Summer Berry Smoothie-Drink Up and Be Healthy!

#Dairyfree, #Vegetarian, #Glutenfree

What a great way to start the day!  I recently got my husband to do a detox diet, which he had been resisting for years! Once he acquiesced and began to understand how changing your diet makes you feel better, HE started looking for recipes that we could make, getting us onto a smoothie kick!  This smoothie recipe is combination of a few that we had tried.  That is the great thing about smoothies, you really don't need a recipe.  Whatever you have around the house throw it in the blender and see what you come up with.  We will often make them the night before then put them in jars in the fridge over night for an easy grab and go breakfast in the morning. Makes mornings easier and more nutritious!

Tip:  Berries can be expensive!  So stock up in the summer months.  Either head out to U-pick berry locations or visit local farmers markets and buy in bulk. If you can find organic, choose them, as conventional berries are often sprayed with pesticides.  If not make sure to given them a good wash before use.  Bring them home and spread berries out on a cookie tray and place them in the freezer. (Don't wash them yet...do this once you are ready to use them).  Once they are frozen transfer them to plastic freezer bags and put them back in the freezer.  Freezing them this way prevents them from getting stuck together, making it much easier when you go to use them throughout the year.

Ingredients

• 2 cups frozen summer berries (any combination of blueberries, raspberries, blackberries and strawberries).  
• 1/2 banana
• 1/4 avocado
• 1/2 cup pineapple
• 1 tbsp flax seed
• 1 tbsp chia seeds
• 1 tbsp almond butter
• 1 tbsp coconut oil
• 1-2 cups almond coconut milk (I sometimes substitute coconut water)

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients in a blender and Enjoy!

You can adjust the amount of liquid to change consistency.

Why it is good for you:

1. Summer berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)- They have a low glycemic load, but are high in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants.  Scientific studies have shown them to have the potential to slow brain aging, fight cancer, and decrease heart disease.  
2. Almond butter- Contains calcium and copper, both of which help maintain a healthy nervous system.  They are great source of protein and can help maintain low blood sugar level.  
3. Chia Seeds- Contain a significant amount of fiber, protein, calcium, manganese, magnesium, and phosphorus.  They also have a decent amount of zinc, vitamin B3, potassium, vitamins B1 and B2.  
4. Coconut Oil- Lots of health benefits here!  The type of saturated fat in coconut oil is metabolized differently in the body, which can have possible therapeutic effects on several brain disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease and epilepsy.  The fatty acids in coconut oil have been found to kill of pathogens and have the potential to prevent infections.  It can help lower cholesterol and give you more energy!