V I D E O || A Seasonal Produce Guide: Spring 2015 Edition

|| A Spring Produce Guide ||

find out what's in season and the hows and whys behind buying seasonally and locally

A Seasonal Produce Guide || Spring Edition from Emily Friend on Vimeo.

|| April & Spring Produce Guide ||

Vegetables

+ artichokes + mushrooms + beans + spring onions + arugula + new potatoes + sweet potatoes + zucchini + kale + spinach

Fruits

+ strawberries + raspberries + citrus + apricots + avocados

|| Additional Resources ||

+ Find the local foods in your state by particular month and time of the month. Woohoo!

+ Below is a guide made by The Bountiful Year about all seasonal produce and we'll talk about them all as the seasons come and go. Enjoy! --

guide

+ How will you incorporate seasonal produce into your current meal planning? Tell me on Facebook, Instagram, or in the Comments below!

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

|| R E C I P E + V I D E O || Emily Goes Into New Territory | 4.9.15

The Training Wheels Green Smoothie -Spinach & Banana (and other things of course)

The Training Wheels Smoothie from Emily Friend on Vimeo.

R E C I P E 

+ 1 cup of Non-Dairy Milk (I normally use almond milk and add water to thin my smoothies)+ 1-2 Cups of Spinach (if new to the world of green smoothies, start at 1 cup and work up) + 1 banana + Flax Seed (anywhere from 1/2 - 1 tbsp) + Almonds (anywhere from 5-15; alternatively, use equal amounts flax and chia seeds or hemp seeds) + Spices of Choice (I love cinnamon and nutmeg) + Ice (optional)

Add all ingredients to a blender until all is combine and no longer in chunks -- there really isn't a better word for this, is there? To thin, add more non-dairy milk or water. To thicken, add more ice or plan ahead by freezing the bananas in small pieces.

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 drink could be, try it out, and I think you'll be pleasantly surprised).

For another smoothie recipe, check out this Berry & Beet Smoothie.  + have you tried green smoothies before? was this a new idea for you? comment below!

If you saw this post on Facebook, get 5% off my services ;).

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 -- 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

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.