Acai Smoothie

My smoothies have gotten exotic lately, with the addition of Acai!

Acai has gotten a lot of hype and some criticism especially when packaged as a multi-level marketing juice. Always a purist, I use pure, unsweetened frozen acai that comes in individual "smoothie" packets.

Acai is bursting with antioxidants, omegas, fiber and protein. Acai had me at the antioxidants, the other stuff is a major bonus!

With a hat that size, you will have no trouble

Here is a great smoothie recipe to try using Sambazon Organic Acai Berry Puree packets:

In a blender combine:

1 cup - Unsweetened vanilla almond milk
1/2 cup water
1/2 tsp vanilla
1 packet Stevia in the Raw
1 scoop Vanilla or plain flavored protein with no added sugar: I use Egg White Protein or Hemp Protein
1/2 frozen banana
1 packet - Sambazon Acai
1 - 2 cups spinach or a scoop of green food powder

Blend and enjoy!

Learn more and purchase Sambazon Acai here: http://sambazon.com

(image from: sambazon.com)

Trader Joe's Essential Greens Veggie Juice

I've been a little lazy about my green smoothies lately.

Between running to the coop for organic veggies and actually throwing everything together in the vitamix every morning, life has gotten in the way of me drinking my greens.

Trader Joe's to the rescue. Isn't that always the case?? Thank healthy heavens for Trader Joe's and their myriad of healthy, convenient food choices.

I picked up a few 15.2 oz bottles of their Essential Greens Veggie Juice this week to down after workouts.

Essential Greens Veggie Juice is a Flash Pasteurized, Cold Pressed 100% juice blend of celery, spinach, parsley, cucumber, kale, romaine and sprouts. Each 8 oz serving contains just 30 calories and 3 grams of protein!

I wish this juice came in a gallon size - it would be on my list every week!

Enjoy Essential Greens straight from the bottle, or use as a base for your customized smoothies - adding protein powder and fruit.

Learn more and purchase Essential Greens at: http://traderjoes.com

Jay Robb Rice Protein

Sometimes it's just not convenient to eat whole food protein sources ... you need to get protein into your body on the go!

That's where protein powders are so convenient.

But, so many of them are highly processed, full of artificial sweeteners and taste awful.

Vegans, vegetarians and omnivores looking for a whey protein alternative have the additional challenge of finding a product that is minimally processed, with great quality protein.

Jay Robb to the rescue!

Jay Robb's nutritional company is probably best known for their superb hormone free egg white and whey protein.

The company also offers a spectacular Sprouted Brown Rice Protein that is gluten free, smooth and low heat processed.

This is great to try for a change of protein pace, for those who have allergies to dairy or who just want another delicious smoothie option.

Available in vanilla, chocolate and strawberry - I am particular to the vanilla so I can mix in whatever flavor add ins I fancy that day.

Jay Robb's company is also now offering "green" packaging - eco friendly bags that create less waste than traditional protein tubs.

Find out more and shop the entire Jay Robb line here: http://jayrobb.com

(image from: jayrobb.com)

Recipe; Make Your Own Lite Coconut Milk Drink

I am pretty hard core about my smoothies. Smoothie calories can tabulate quickly so, the only ingredients that make my cut are typically for nutrition purposes, not taste.

To minimize an additional calorie bomb, I usually just use filtered water as a base.
But, sometimes my taste buds call for a tropical treat and a shake more on the creamy side. That's where my homemade lite coconut milk drink comes in. You can also use it to infuse a coconutty burst into your cereal or oatmeal. It does add a serving of fat to whatever you are pouring it in though - so be sure to account for that!

The fat in coconut is a unique lipid called a medium chain fatty acid. Studies recently have shown that the body metabolizes this type of fat differently, and may be beneficial for the heart, weight loss and cholesterol levels. You can learn more here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coconut_oil

It's easy to prepare your own lite coconut milk drink. It's easy, delicious, about one fifth of the cost of prepackaged, refrigerated versions and lighter on the fat. Plus, there is no tree climbing, machete wielding or shell pummeling involved.

Lite Coconut Milk Drink:

1 - clean, preferably reused glass container - I like using glass, organic milk gallons, but a plastic pitcher is fine too
1- can of Lite coconut milk (Trader Joe's)
Filtered water

Open the can of lite coconut milk and pour into glass container.
Using the empty can, add four to five cans of filtered water to the glass container
Shake well and refrigerate
Be sure to shake before each use

That's it - now you have a tasty liquid that will remind you of the beach all winter!

Here is an easy, beachy smoothie recipe:

1 cup lite homemade coconut milk drink
3/4 cup frozen raspberries
1 scoop vanilla protein powder ( I like using brown rice or pea protein)

Blend all ingredients - enjoy!

(photo from: comfytummy.com)