A Smooth Start to Spring

The clock is moving forward tomorrow, which can only mean one thing…Spring time is almost here! It’s time to shed the “winter coat” and start to get in shape for the warmer weather. I have created a delightful breakfast smoothie recipe that can help to jump start the motivation. It might sound like a strange combination, but I assure you it is very tasty and refreshing! Since it is packed with antioxidants, vitamins and fiber, it helps to curb hunger until lunchtime so you can avoid the mid-morning snack attack. A bonus: It is completely “raw” and vegan as well. So move over Jamba Juice, there is a new smoothie in town!

Em’s Super Smoothie

Ingredients:

¾ cup Fresh Baby Spinach (rinsed and frozen)

¾ cup Fresh Frozen Berries (I like a combo of raspberries, strawberries, blueberries and blackberries)

1 TBS of Dried Goji Berries

1 TBS of Steel Cut Oats (soaked overnight in water)

1 TBS of Ground Flax Seed

½ cup Fresh Pineapple Juice (or freshly squeezed Orange Juice)

½ cup Water

Directions:

I like to hit the market on Sunday and pre-prepare my ingredients for the week. I buy a large portion of fresh baby spinach and fresh berries, when I get home I rinse the spinach and berries with water and measure out ¾ cup serving of each then divide them into individual plastic bags then throw them in the freezer. This way everything is done and it makes life easier. Also at this time, I soak the raw steel cut oats in water and place in a sealed container in the refrigerator, a good ratio to follow is 4 TBS of oats to 8 TBS of water.

Now for the fun part: Place the ingredients into a blender and mix until everything is well incorporated, about 1-2 minutes. Then pour yourself a serving and enjoy the healthy treat…how easy is that!