For the well intentioned and time constrained, smoothies offer a fun and swift means of maintaining the health conscious path. With a small, compact blender, you can conveniently whip up a breakfast to go; or an easy and nutritious lunchtime beverage with no mess or fuss, (quicker than you can place an order at a fast food drive-through).

The following recipes offer a few basic options for nutritious smoothies. It took me more time to select the fruit and vegetables than to prepare and blend them. Making a conscious effort at keeping a minimalist ingredients list will ensure against acidic combinations. As will maintaining a separation between fruit smoothies, and vegetable smoothies.

Swift Smoothies

Banana Peanut Butter 1.

Potassium, Protein and Vitamin B Boost:

2 small to medium size organic bananas

1 Tbsp. organic natural peanut butter

about 2 -3 oz. spring water

For peanut allergies substitute 1 Tbsp. sunflower seeds

Add small amount of water so that the consistency is similar to the creamy, smooth texture of a milk shake.

A good start for the morning, providing essential electrolytes, regulating blood pressure and blood sugar.

2. Berry Powerhouse

Vitamin C and Antioxidants:

3-5 strawberries

5-7 blueberries

1/2 medium organic Fuji or Gala apple with skin

1/2 small lemon, (juice)

about 1 oz. spring water

Berries and apples help to flush the body of stubborn bacteria. Lemons neutralize stomach acids. A nice mellow, refreshing beverage.

3. Apple Pie 2-Go:

Refreshing Potassium + Quercetin Boost

1-1/2 Organic Golden Delicious apples, (unpeeled)

1 or 2 Medjool dates, (pitted)

Golden delicious apples are the star in this simple, yet extravagant combination. If you think you can’t shake an apple pie fetish, try this one. Excellent for breakfast on-the-go. The difference in organic apples and those grown by standard methods is noticeable in taste and the way you feel after eating it.

4. Pomegranate (Nuts & Berries)

Delightful Magenta, Vitamin C

1 Pomegranate

1 oz. water (optional)

2 – 3 oz. walnut milk

Note: If you are using a blender, and don’t like the seed particles that remain after blending, wait for them to settle to the bottom. Then, strain the contents and enjoy.

Pomegranate is an aggregate fruit, similarly classified as other berries. It is made up of many small berries which are also seeds. Notably, the deep red color of pomegranate is a signal of its action; it activates the blood. This fruit is also a good source of vitamin C and can be used interchangeably with cranberries.

Try Elmhurst Walnut milk for a delicious pomegranate shake taste. It only contains 2 simple ingredients, walnuts and filtered water. It also compliments the full body, sweet with a hint of tart flavor of pomegranate.

5 . Gazpacho

Vitamin C and Immune System Boost:

1 medium Roma tomato

1/2 medium cucumber, (peeled)

1 pinch stems, cilantro

1/2 jalapeño pepper, seeds removed

1 quarter size piece ginger root

1 slice red onion

All ingredients are equally represented in this balanced Gazpacho combination. Cool cucumber mellows tomato’s acids.



