.

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Carrot Crazy Smoothie

Sweet carrot goodness!


Carrot Crazy Smoothie Recipe
Makes 1 serving. 

Ingredients:
  • 1 cup carrot juice
  • 1 cup frozen mango

Instructions:
  1. Toss all ingredients in blender.
  2. Blend, serve and enjoy.

For this recipe, I used Bolthouse Farms 100% Carrot Juice. If needed, add maple syrup, agave, sugar or honey as a sweetener. If you're like me and carrots give you the heebie-jeebies, this is great way to get your beta-carotene.