It’s Smoothie Time

We have decided that we are turning over  a new leaf to shed some bad eating habits and hopefully a few pounds.   (Just dismiss the recent lemon bar recipe.)  There wasn’t a lot of research put into our decision but here is what we have been following trying to follow since the second week in January.

  1. Breakfast:  homemade granola bar or homemade granola with 2% milk or Greek yogurt.
  2. Lunch:   Soup or salad.
  3. Dinner:   a smoothie concoction

This was my first attempt at a dinner smoothie.

Heart Healthy Smoothie
based on Antioxidant Rich Smoothie 

8 cups organic baby spinach
1 c. tart cherry juice
1 cup blueberries, frozen
8 dates, cut in half
1 tablespoon hemp seeds
1 T. chia seeds
1/2 avocado, cubed
1 T. Agave nectar
2 “cubes” of frozen Greek yogurt

Blend all ingredients together.

This wasn’t met with rave reviews but it was OK.   I had to serve them in opaque tumblers (or Joe’s cups if you will).

2014-01-06 18.40.34The color of this photo is very kind.   In reality, it was a browner color, hence the need for non-see-thru cups.   It was  definitely drinkable but I think for our first time it just will take some getting used to.

Recommendations:   If I make it again, I will leave out the dates and add more agave nectar if needed.

And, I have been making up smoothie packs for the freezer.    Here are some tips if you would like to do the same.

  • Buy bananas on sale.   Peel and slice.  Freeze in individual bags.
  • Or, place the banana chunks in with other frozen fruit and make your own smoothie mix (bananas and mangoes, bananas and peaches, bananas and pineapple, bananas and cherries, etc.).
  • Make yogurt “cubes.”   Simply fill an ice tray with yogurt and freeze.   Pop out the cubes and freeze along with your smoothie packs or separately to throw in whatever smoothie you are making for more creaminess.

frozen

So for the remainder of this experiment (however long it lasts), I will try to post a smoothie recipe once a week. I know you are on the edge of your seat!   Stay tuned.

Does anyone have tips on taking attractive photos of smoothies?  I need help!

2014-02-04 08.30.35

I love to serve some smoothies (especially if they are less than attractive) in these plastic tumblers.

Does anyone know what we call these in Oklahoma?

It matters not if the cup is from Blue Rose, Arnie’s, Joe Mama’s or other eateries. These are forever “Joe’s Cups.”

Do you own any of these from your youth?

If you have a favorite smoothie recipe that is palatable, I would love for you to leave a comment below to help us.

Really, any assistance you can give would be greatly appreciate (especially by The Hubs).

🙂

15 comments to It’s Smoothie Time

  • I love the idea of using frozen yogurt instead of ice to make the smoothie. Don’t have a favourite one…I usually just dump everything anything I have in the blender.

  • I know smoothies can be very healthy and I do like the idea of using frozen yogurt. I’ll have to experiment a little bit. What an interesting combination of ingredients…and delicious too, I bet.

  • Yoghurt will make the smoothie even more flavoursome, I love how you can put random mixes of ingredients and still make it delicious 😀

    Cheers
    Choc Chip Uru

  • kitchenriffs

    I’ve never gotten into smoothies. I’d rather take all of those ingredients and make a nice salad! But I know lots of people who swear by them, so I’m probably the odd person out. Anyway, I’ve never photographed a smoothie, but thinking about it, I think I’d position the light from the side so it rakes across the top of the glass — this should highlight the texture of the drink, which is probably kind of interesting (and your photo actually does emphasize the texture to a degree; I’d try to do it a bit more). And rather than shoot it in the glass, maybe just put a big drop of it on a nice contrasting surface, preferably shinny? Don’t know if any of this will work, but those are my first thoughts on how I’d approach this.

  • Because of my sensitivity to the cold, I save my smoothies for breakfast in warmer weather. In the colder months, I make an atole smoothie which is hot blue cornmeal with fruit. As far as serving a smoothie for supper, my husband would probably get up and go get takeout. 🙂 So koodos for your husband for working with you on this. Love your ideas for smoothies, especially the frozen yogurt. Good luck on your new leaf. Looking forward to more delicious smoothie recipes!

  • I don’t have any advice. When you get some really good advice and are able to put it to use, do another post so I too can have great smoothies!

  • LOL for your honest review! I’m more of a berry smoothie gal. But I like the idea of adding dates 🙂