Blueberry Spinach Smoothie

Starting on October 1st (this Saturday), Vegan MoFo 2011 begins! In case you'd never heard of this (don't worry, I hadn't until just last year), it is a month-long event where bloggers around the globe pledge to blog about all things vegan at least 20 days out of the month of October. Needless to say, this is going to take some work! But it should be fun!

 

I'm excited to see what other bloggers will be posting, not to mention all the giveaways that are in abundance during Vegan MoFo (from what I've read). Since this is my first year participating, I really don't know what to expect. So... be on the lookout this month while I try to pack in as many posts I can this month! If you'd like more info about Vegan MoFo, check out their website. You can also search for blogs by category, I believe they are adding a gluten-free one this year!

On a smoothie note, check out this one chock-full of phytonutrients and antioxidants!

Ingredients

• 3 cups spinach, packed
• 1 cup frozen blueberries
• 1-2 cups filtered water, (adjust depending on how thick you like smoothies)
• 1 chopped frozen banana
• optional: 2 Tbsp. hemp protein powder

1. Put spinach in blender with water and blend.
2. Add blueberries and blend again.
3. Lastly, add the frozen banana and hemp protein. (Both of these tend to thicken my smoothies up substantially, so I like to add them last)

Almond Protein Smoothie

This is one of my favorite smoothies to make! It's cool, creamy, and since it has a ton of protein it's especially good to gulp after a tough workout.

This smoothie requires a little bit of planning ahead due to the soaked raw almonds. If you don't have the time to soak the almonds beforehand (you really should, though!), just substitute 2 Tbsp. of almond butter.

Ingredients

• 1 frozen banana, chopped
• 3/4 cup vanilla soymilk (or almond milk)
• 1-2 Tbsp. almond butter 
• 1/2 cup raw almonds, soaked overnight and then peeled 
• 1 Tbsp. rice protein powder (I use NutriBiotic Rice Protein, Vanilla)
• 1 Tbsp. cocoa or maca powder (optional)

Directions
1. Peel the soaked almonds and put into blender.
2. Add the rest of the ingredients and blend!

Why should I soak raw nuts?

Check out this video by Ani Phyo, she explains it better than I could ever hope to. Basically, the raw nuts have enzyme inhibitors so that the nuts remain dormant. Soaking the nuts in water removes these inhibitors and this allows the nut to germinate . This makes it way more nutritious (and apparently easier to digest?)--> Check it out: 

Berry Banana Kale Smoothie

Ingredients

• 2 (packed) cups organic Kale, chopped
• 1 cup frozen organic Strawberries
• 1 frozen banana
• 1 cup Orange Juice (I use Tropicana with added Calcium and Vit. D)

Directions

1. Blend well!

The Spring Sniffles and Super C Smoothie

How I spent this past weekend:
Out of nowhere Saturday night I started to get a little scratch in my throat and sinus pressure under my eyes. No biggie, just allergies. A couple of hours later my throat felt like it had been scalded with boiling water and it hurt too much to swallow. This was definitely NOT seasonal allergies. But really, I think there's a rule about having to only deal with this "cold" business in the dreary, frigid months of winter...

Anyways, I've been taking zinc supplements and vitamin C like crazy. In addition, I've been whipping up some wicked-tasty smoothies with extra D-Ribose powder and Maca powder.

Seeing as how I haven't had much of an appetite while being sick, my meals have consisted mostly of the addictive Bee M.D. Organic Honey Throat drops. If you head on over to their website you can print off a $1.00 rebate coupon! 

Here's a rundown of my smoothie that I made earlier today. Simple. Tasty.

 

Banana Peach Maca Super-C Smoothie

• 1 frozen banana
• 2 cups frozen peaches (for some additional vitamin C)
• 1 cup fresh orange juice
• 1 tsp. Maca powder (I use Navitas Naturals Raw Maca Powder, Organic)
• 1 packet (~4 grams) of Madre-C powder by Madre Labs

Directions:

Mix all ingredients in blender and blend!