Berry Cleansing Smoothie

I really love starting my day off with something refreshing...and this smoothie is certainly that!  It's filled with berries, wild greens and a few secret ingredients, for health!  Don't worry this doesn't mean that it tastes "healthy," my two year old thought it tasted like a milkshake and drank up a whole cup, if that isn't an indicator of taste, I don't know what is!  This smoothie is so easy to whip up and can be personalized to fit tastes or make use of what you have on hand.  I chose blueberries, blackberries and strawberries for their super antioxidant properties; the darker the berry the more antioxidants it has. Let's talk about smoothie "mechanics."  When making a smoothie I want a thick, smooth consistency that is satisfying and filling.  But I don't want to use ice because, one: I hate brain freeze and, two: I don't want to water down the flavor of my smoothie.  So the way that I achieve this, without using ice, is by adding in frozen fruits, always adding in a banana for bulk and adding in some yogurt for that rich creamy feel.  Some other things you can add for creaminess are: avocados, silken tofu or even frozen yogurt.  I know they sound weird but give them a try I guarantee you will not even know they are there, taste wise but you will def notice a silky texture. It will make you feel like you are drinking dessert!  These, creamy add-ins are all things I always have on hand, so that way making a smoothie is always super easy and super convenient. I always eat healthier when it's not a hassle.

I like to add in different kinds of greens to my smoothies as well.  A handful of spinach, kale or even a wild green like dandelion, bumps up the amount of vegetables and nutrient rich foods you are eating in a day and, again, you won't even notice it's there. I chose dandelion greens for this smoothie because it's a cleansing green that cleans your liver and blood, helping them both to function better.  It can be found more readily during the spring months at most farmer's markets and sometimes even your grocery store.  You can also pick them right out of your backyard, yep it's totally the same yellow flower that grows rampant on your lawn!  If it's unavailable, kale or spinach are great substitutes.  For more information on the health benefits of dandelion greens in smoothies please visit: http://www.incrediblesmoothies.com/green-smoothies/10-reasons-you-should-use-dandelion-greens-in-your-green-smoothie.

I also love to add other healthy things to my smoothies that don't necessarily have anything to do with the flavor but add other benefits. These add ins include:

• chia seeds, http://www.bobsredmill.com/chia-seed.html
• Flax seeds ground or flax oil, http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=81
• Raw oats, http://www.livestrong.com/article/412378-is-eating-uncooked-oatmeal-healthy
• A handful of raw nuts, they contain healthy fat that helps keep you full, http://www.incrediblesmoothies.com/smoothie-basics/healthy-fats-for-smoothies-nuts-and-seeds

I included links above to give you more information on each item so you can make informed decisions about what to add to your smoothies.  Each supplement adds different things so feel free to add all, or even feel free to add none, you are still getting a very healthy breakfast smoothie either way!

This recipe makes 3 servings.  Note: all the fruits I used (except the strawberries) were frozen but feel free to use a combo of frozen and fresh depending on what is in season, just note that at least one of your fruits needs to be frozen to make a cold smoothie and get the proper consistency.

Ingredients

2 Whole, frozen bananas, peeled and broken into chunks*

1/2 Cup fresh, organic strawberries, hulled and chopped.

1/2 Cup frozen, organic blueberries

1/2 Cup frozen, organic blackberries

1/2 Cup vanilla almond milk, I use Silk.

2 Tbsp low-fat, organic strawberry yogurt, I used Stonyfield.

2 Tbsp local honey

1 Handful wild dandelion greens or organic store bought ones.

2 tsp flax seed oil


Directions

Starting with the liquids first place all ingredients in a blender and blend on high for 2 to 3 minutes or until smooth.

Serve in your favorite glass and enjoy a cup of health!

*Are your bananas going bad, here's a tip: peel them and then freeze them whole in a plastic bag or reusable container, they make great additions to smoothies or baked goods and keep forever this way!


"May the force be with you"
-Star Wars

Don't forget to leave me a comment below if you like or love this recipe!