Mango Morning Smoothie

I’m not sure why I find the need to use alliterations when I come up with names for smoothies….

At any rate, this smoothie is delish!

A few weeks ago, I signed up to participate in Siggi’s RD2BE ambassador program. I couldn’t wait to try their Filmjölk, which is the Scandinavian version of Kefir.

I grabbed a bottle of the Vanilla and it is divine! I would say it is a little less bitter than Kefir but I’ve mostly been using it in smoothies.

My stomach issues have really flared up this week which means I’m limited to a pretty bland diet. When my heartburn and stomach are really upset, smoothies are a go to meal option. I had gotten into the habit of just making one to two smoothies and, thanks to Siggi’s, I’ve been set free! The smoothie is thick, smooth, and creamy.

Now, for the secret ingredient….Aloe Vera gel! Like I said on Instagram, Aloe Vera gel is supposed to be beneficial for skin and digestive health. While I don’t know if any clinical based studies have been published, lots of homeopathic site make claims.

{Mango Morning Smoothie}

[Ingredients]

• 1 cup Siggi’s Filmjölk
• 1/2 cup Frozen Tropical fruit mix
• 1/2 cup Frozen Mango
• 1 frozen banana
• 1 small handful spinach
• 1/2 tsp chia seeds
• 2 ounces Aloe Vera gel
• 1/2 tsp pomegranate seeds

[Directions]

1. In a blender, combine Filmjölk, tropical fruit blend, mango, spinach, aloe vera gel, and chia seeds. Blend on high until smooth, scraping down the sides as necessary.
2. Pour into cup and top with pomegranate seeds.

Cheers,

Danielle

14 Day Reset :: Week Two

Silver lining: You’ve now missed the Sunday afternoon chaos at the grocery stores.

Its been a busy weekend and compiling everything takes time. Again, so sorry if I threw ya off your schedule!

I’m looking forward to another week fueled with clean, whole recipes!

Again, check in for workouts.

14DayResetWeek2Recipes

14DayResetWeekTwoGroceryList

Cheers,

Danielle

ICEE reinvented

In true Michigan fashion, the last month of summer is always the nicest. The weather we have waited months for is finally here then gone before we know it.

I’m not one to load up on all that sugar so I decided to whip out my Ninja and try to create something sans sugar.

I recently bought Stur, like Mio but made with natural ingredients, and thought the Coconut Lime would make a simple, refreshing ICEE. Which it absolutely did. The recipe is below and is super simple.

{Stur ICEE}

[Ingredients]

• 1/2 cup ice
• 3/4 cup water
• 2 squirts of Stur, any flavor
• 2-3 frozen strawberries

[Directions]

1. Add all ingredients to Ninja and blend until ICEE consistency.

Cheers,

Danille

Peach Orange Creamsicle Smoothie

I slept in for the second morning today. And while it’s glorious to have the extra time to snuggle down under the cozy covers, I got out of bed this morning half wishing I had woken up in time to get a run in. I do enjoy the sleepy mornings around my house, silently moving through the house as Daniel still snoozes and our cat tries his best to be in my way as much as possible. I like that I get to remind Daniel after the 6th time his alarm goes off that it really is morning and he really does need to get ready for work. But most of all, I like that I get to make breakfast for Dan.

Most mornings I try to be out the door by 5:30 then shower and get ready for work at the gym. Since no one like soggy cereal or cold eggs, Dan has to fend for himself for breakfast. Meaning he grabs a handful of granola bars and a cup of coffee before heading out the door. And because he doesn’t like to take lunch with him, he often ends up eating a few more granola bars or a smoothie from somewhere on the road for lunch.  This makes the nutritionist in me cringe. So many simple sugars and refined bars, so little greens.

I left this morning happy knowing Daniel would be sipping on a cool smoothie filled with protein and fresh fruit. This smoothie gets incredibly fluffy from the Whey Protein Powder.  I have been using more superfood proteins so I forgot how much volume the whey add. This recipe will make about a 40 ounce smoothie! Like always, you can pour however much your hungry for then save the rest either in the fridge or pour into popsicle molds then pop in the freezer.

{Peach Orange Creamsicle Smoothie}

[Ingredients]

• 1 cup Organice Orange Juice
• 1 scoop Vanilla Designer Whey protein powder
• 1 peach
• 1 red banana
• 1- 1 1/2 cups ice

[Directions]

1. Add OJ, whey powder, ice, and diced peaches to your blending system and blend on the highest setting until smooth.
2. Add banana and again blend until smooth.
3. Pour a big glass for you and a friend, enjoy!

Cheers,

Danielle

Green Glow Juice

Being so actively involved in nutrition, I am still amazed that I forget how my body thanks me when I fuel it properly.

Like everyone else, the convenience of unhealthier foods can overpower the “work” of putting together a healthier meal.

The wonders good, whole food can do for your body, mind, and spirit is simply amazing.  When I put good fuel in my body, it performs better. I have more energy throughout the day, my workouts are much easier, and my mood is lifted.

Green juices and smoothies have been my go-to lately to ensure I’m giving my body lots greeny nutrients 🙂

This juice is sweet but it definitely has a kick because of the ginger. It makes about 32 ounces, enough for two or to enjoy more than once.

{Green Glow Juice}

[Ingredients]

• 1 pear
• 2 handfuls baby spinach leaves
• 2 tbsp key lime juice
• 6-8 ounces of water
• 1 1/2 cups ice cubes
• 1/4 cucumber
• 1 tsp fresh, diced ginger

[Directions]

1. Rinse pear, core, and cut into large chunks.
2. Roughly cut cucumber.
3. Add all ingredients to your blending system and place on the highest setting.  Blend for 3-5 minutes.
4. Serve over ice.

Red Velvet Smoothie

While this isn’t a traditional take on a Red Velvet smoothie, the color and consistency is what gave it the name.  I would also like to note, this isn’t one of my lower calorie smoothies. But it is delicious and full of good-for-you fats.

I used my homemade coconut Kefir in this recipe and Dan was pleasantly surprised that he liked it.

I opted to use avocado to create a rich and creamy consistency rather than a frozen banana like I usually do.

This is a great recipe for a delicious dessert that is still good for you.  Try pouring it into Popsicle molds, freezing for the kids to enjoy on a warm summer night.

This recipe will give you about a 24-ounce smoothie.

{Red Velvet Smoothie}

[Ingredients]

• 1/2 cup Unsweetened Vanilla Almond milk
• 1/2 cup Coconut milk Kefir
• 7-10 strawberries
• 1/2 avocado
• 2 heaping TBSP Nutella
• 1/4 cup old fashioned oats
• 1 1/2 cups ice
• 1/2 packet Carnation Instant Breakfast, Sugar free, Chocolate flavor

[Directions]

1. Add almond milk, kefir, ice, and oats to your blending system then blend until smooth.
2. Add remaining ingredients then blend for about one minute. Remove from motor and scrap down the sides of the blender.
3. Again, blend for about one minute then scrap down sides. Blend for a final time for about 2 minutes until your smoothie has a smooth, velvety consistency.

Cheers,

Danielle

Butterfinger Protein Smoothie

Every now and again, a milkshake just sounds so incredibly good.  And most times this craving will pass within an hour but there are times where an itch just needs to be scratched!

I am an advocate for balance not deprivation.  I’m not always the best at following my own advice in this area but I know that when I do, it pays off. I came across a saying the other day, “One ‘bad’ meal won’t make you fat just like one ‘good’ meal won’t make you skinny.” I couldn’t agree more! So when you just undeniably want that junk, I say go for it.

This is not to say that every craving you have, you should indulge. I’m talking about the ones that stick around for a while. When this happens to me, I do a few simple things to keep me guilt free.

1) Plan for my indulgence. Most of the time for me, it means staying a few extra minutes at the gym to burn some extra calories.

2) Drink plenty of water. I aim for 2 liters a day.

3) Eat healthy foods.

4) Enjoy each and every bite of your treat.

My go-to version of a milkshake at home is this smoothie.  I will admit that is not quite as creamy as a regular milkshake but the flavor is wonderful! It does a great job of satisfying my milkshake craving and has the added benefit of being dairy free and much better for my body than your run-of-the-mill shake. To make it creamier, swap the almond milk for frozen yogurt.

Sip on this to satisfy your sweet tooth or after a strenuous workout, as it makes a great recovery drink.

{Butterfinger Protein Smoothie}

[Ingredients]

• 4-8 oz Unsweetened Vanilla Almond milk
• 1 TBSP Sugar free Butterscotch pudding dry mix
• 1 envelope Carnation Instant Breakfast Sugar-free Chocolate powder
• 2 TBSP PB2
• 1 cup ice
• 1 frozen banana
• 1-2 tsp chia seeds, optional

[Directions]

1. Add almond milk, ice, pudding mix, carnation breakfast powder, and PB2 to your blending system and blend until smooth.
2. Add banana and chia seeds, if using, then blend on high until smoothie is very smooth and creamy.
3. Pour into a cup and enjoy immediately!

Cheers,

Danielle

Aloha Smoothie

We have been on a smoothie kick this month.  After my last trip to Costco, our fridge is FULL with lots of fresh fruits and veggies.  With the warmer weather and sore throats, smoothies have been a great way to cool off and boost our immune system!

I made this smoothie yesterday morning for Dan. He is finally on the mends but his tonsils and throat are still pretty swollen and sore.  I have been using a lot of pineapple in his smoothies to try to help reduce the inflammation.

This smoothie is super creamy and reminds of a drink you’d be served lounging around a resort somewhere in the Caribbean. Hey, maybe Sandals will see this recipe and offer me a job as a Smoothie mixologist. A girl can dream….

{Aloha Smoothie}

[Ingredients]

• 1.5 cups frozen pineapple
• 2 kiwi fruit
• 1 frozen banana
• 6 strawberries
• 1/2 cup OJ
• 1/2 unsweetened vanilla almond milk
• 1/2 avocado

[Directions]

1. Add pineapple, kiwi, strawberries, almond milk, and OJ to Ninja and blend until smooth.
2. Add banana and avocado and again blend until very smooth and creamy.
3. Serve immediately or pour into Popsicle molds and freeze. Makes a 26 ounce smoothie.

Cheers,

Danielle

Sore Throat Soother

My hubby called me today telling me he was calling it quits for the day to head home.  For those of you who know Dan, this is unheard of.  Seriously, the guy goes out to work in freaking blizzards, torrential rain fall, strong winds …. he basically has the philosophy of the postal service.  But with a sore throat, swollen lymph nodes and tonsils, and a killer headache, he knew going home to rest was needed.

I did some research about homeopathic remedies for sore throats and luckily I had all the ingredients on hand for several of the recipes.

After warm chicken noodle soup and another nap, Dan’s throat, tonsils, and lymph nodes were still bothering him. He asked for something cool to drink so I decided to whip up this smoothie to help soothe his aching throat.

Pineapple is high in bromelain which is thought to act as an anti-inflammatory. The extra dose of Vitamin C helps an ailing body rebuild the immune system.

Sip on this soothing smoothie right away to help ease the tenderness swollen tonsil bring or portion out into popsicle molds to enjoy later.

{Sore Throat Soother}

[Ingredients]

• 2 cups frozen pineapple
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 2 dash cayenne pepper
• 1 tbsp honey
• juice from one lemon
• Optional: 1 TBSP raw apple cider vinegar
• Optional: small piece of fresh ginger

[Directions]

1. Cut pineapple into chunks then add to blender with the rest of the ingredients.
2. Blend until smooth.
3. Pour into a cup and enjoy or portion into popsicle molds then place in freezer.

Cheers,

Danielle

April Showers

Last weekend I was craving a mojito in the worst way. Because Dan and I don’t usually drink rum & I don’t keep simple syrup handy, I was SOL.

With mint leaves, an almost fully stocked liquor cart, and some flavored sparkling water at my disposal, I came up with this sweet & refreshing drink.

I’m sure I’m not the first to think of it but I figured I’d share the joy anyway. I’m generous like that 🙂

{April Showers}

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz vodka
• 0.5 oz Triple Sec
• 3-4 crushed mint leaves
• 6 oz Key Lime Flavored Sparkling water
• ice

Directions

1. In a cup, crush mint leaves
2. Add ice cubes then liquor.
3. Top with sparkling water
4. Add straw and sip to happiness

Cheers,

Danielle