Good & good for you smoothies

I’ve been doing some experimenting in my kitchen, and I’ve got a couple of things to share.

Now, I have to warn you. They may seem a little odd at first.

But trust me, tasting is believing.

And these smoothie recipes aren’t just tasty – they’re good for you too.

So if you’re open to a little taste test of your own, I encourage you to give one of these a try. 

And if you do… let me know what you think!

CREAMY CHERRY AVOCADO DELIGHT

One of my new favorite things is frozen cherries. They’re so versatile, work as well if not better than fresh for most things, and best of all – no pitting.

They’re already done for you.

So it only made sense to work some into a smoothie. For the taste, texture and the added inflammation and joint benefits. 

But what really kicks this smoothie to the next level is the next ingredient: avocado. Now, don’t be scared. Avocados aren’t just for tacos. 

They’re full of good nutrients and healthy fats. And they add a great creamy texture. 

To top this off, I add a scoop of nut butter, for protein, energy and to keep me feeling full. Almond butter has a nice boost of calcium and vitamin E too. 

For best results, add the nut butter last and drop a good chunk into the middle of your blender so that it doesn’t stick too much to the sides.

INGREDIENTS 

• Half an avocado, pitted (no skin in there, obviously)
• Half to three-quarters of a cup of frozen dark cherries 
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 
• Spoonful (or more) of almond butter
• About a cup and a half of milk of your choice

I didn’t think avocado would be good in a smoothie, but I find that they’re so good, I use the other half the next day in another one. 

THE SQUASH & DATE

Truth be told, this one started as a bit of a clean out the fridge experiment. I had butternut squash on hand that I didn’t know what to do with, so I froze it. 

And then I had frozen squash that I didn’t know what to do with. But with all that A and B vitamins, I needed to find a way to use it up.

A combination of dates and ginger adds sweetness and zing. Almost like a spice cake.

The taste is one thing, but dates are also good for your heart and bowels. And ginger is terrific for nausea, helps digestion and immune health. 

Plus chia seeds are perfect for nearly any smoothie. They’re one of the most nutritious foods on the planet. Packed with fiber, protein, Omega-3 fatty acids – I don’t know how they get so much in one little seed.

I’d recommend doing this one at home though. Those little chia buggers seem to stick in your teeth sometimes. (Embarrassing.)

INGREDIENTS

• Cup of butternut squash
• 3-4 large pitted dates
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• Small chunk of fresh ginger (peeled, easy to do with a spoon)
• Cup and a half of almond milk

No matter which one you choose, I guarantee you’ll like these. They’re a perfect breakfast, or a way to sneak some nutrition into a kid’s face in a way they’ll actually enjoy.

No matter how old that “kid” is.