Summer Smoothies

Looking for something refreshing and hydrating that's not water? How does a seasonal berry smoothie sound to you? Smoothies can be a great way to alkalize and hydrate the body. They can be a great breakfast, post workout snack or even dessert! You can create fruit smoothies, vegetable smoothies or an interesting combination of the two. Personally, I love smoothies for breakfast this time of year. You just need to make sure you have a protein and fat source in them so you're not hungry in an hour. In addition, the protein and fat helps to slow down how quickly your body processes the sugars in the fruit. There are a variety of protein and fat sources that you can use including whole fat yogurt, whey powder, pea powder or hemp powder. I sometimes like to use a raw egg yolk, but I purchase my eggs from a trusted source and I don't consume the white raw as it's indigestible. I've also tossed cooked beans or quinoa into my smoothie for added protein. Some great fat sources include Omega-3 rich flax seed oil, coconut oil, coconut butter, avocado, kefir, almond butter or raw, soaked nuts. For extra minerals, I like to use an organic "greens" powder. I've also been known to throw some kale, spinach or lettuce leaves in my blender.

When they are in season, you can't beat fresh berries in your smoothie. To enjoy them longer, I will purchase a flat of blueberries, strawberries and cherries from the farmers market when they are in season and then freeze them. It's best to wash them and freeze them on cookie sheets before placing them in ziploc bags or whatever containers you like to use. Another tip is that when your bananas start to over-ripen, cut them up and freeze them for smoothies or frozen desserts. By using frozen fruit, you can skip the ice. Just add some water or almond milk to thin your concoction a bit.

Sounds pretty tasty and easy, right? Try one of the refreshing recipes below and let me know what you think!

Peachy Almond Surprise Smoothie

Source: The Ultimate Smoothie Book by Cherie Calbom

• 1 cup nut milk (or coconut or whole milk)
• 2 – 3 peaches (can also use frozen)
• 1 – 2 TBSP raw honey or 1 TBSP agave
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• ½ tsp pure almond extract
• ice

Pear - Kale - Mint Smoothie

Source: Green for Life by Victoria Boutenko

• 4 ripe pears
• 4-5 leaves of kale
• 1/2 bunch of mint
• water, ice