My Morning Smoothie

I enjoy good health as much as I do good food.  I like to kick start my day with a smoothie that is filled with many nutritional ingredients. I like this recipe because it  keeps me satiated until lunchtime and it tastes great.  My daughter and husband drink it as well, so I usually make an entire blender full.  Both my daughter and husband have crazy schedules so I feel much better knowing that they have been “fueled” for the day.  The recipe calls for a large handful of raw greens.  I usually use spinach because I buy it pre-washed at the grocery store.  I also buy bags of frozen kale and use that sometimes.  Today I used swiss chard because I had some leftover after my trip to the Farmer’s Market on Saturday. The recipe below is for half a blender full, which ends up being 2 large, full glasses of smoothie.  Just double the recipe if you want to make it for more people.

Kerri’s Morning Smoothie

8 frozen strawberries

½ Cup of frozen blueberries

1 packet of Emergen-C(I use the Orange or Tropical flavor)

1 Tbs. of ground flaxseed

1 scant Tbs. of organic coconut oil

½ ripe banana

2 Tbs. of dried goji berries
1 scoop of Sun Warrior Vanilla Protein powder

1 large handful of raw greens

1-2 packets of Stevia (depending on your taste)

Water

Put all of the ingredients except for the water in the blender(I love the Vita-Mix blender).  Fill the blender with enough water to cover half the ingredients.  Blend on high speed, adding more water if needed.

I want to give you some general health information on the ingredients I use because you are more than likely, looking at my recipe and shaking your head.   I get really motivated to try new things when I understand the reasons for eating them so I want you to be aware of the health benefits of everything that is put into the blender.

Strawberries and Blueberries

Both of these berries contain potent antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and may also curb the growth of cancer cells.  They are high in vitamins C and E and are high in fiber.  Blueberries rank the highest in antioxidant power and strawberries provide ellagitannins which help to fight cancer, particularly colon and cervical.  I buy large bags of frozen berries at Costco so I always have them on hand.

Emergen-C

This dietary supplement is sold in boxes that contain 30 packets.  Each packet contains 1,000 milligrams of Vitamin C along with 24 nutrients, antioxidants, electrolytes and 7 B vitamins.

Flaxseed

The American Cancer Institute acknowledges 27 different compounds in flaxseed that are anti-carcinogenic.  In particular, a diet containing flax inhibits breast and colon cancers. It has also been found to help combat heart disease, as well as inflammatory conditions.  Flaxseed is high in fiber and Omege-3 fatty acids.  Health benefits of Omega 3’s include reducing risk of depression and boosting the immune system, which in return helps, protect against diseases like Alzheimer’s. I buy whole flaxseeds and then grind them up in my coffee bean grinder.  Be sure to keep them refrigerated so they don’t go rancid.

Organic Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is rich in Lauric Acid, which is known for being anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal.  Thyroid sufferers use coconut oil to increase metabolism and to lose weight.  It also contains medium-chain fatty acids, which supply quick energy because they are metabolized in the liver like carbs rather than being stored in the adipose tissue or as belly fat.  I get my coconut oil at Whole Foods but it can also be ordered on line.

Bananas

Bananas are the best sources for potassium, an essential mineral for maintaining normal blood pressure and heart function.  Potassium also helps to promote bone health.  Bananas are also known for their antacid effects that protect against stomach ulcers and ulcer damage.

Goji Berries
The Goji Berry is one of the most nutrient-rich foods on earth.  It is a vegetarian form of protein, packed with essential amino acids, rich in vitamin A, and a good source of vitamin C.  Goji Berries possess over 20 trace minerals and vitamins including zinc, iron, phosphorus, riboflavin(B2), vitamin E as well as carotenoids, including beta-carotene.  Goji Berries can be expensive so I buy the large 16 oz. bag by Navitas.  I get them at Whole Foods but they can also be purchased on-line.

Sun Warrior Protein Powder

This protein powder is made from raw, sprouted whole grain brown rice.  Most whey and soy-based powders are not very good for you because they have been fractionated and heat-treated. I order this on-line.

Raw Greens

Raw greens such as spinach and chard, contain high doses of Vitamins K, B6 and C, as well as folate and magnesium.  They also contain carotenoids, which help maintain eye health and may reduce the risk of cataracts.  The fiber in greens helps to keep cholesterol levels low and may reduce the risk of heart disease.

Stevia is derived from an herb and is a natural sweetener.  It is available in powder or liquid form.