Simple Smoothies Series: Spinach Berry

I usually am reluctant to combine fruits and veggies in a smoothie,  I prefer them juiced vs. blended together.  However, combining spinach and berries is a great complement,  for salads also.

Adding spinach is extremely beneficial,  not only does it give a nice boost of fibre, but being packed with iron and calcium,  this leafy green adds a tonne of nutritional value by giving you these essential minerals.  Spinach is one of those versatile vegetables I recommend always having on hand in your refrigerator. 

This smoothie allows you to get a head start on your daily intake of fruits and vegetables...easily because it does taste good!

Note:  Yogurt choice is up to you, I just include in my recipe the one I personally preferred in this case. Healthiest option is always plain yogurt, definitely.  However, I opt for unstirred fruit yogurt since I generally eat low sugar in my diet and this way I also avoid needing any honey or juice or sweetener in my smoothie (adding juice/honey quickly increases the caloric content and adds way too much simple sugars).  Unstirred yogurt has less sugar than most fruit yogurts,  you should also read the ingredients to ensure sugar is not an added ingredient, or atleast not one of the first 3 ingredients listed.

Try it:

-1 cup skim milk or almond milk (both taste great here)

-1/4 cup non-fat, unstirred blueberry yogurt (or any unstirred berry yogurt will do)

-1 handful baby spinach

-1 handful frozen blueberries

-1 handful raspberries (fresh/not frozen)

-1 tsp ground flax seeds

Blend and enjoy a nice tall glass of healthy goodness my friends!

49th Parallel

I love Main street. I love that you can go for a stroll, grab lunch, get a pedicure, go for coffee, catch up on your blog writing, conveniently and entertainingly (is that a word?...it is now) all on one awesome street. Full of plenty of options for treats and a cup of joe, there really are no wrong choices, but all Main Street goers will agree...you have to visit 49th Parallel. 

I love this place, and I have yet to grow tired of it. Truth is, I never have been a doughnut person, but I have never not gone to 49th parallel without having a Lucky's Doughnut. The choices are unique, flavourful and hit the spot every time. I think my all-time favourite is blueberry cake...

You are lying if you said it didn't look delectably appealing! However, if you are more of an adventurous type, you can opt for a bacon one, or chevre, or good ol ' fashioned, or a decadent smores one.  Whatever your mood, you can't go wrong. The doughnuts aside, this is a great place to actually have a beverage (if you aren't calorie counting,  the espresso milkshake is to die for).   The staff is always super friendly, as if they know you personally; the ambiance is a cross between a casual hang-out and a work-from-home-but-really-a-cafe type place.  Wooden tables, plenty of seating, outdoor patio, and those awesome teal cups...all contribute to its unique and trendy vibe.  

Of course, it all starts with a bite...but you will be hooked.  

I love this place...

Simple Smoothies Series: Apple Pie

This one is one of my favourites,  it is comfort but without the guilt.  I mean, who doesn't like apple pie??

To start this smoothie I actually make an apple puree. I keep this puree on hand occasionally, as I find it great to mix with yogurt or cereal, or in a smoothie!   Well I suppose it is more so an applesauce vs. a puree...but puree just sounds so lovely. ..puree...ooohh fancy.

To make the apple sauce/puree*:

-skin and cut-up one Red Delicious apple

-cut up one nectarine, leave skin on(if available to you, it isn't a necessity but I find I love the flavour it gives)

-in a small pot, add your fruit, 1/3 cup water and a dash of cinnamon

-simmer until soft

-place in blender and blend to your desired consistency

*this sauce I keep in the fridge for 2 to 3 days, perfect snack for my son and versatile for me

Alright here is my Apple Pie smoothie recipe:

-1/2 cup skim milk

-1/2 cup low-fat vanilla greek yogurt

-3 tbsp of apple/nectarine puree

-a small handful of crushed ice

-1 tsp vanilla extract

Blend away.  Once done, pour and top with a sprinkle of cinnamon. 

I trust you will enjoy this one folks.

Simple Smoothies Series: Blueberry Peach

Smoothies are uber popular, uber easy, and satisfying.  

Since becoming a mom, I have definitely increased my love of smoothies.  It is a great go-to meal or snack when you are short on time.   

There are a tonne of recipes out there, however I tend to just play around in my kitchen and create my own. So I have been blending away and thought I should just start a series so I can share my successful smoothies (let's be honest, sometimes they sound good in theory but don't taste as good when created).  I also want to hear from you. So if you have an awesome smoothie recipe, tested and tried, let me know and I would be happy to feature it in my "Simple Smoothies Series".

As soon as I know I want to make a smoothie, I immediately just answer myself two questions:

a) Is this a meal or snack smoothie?
if a meal-time smoothie, I am conscious of the fact I need to incorporate protein; so I tend to add yogurt and milk and/or some nuts as well...or use protein powder (but I am picky on protein powders and only go with those not touted for bodybuilding etc.).

b)  What do I have on hand to make something great?
I like to add fruit,  if I don't have any frozen fruit I want to add ice as I enjoy a very chilled smoothie.  I also like a semi-thick consistency so if I dont have yogurt I add a banana.  I also pinpoint my craving and improvise as needed (i.e. if I want a sweet taste I add shaved coconut or perhaps a bit of vanilla). 

Here is my Blueberry Peach Smoothie,  delicious,  sweet with no added sugar,  healthy and an awesome way to get 2.5 servings of fruit in one drink!  

1/2 a banana

1 peach

a handful of frozen blueberries

1 cup skim milk

1/4 cup low-fat vanilla greek yogurt

1 tsp flax seed