Smoothies are a delicious way to sneak healthy goodness into your diet.
We drink smoothies every single day in our house. I aim for at least 1 cup for Xavier and 3 cups for Mike and I.
A typical Kurliand Special
Here is what I normally put into the blender (in order) and why:
1. Organic Vanana Yogurt
- Yogurt contains intestinal friendly bacteria called lactobacteria such as acidophilus, that foster a healthy colon and gut.
- Is a rich source of calcium (one 8oz. serving contains 50% of a child’s recommended daily allowance and 30-40% of an adults).
- Excellent source of protein (10-14g per 8oz.)
- Live culture yogurt can boost immunity.
Frozen Organic Fruit from Trader Joes
2. Frozen Organic Wild Blueberries
- Have the highest antioxidant capacity of all fresh fruit that boost immune systems (Vit A, B, C, zinc, iron, and more.)
- Promotes urinary tract health with some antibiotic properties and growth inhibitors.
- Fiber – 1cup = 14% RDA
3. Frozen Organic Wild Strawberries
- Fiber – 1cup = over 13% of an adult’s RDA
- Vitamin C- 1cup = 136% RDA
- Manganese aids in bone health and oxidative stress.
- Phenols help strawberries get their color while raising your uric acid level, known to serve as an antioxidant as well as fight off inflammatory diseases in the same was ibuprofen and aspirin might do.
4. Frozen Organic Wild Raspberries
- Fiber 1cup = 16% RDA
- High levels of phenols (see above)
- Vitamin C 1cup = 47% RDA
5. Organic Bananas
- High in many vitamins (and great at masking the taste of “yucky” ingredients), bananas are a great source of natural energy
- Loaded with almost every nutrient on the planet
6. Chia seeds:
- Rich in omega 3 fatty acids
- High in antioxidants
- Fiber, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, iron, zinc
7. Elderberry Syrup:
- Antioxidents
- Boost immune system
- Improves heart health for coughs, colds, flu, bacterial and viral infections (was used to treat the flu epidemic in Panama in 1995)
8. Water as needed for consistency.
This summer as the heat crept past 100° every. single. day., I froze some smoothies each week in BPA free popsicle makers from Ikea to keep us cool as a healthy alternative to ice cream and water ice.
Frozen Smoothie
The best part about smoothies is that you can create them from whatever you have laying around your house that’s about to go bad, even veggies make for a great mix if you want Green Smoothies.
Remember, the more banana you add, the less you’ll taste whatever you don’t want to taste.
What are you favorite smoothie recipes?
We have a smoothie every day too! Our primary staple is almond or coconut milk, blueberries, banana, strawberries and flax. Or, instead of the milk I’ll do a plain greek yogurt, berries, banana, honey and flax for a bigger protein grab.
Love making them into popsicles in summer too, although we don’t quite get the heat you do.
Found some silicone ice pop makers – they are tubes, so we freeze the smoothie and then put in boys’ lunch so it is thawed like a tube of yogurt by lunch. Excited about your new blog section!
Thanks Tiffany! I used to use flax until I found Chia, which is basically flax on crack!
Always looking for new recipes…share away
I’m a smoothie girl too. Can’t get enough of them! I never thought about making them into popsicles though. That’s a great idea!