Smoothie Recipes and Directions

First, incorporating the proper amount of protein first thing in the morning is very important for your health.  Therefore, either consume your smoothie with or after you separate protein intake such as eggs or incorporate protein into your smoothie.  Great protein additives include whole milk, whole grains, raw nuts, or raw soybeans which can be blended directly into your fresh fruit smoothie!  One reason to take protein before or with your smoothie is to slow the digestion of these fruits such that the sugar from the fruit is release into your system slowly instead of providing a sugar high which can have negative effects in terms of insulin production.  Another great way to slow the digestion of these healthy sugars is to add fat to your smoothie.  You can add a table spoon or two of olive or flax seed oil which also adds a wonderful flavor of thickness to your smoothie!

We also highly suggest adding Aloe Vera Juice to your smoothie!  Aloe Juice has traditionally been viewed as a digestive aid and remedy for arthritis, stomach ulcers, diabetes, constipation and more.

To save time in the morning simply cut and place the ingredients (excluding your choice of liquid additive) into the blender and place the glass or plastic portion of the blender into the refrigerator.  In the morning add your liquid, blend, pour it into a too go cup and your done!  It's that easy!

Peach and Berries Smoothie (~2 servings of fruit)

• 1 Peach

• 1/2 of a Banana

• 1/2 Cup Berries (Blueberries, Raspberries, Strawberries, etc.)

• 1/4 Cup of Walnuts

• 1/2 - 3/4 Cup of Milk or Water

• 15 ML Aloe Vera Juice

1 Serving = 1 Cup = 8 ounces

Brain Food - Blueberry Smoothie (~2 servings of fruit)

• 1/2 of a Banana

• 1/2 to 1 Cup of Blueberries (frozen or fresh

• 2 Table Spoons Oil

• 1/2 - 3/4 Cup of Milk or Water

• 15 ML Aloe Vera Juice

Kale Lemonade ~ Makes16-30oz of Kale Lemonade in a Juicer

• 2 handfuls of kale
• 1 peeled lemon
• 1 green apple
• 3 stalks of celery
• 1 thumbnail size of ginger to taste
• 15 ML Aloe Vera Juice

Green Juice ~ Makes16-30oz of fresh juice in a Juicer

• 2 handfuls of greens spinach, romaine, kale, Swiss chard etc.
• 1 bunch of flat leaf parsley
• 2 cucumbers
• 1 peeled lemon or lime
• 2 green apples
• 3 stalks of celery
• 1 thumbnail size of ginger to taste
• 15 ML Aloe Vera Juice

Green smoothie (Blender)

• 1 handful of greens (spinach, romaine, kale, Swiss chard etc.)
• 2 ripe bananas or 1 whole mango
• 1 cup of blueberries/mixed berries
• A blender full of filtered water
• 15 ML Aloe Vera Juice

Kiwi Orange Creamsicles  (Recipe makes ~24 popsicles depending on size of molds)

• For cream layer
  • 1 cup heavy cream divided into two 1/2 cups
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1/4 cup (50 gr) sugar or soft or melted honey
  • Pinch of salt
  • 3 egg yolks
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Place 1/2 cup of cream in a small bowl with a fine mesh strainer on top. Set aside.
• In a small saucepan, combine the milk, the remaining 1/2 cup of cream, sugar, and salt. Bring to just a simmer.
• Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks until light.
• Once the milk is simmering, pour a small but steady stream of the liquid into the egg yolks while stirring constantly to temper. Do this slowly while whisking quickly. Once the milk and egg yolks are combined, return to the saucepan and to the stove.
• Heat the egg yolk and milk mixture while stirring constantly, making sure to scrape the bottom of the pan so that nothing burns or sticks. Slowly cook the mixture until it thickens enough to coat the back of a wooden spoon. Remove from heat immediately once it thickens.
• Pour the hot custard through the strainer into the prepared cream and stir to cool. Whisk in the vanilla extract.
• Chill the mixture thoroughly.
• For kiwi layer
  • 1 lb. ripe peeled kiwifruit
  • 1/4 cup (50 gr) sugar or honey
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/2 tspn Grand Marnier
• Combine the peeled kiwi, sugar, water, and Grand Marnier in a food processor bowl and puree until smooth. Chill thoroughly.
• For orange layer
  • 2 cups orange juice, chilled
• To assemble pour each layer into the molds one at a time, freezing for roughly 30-45 minutes between each layer, depending on how thin you make them.
• Source: https://www.facebook.com/byproduce

Why Add Oil or Protein to Smoothies?  

Add a healthy oil or protein to your fruit smoothies to reduce the spike in blood sugar levels and the bodies insulin response.  Slowing down the breakdown of the fruit sugars will also add to how long you can starve off hunger with a smoothie.  Great options include olive oil, coconut oil, flaxseed oil, flaxseed meal, and chai seeds.  How does adding proteins or oil to your smoothies slow down the absorption of sugar helping to stabilize the insulin response?  As food is introduced to your digestive system, the body starts its complex process of digestion and absorption of nutrients. When carbohydrates (fruits) are consumed, the body breaks these fruits down into sugars which are absorbed into the bloodstream where they serve as fuel to the body. As blood sugar levels rise, the body increases insulin production introduced into bloodstream to help deliver these sugar molecules to the body's cells. Adding healthy fats or protein will significantly decrease the rate at which these sugars are absorbed, both stabilizing the bodies insulin response, and allowing these smoothies to last longer as a food source in your body!  Sources: http://www.livestrong.com/article/555706-does-mixing-proteins-with-carbs-reduce-insulin-response/; http://www.livestrong.com/article/387143-carbohydrate-value-of-fruits-vegetables/

Consider Adding Aloe to Smoothies

Aloe Vera could be considered a superfood, the leaf is filled with a gel containing at least 75 nutrients, 20 minerals, 12 vitamins, 18 amino acids, and 200 active enzymes. These compounds have tremendous benefit and potential in external and internal applications. Aloe is known to help eliminate ulcers, has hypoglycemic activity and anti-obesity effects, and is a powerful antioxidant.     Sources: http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/benefits-of-aloe-vera/

Note:  We do not recommend using blackberries in smoothies as these provide a strange of possibly unpleasant texture to the drink.

Sources:  Yoga Club "Raw Yoga ~ Yoga Nutrition for Detoxification" Teacher Training Manual

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