R E C I P E // A Little Yum: Smoothie Bowls

Green Smoothie BowlSpinach & Banana, Naturally

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R E C I P E || what is a smoothie bowl? it's an amazing blend of frozen fruit and veggies that comes out in a frosty-esque consistency, perfect for upending into a bowl and eating with a spoon. It's cold, it forces you to really slow down and enjoy the nutrients (unlike guzzling a smoothie like a person who has just crossed the finish line in the Boston Marathon), and it's perfectly top-able and delicious. I love these over the summer for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and sometimes it tastes so good I want another. If the green freaks you out, try adding some cacao or cocoa and make it a chocolate frosty. You don't taste the greens in my opinion, but sometimes it's easier to eat something that looks like chocolate ice cream, am I right? I left the recipe purposely vague so you can experiment, and find your favorite combination. Starting with the base of banana and spinach (both frozen so it's super spoonable), anything else goes -- if I don't have almond milk, I'll use just water; if chia seeds and flax seeds are at a low, I'll omit or throw in a different seed if I have it on hand; if I don't want oatmeal in my smoothie (I normally add it on the days I run), I don't put it in there ... you guys get the idea, right? It's simple! 

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+ 1-2 cups of Non-Dairy Milk
+ 1-2 cups of frozen spinach (if new to the world of green smoothies, start at 1 cup and work up)
+ 1 frozen banana (peel the banana and break it up into bite size pieces -- makes it easier on the blender -- and then place it in the freezer in a baggie or on a tray until frozen. they last forever so feel free to freeze in bulk)
+ Flax & Chia Seeds
+ 1-2 tbsp oatmeal
+ Almond butter to drizzle heavenly on top
+ Spices of Choice (I love cinnamon and nutmeg)
+ Ice (optional)

Add all of the ingredients* (minus the almond butter if you want to drizzle it on top) to a blender until all is combined. I've tried it with my nutribullet and it works just fine! 

*You want the milk to just cover the frozen banana and spinach. After you run it through the blender to get it started, you add very small amounts to help it blend completely, but not too much that it becomes any ol' smoothie -- it's all about that spooning action! If you made it too runny, no worries! Add a little more frozen banana or ice to it and thicken it right back up -- it's almost too simple to call it a recipe.

Why do we love Green Smoothies? The one above packs potassium, manganese, folate, fiber, vital vitamins and nutrients (think B6, C, E, omegas), as well as protein and more, and it's all jam packed into something that tastes amazing ;-). Plus, it makes your body glow from the inside out and feel like it can go for hours (if you're wondering how filling a simple recipe could be, try it out -- I think you'll be pleasantly surprised).

For another smoothie recipe, check out this Berry & Beet Smoothie or the non-bowl version of this recipe, The Training Wheels Green Smoothie.

+ have you tried smoothie bowls before ? was this a new idea for you? comment below or on facebook!

Want to feel like a million bucks with high energy, self-love, and freedom from fad-diets? Let’s work together.

Xx. Remember, always listen to your body and soul when fixing yourself food -- it's generally in there that you'll find just what you need.

R E C I P E || Show Yourself Some Love this Valentine's Day

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Love is in the air. Valentine's day is quickly approaching and the evidence stretches near and far -- there are heart shaped labels on coffee cups, the sudden appearance of sprinkle covered chocolate hearts, the mention of Valentine's and love notes, the emergence of pink and red all over, and the sudden lovey-dovey vibe that has settled into the atmosphere. I thought I would put my own spin on the day and make something that loves you from the inside out -- The Smoothie of Love! It's pink and vibrant and a glowing picture of love. It'll give you lasting energy for all your fun Saturday activities and can be the perfect start to a wonderful day. Yesterday, I told you that I was glad I'm single for Valentine's Day. But today, I'm glad for another reason. I get to make this amazing recipe come Saturday morning and drink it all by myself!

Berries & Beets Smoothie

// Ingredients //

1 cup frozen red berries (I used strawberries and some raspberries)

1/4 cup thinly sliced raw beet

1/2 banana (I used 1/2 of a frozen one)

1 tbs chia seeds (can also use flax seeds)

2 tbs cashews (or any nut of choice; sub 1 tbs nut butter if you don't have whole nuts on hand)

8 oz. unsweetened almond milk (or dairy of choice)

Optional || 2 tbs hemp protein powder, a tsp of maca powder, a handful of washed kale with stems removed, or anything else that fills your heart with joy

Combine the above ingredients in a blender, blend on high for about 45 seconds, or until well-incorporated. Add more almond milk or water to thin. Add ice or another 1/2 of a frozen banana to thicken. Pour into tall glass and feel the love!

Some of the beautiful benefits of this recipe include ...

Beets | high in vitamins and minerals and a wonderful detoxifying food, beets are a great source of energy. they release sugar slowly and help draw out toxins from your body, supplying you with vitamin A, B, & C, plus magnesium and iron -- just to name a few!

Banana | other than being an amazing source of potassium, bananas are a great source of tryptophan which converts to serotonin in the body, making you feel calm, happy, and relaxed.

Red berries | strawberries are an excellent source of Vitamin C while also being incredible antioxidants, just like raspberries

Cashews | full of amazing nutrients like copper, magnesium, phosphorous, manganese, and zinc, cashews have a lower fat content than other nuts, help maintain a healthy heart, and can build strong muscles

Chia Seeds | probably my favorite and most versatile food, chia seeds contain healthy omega-3s, carbohydrates, protein, fiber, antioxidants, and calcium

+ how do you feel about pink drinks? unexpected pairings in smoothies are the best! have any crazy pairings you love?

Want to feel like a million bucks with high energy, self-love, and freedom from fad-diets? Let’s work together.

Health & Wellness Thursdays || All About Gluten-Free Baking ||11.20.14

For those of you inviting guests over for the holidays that may have Celiac's Disease or be gluten intolerant or just not into eating gluten, here is a run-down of really really really helpful gluten-free baking basics.

|| The Low-Down on Ingredients ||

there's no need to be intimidated, just take it one step at a time -- contact me if you have any questions or need tips (I've been gluten-free for three years now and am on my way to being a Certified Holistic Health Coach)

  • Xantham Gum

    • Acts as a replacement for the gluten in gluten-free flour
    • Provides structure by interacting with the gluten-free flour, giving it that 'lift & puff'
  • Gluten Free Flour

    • Tends to be a combination of a bunch of different flours (and also some starches)
      • Typically there is combination of rice flours, maybe bean flours, possibly some whole grains such as millet or amaranth, and starches such as potato or tapioca starch
    • In this video, her favorite is Bob's Red Mill
      • Bob's Red Mill has a great mix that was recently recreated to have less of a 'bean' flavor in the raw dough stage -- because we all know we eat cookie dough by the spoonful before baking : - )
  • Flax Seed Meal

    • Ground up flax seed
    • Replaces that 'viscous, gooey, binding' texture that eggs provide
    • Also has a delicious flavor -- slightly nutty, a little sweet
  • Kuzu Powder

    • Great replacement for gelatin
      • Put the powder in a little water until it breaks down
      • Add to whatever you want to stiffen or thicken -- so easy
  • Soy Flour

    • Ground up soybeans
    • Helps achieve a creamy texture for creations like vegan butter-cream (!)
  • Coconut Oil

    • No butter in vegan dishes, but looking for a delicious flavor? Best bet.
    • Doesn't taste 'coconutey' just very rich and comforting (plus so good for you!)
    • High burn temperature -- holds up well no matter how you use it
    • Solid in room temperature -- just takes a little heat to melt
  • Nutritional Yeast

    • Adds a cheesy flavor to dishes
    • Delicious and Savory
    • Texture: flaky and light


[Video by The Kitchy Kitchen -- watch more on her YouTube Channel]