Let’s face it. My body may be somewhat reliant on smoothies on a regular basis. You caught me. I’m a smoothie addict. Guilty as charged.
It wasn’t always this way. There have been many more days in my life that I have not had a smoothie versus indulging. Funny thing, for holiday time giving I received some smoothie additions, enhancers if you will. Since I had them, why not use them. Smoothies had been on my radar for some time. Now was the time. My time to embrace the smoothie trip. Things were about to get crazy.
Having 2 - 3 cups of fruit or vegetables all blended into a delicious, flowing fun time in your mouth is exactly what I’m talking about. If you spend time making smoothies, you’ll realize that some really are that good. So dang delicious. Creamy, tasty, everything I ever dreamed a smoothie would be. Not only is the in-your-mouth-experience amazing but it is easier to digest by some. Breaking down the food into this form is something my body certainly tolerates better. For instance, I am more apt to pound a smoothie than eat ¾ cup of blueberries, 1 banana, a handful of frozen fruit and a cup of beverage, all at one time. More nutrients - quicker. Yes please! My fix comes from a jolt of fresh produce and hydration.
Was this crazy? Was I crazy? Sometimes things get all carried away in my mind. Here I have good intentions and it falls awry. “Sure I’ll make some smoothies. I’ll be “healthier.” Why not?” Was this doomed to be another one of my failed attempts at bringing a vision - a physical connection to my body - to life?
So, I did it. I took the leap of faith, purchased a Ninja and stared down the smoothie line. The rest is history. You know how it goes down. Barely a day goes by without this fix. Apparently these aspirations were a bit more than I realized. They have taken hold of me! Hey, there aren’t fitness professionals, dietitians and wellness professionals alike who aren’t in agreeance that some form of pureed vegetable/fruit blend isn’t beneficial. They must be that good. It’s not just me, right?
The best ones are vegan. Most are gluten free. Just about every diet can be accomodated. Get more bang for your efforts by putting additional veggies in them. Make it count while you can. It already tastes amazing, depending on what you used for ingredients. Below you’ll see a few of my favorites. They are super easy, nutrition packed and oh-so-delicious. Trust me, many seem like desserts themselves!
What seems like a guilty pleasure in all reality is actually something beneficial for your body. To prove my point, how about a little test. Tell me, how many servings of fruits and veggies you have had so far today? How about this week? Not to be judgy, that is far from what I do - or am - as a person. Realistically though, most Americans don’t eat the proper amount of veggies. According to the USDA, Americans are eating only half of the vegetation they should be. Chances are you haven’t had enough fruits or veggies today. So a smoothie would actually be good for you. Throw some fruit, veggies and liquid of your choice into a Ninja and you are G - 2 - G. Good. To. Go.
“Amazing.” I think to myself as I press down gently. It’s so easy! Who would have thought making a smoothie would be so easy? Literally just throw in your fresh fruit, top with some frozen fruit. Pour in enough liquid to make the texture you desire and press down. That’s it! Non cooks, food prep haters, heck all capable people of many ages can make these.
There are so many ways to enjoy them. Let your creativity run wild. Two, three, four, more! Add as many fruits and vegetables as you want. The combinations are endless. Below are just a few examples. Think of your favorite fruits and veggies. Imagine your own combinations too. Possibilities are limitless. Thinking of something crazy? Try it. Who knows what amazing combo you’ll discover.
So, where does this leave me with my latest addiction? Let’s consider the journey. A further interest was sparked. A goal in view, not quite in focus. A chance to explore. Healthier food consumption. All things considered, seems as though this quick hit is a fix that is worth keeping around for the time being. Maybe the next amazing food craze is waiting to be discovered. Maybe a business is it’s infant stage. Maybe there are other powers at play here. Or maybe I’m making all of this up in my head. Regardless, this quick fix is here right now. And I plan on enjoying these delicious treats any chance I can - as long as I have the ingredients.
Classic Strawberry Banana
1 - 2 bananas
¾ cup strawberries
½ cup frozen fruit (whatever is on hand)
¾ non dairy milk
Bam! Just like that. Delish.
Creamy Chocolate Dream
1 avocado
1 banana
1 cup blueberries
2 Tbsp of cocoa powder
1 Tbsp of maple syrup
1 cup of non dairy milk
What better way to start the day than with some creamy chocolate?
Tropical Delight
1 cup cooked sweet potato
1 banana
1 cup frozen tropical medley
2 light sprinkles of ginger
¾ cup of non dairy milk
Think beachy things for this one…
Green Ginger Machine
1 cup greens
1 cup celery
½ cup blueberries
½ teaspoon ginger
¾ cup non dairy milk
Green has always been my favorite color. This just proves the case even further.
