“One reason that a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables is cancer-preventive is due to its rich glyconutrient and phytochemical content.”  Rita Elkins

When was the last time you made a healthy smoothie?

Your plants are an orchard of pomegranates with choice fruits; (Sol. 4:13; NIV)

I know smoothies are all the rage now.  According to Wikipedia, a smoothie is “a blended, chilled, sweet beverage made from fresh fruit. In addition to fruit, many smoothies include crushed ice, frozen fruit, or frozen yogurt.”  I began making smoothies for us before I ever heard of the various franchises or of the variety of “foods” being included in a smoothie.  I was rather appalled when I began reading recipes available on the Internet for smoothies finding ingredients such as chocolate syrup, chocolate pudding mix, ice cream and peanut butter! 

However, our smoothies have also had various “faces” throughout the years.  I’ve tried many different ingredients in attempts to make them “healthy.”  I’ve used various protein powders, soy products, different oils, and numberous fruits.  A couple of years ago, I decided I wanted to make them from God-made foods exclusively without added powders and juices.

This won’t be a treatise on juices, and I know that many juices are made from all fruit and some are even organic.  However, juices are still concentrated and can elevate the blood sugar.  It’s always better to consume the whole fruit rather than the juice.

I used to always use frozen bananas in our smoothies.  They do make them taste yummy.  And today’s recipe does use half of a frozen banana.  However, for the most part, I stopped including bananas a few years ago after learning about the glycemic index of foods.  Bananas are high glycemic, meaning they elevate the blood sugar and they are NOT a friend to anyone with blood sugar issues or to someone wanting to decrease their body fat.

We usually enjoy smoothies for breakfast, and I have a basic way of making them.   But I do vary ingredients depending on what I have on hand.  However, I’ve decided to use this month to offer different recipe suggestions for how you can make your smoothies according to you own tastes. None of the ingredients or measurements are critical so feel free to experiment.

I use a base of either coconut milk, organic plain whole milk yogurt (not low fat), or kefir.  Then I’ll add some fresh fruit such as an apple, pear, or pineapple chunks.  Next,  I’ll add frozen fruit.  Using frozen fruit will make the smoothie thick and luscious.  Today’s recipe will get you started and I’ll change the various ingredients as the month progresses.  Watch for Triple Berry Smoothie and Raspberry Yogurt Smoothie in the coming weeks.

Prayer Power
Lord, we worship You and thank You for your wonderful creation.  We thank You for being alive during this beautiful and bountiful time of year.

Link of the Day
Pineapple Coconut Smoothie

Blessings on you as you explore making a smoothie.