Lisa’s Berry Blast Smoothie

In a world where fast food often prevails, I believe in the power of nourishing our bodies with wholesome ingredients. That's why I've concocted this delicious blend packed with goodness to keep your health, heart, mind, and body happy and your taste buds dancing! This is also in my daily rotation!

Lisa’s Berry Blast Smoothie

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 lg frozen ripe banana

• 1 plus cup frozen mixed (or single) organic berries (such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, pomegranate etc)

• 1/2 cup plain Greek low fat yogurt or plant based or 1 tbsp of nut butter ( all optional)

• 1 Brazil nut

• 1 tablespoon chia seeds, ground flax meal, or hemp hearts ( or a mix of all)

• 1 scoop of protein powder

• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (more to desired thickness)

• Ice cubes (optional, if using fresh berries)

• Sliced almonds and goji berries for topping

Instructions:

1. Preparation: I prefer my fruit frozen for smoothies, thick and cold. They are more of a meal when the right ingredients are added. If you're using fresh berries, wash them thoroughly. Peel the banana and break it into smaller chunks.

2. Blend: In a blender, combine all the ingredients: mixed berries, banana, Brazil nut, chia seeds, flaxseeds, or hemp hearts, protein powder ( nut butter) and almond milk.

3. Blend Until Smooth: Blend on high speed ( you may have to use your tamper as the thicker it is the longer it will take to blend) until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

4. Serve: Pour the smoothie into chilled glasses ( I keep a reserve in the freezer) and serve immediately. Top with a few whole frozen or fresh berries , almond slices, goji berries, granola etc. Delish!

Homemade Almond Milk

INGREDIENTS

• Soak 1 cup of raw almond for 4 hrs or overnight

• Drain water and rinse

• Combine nuts with 3 cups water in a high speed blender ( like a vita mix)

• Add in 2-3 dates depending on sweetness desired (optional)

• ¼ tsp vanilla extract

METHOD

1. Blend at high speed for 1-2 minutes

2. Pour liquid through a nut milk bag ( can purchase on Amazon)

3. You may have to give a bit of help encouraging the liquid out of the bag…

4. Store in a glass jar in the refrigerator.

5. Enjoy

TIP: If you want your almond milk not to separate in your tea/ coffee or in the fridge here is a trick...

1. Pour the almond milk into the pot, partially cover and under low heat simmer for 15 minutes.

2. Keep a close eye on it as it may boil over. Stir now and then.

3. Allow to cool before storing in the refrigerator. The almond milk will keep fresh in the refrigerator for 5 days.