Before I knew about the oh-so-popular Vitamix blender, I bought a 30$ blender at Bed, Bath and Beyond and it’s been one of my most-used and favorite household appliances.
For me, smoothies are refreshing, always satisfy my craving for something sweet and creamy and I can make one for breakfast Monday, post-workout on a Thursday and dessert on a Sunday night. I can mix it up depending on my mood/craving/whats in season. I can make them as creamy and chunky and sweet and thick as I want. Smoothies allow me to be creative and fulfilled.
*For measurements: I usually just eye-it. Feel free to add/take-away depending on your mood and taste buds. I encourage you to try different fruit mixtures for different color and taste and textures and to experiment with different bases- coconut milk, almond milk, soy milk, and nut butters too. I usually use fres fruit and frozen fruit (never goes bad). I often add oatmeal (rinse or soak before for optimal digestion) if I want something more filling and a great breakfast. I try to use organic when possible. Some recommendations below:
INGREDIENT IDEAS:
Bases/Non-Dairy Milks: Almond Milk (Chocolate, Vanilla, Original), Coconut Milk, Rice Milk, Soy Milk, Hemp Milk, Kefir, Yogurt, Orange juice, Apple Juice, Coconut Water (from the store or cut open a young coconut)
Misc Add Ins:Avocado (thickens and smoothens), Flaxseed (ground), Flaxseed Oil, Green Vibrance powder/Blue-Algae/spirulina, Maca Powder, Chia Seeds, Hemp Seeds, coconut, cayenne, Cacao, Dates, Kale, Frozen spinach, wheatgrass shot (you can get at a Natural Foods Store), coconut meat, Dash of Cayenne (brings out the sweetness!), mint (fresh or organic extract), vanilla (fresh bean or organic extract), lemon, lime.
Nut Butters: almond, peanut, cashew, macadamia, hazelnut
Fruit: Anything! I use fresh fruit and always use frozen fruit (never goes bad!) My favorites: raspberry, blackberries, mango, peaches, papaya,banana, pineapple, cherries
Sweetners: Maple Syrup, Raw Honey, Raw Agave, Dates, Date syrup, Brown Rice Syrup
Some of BE WELL WITH ARIELLE’S SMOOTHIE IDEAS:
Mango Tango:Mango, coconut meat, flax oil, flaxseed(ground), almond milk
Cherry-Vanilla-Almond:Rolled Oats(soaked), Vanilla Almond Milk, Almond Butter, Ground Flaxseed, Organic frozen cherries
Banana Cream Pie: Cashew Butter, Honey, Banana, Oatmeal(soaked), flaxeed (ground)
Coco-Banana-Pistachio: coconut milk, a touch of almond milk, frozen banana, pistachios, agave, and a hint of cinnamon and cayenne (brings out the sweetness and adds a little kick)
Mint Chocolate: cocoa, avocado, mint, chocolate almond milk,agave.
Mint Chocolate – Chip: Coconut Milk, Mint extract/fresh mint, cacao powder, cacao nibs, maple syrup.
Chocolate Peanut-Butter: chocolate almond milk, peanut butter, raw honey, cacao powder, avocado.
Thailand Delight:Cocowater (fresh!), banana, cashew butter, flaxseed oil, kefir.
Bombay Delight: Coconut meat, banana, dates, cinnamon, cardamom, nut-milk, agave.
Coffee- Mounds Bar:Coconut Meat, Coconut water, coconut milk, banana, almond butter, almond milk, teecino (coffee alternative), cacao
Mocha- Me Energized!:banana, cacao powder, espresso/teecino, soy milk or almond milk, agave (optional)
Acai Deliciousness: acai, strawberries, cranberries, orange juice, coconut water
Brazilian Beach: banana, mixed berries, orange juice, kale, dates, Green Vibrance powder
Green Goddess: kale, pineapple, banana, almond milk, dash of cayenne
Mango Lassi: mango, kefir or organic yogurt, soy milk or nut milk, agave
Papaya Enzymes: papaya, kefir, lime
Pina Colada:Pineapple, Coconut Milk, Coconut Meat, Coconut Water
Coco-Banana-Pistachio: coconut milk, a touch of almond milk, frozen banana, pistachios, agave, and a hint of cinnamon and cayenne (brings out the sweetness and adds a little kick)
Be Creative. Be Energized. Be Well.
