Although I do have my daily indulgence of organic fair trade Theo Dark Chocolate (I swear that it is good for my body and soul, which is why I am eating a square as I type!), I crave the way my body feels after enjoying a fresh homemade smoothie. I switch up the ingredients based on how I am feeling, which lately has meant a mix of light greens, rich berries, and no-sugar-added fruit juices.
Luckily, our kitchens at GH Sports are equipped with Vitamix blenders and usually have fresh ingredients in the fridge to whip up a healthy smoothy of some sort. Our retail store and offices are just three blocks from Trader Joe’s too, making it easy to pick up quality ingredients. The simpler a recipe is to throw together the more likely I am to make it happen, which is why I do not measure ingredients but rather just add amounts that look appealing.
This morning my body was craving a rush of nutrients and antioxidants so I opted for what I call the GH Energizing Juice Smoothie – named for its texture (more liquid like a juice) and its energizing effects. The boost of energy this smoothie provides is extra important for this mama-to-be since I am opting out of daily coffee. Plus, the baby needs his greens!
Note: This smoothie can be mixed up with any high-quality blender. We are fortunate to get to use a Vitamix at GH! I usually make enough for two medium servings (10 oz – 12 oz each)
PUT ALL THE GOODNESS IN.
First up, pour in approximately 2 cups of coconut water. Because of its light and nutty flavor, coconut water is a good base that I use when I’m also adding rich, bold fruits. The benefits? Coconut water is high in potassium content and extremely hydrating.
Then add about 1 cup of frozen, diced pineapple and 1 cup of frozen organic wild blueberries. If I had included fresh berries then I would have added ice to the blender. The benefits? Pineapple contains high amounts of vitamin C as well as thiamin, a B vitamin that is involved in energy production. According to Wild Blueberries, “Wild Blueberries are especially rich in anthocyanin, a flavonoid with potent antioxidant capacity. Highly concentrated in the deep-blue pigments of Wild Blueberries, anthocyanin is responsible for both color and powerful health protection potential.”
I then pour in about 1/2 a cup of 100% Cherry Juice (as you can see in the change in liquid’s color below) and dice 1/4 of an organic english cucumber with the skin intact. The benefits? Cherry juice offers amazing anti-inflammatory benefits and cucumbers (95% water) help eliminate toxins.
More greens please! Spinach is a remarkable dark leafy green to add to smoothies because the taste is minimal but the nutrient power will flush your system with protein (yep!), iron, magnesium, potassium, vitamin A, folate, vitamin K and the list could go on. I put 2 large handfuls of organic spinach in this smoothie.
BLEND ALL THE GOODNESS UP.
Blend all of the ingredients until smooth.
ENJOY THE TASTE & THE BENEFITS.
Pour the smoothie into two cups (this recipe typically fills two 12 oz cups). Enjoy immediately – Jake and I definitely did!
Do you have a recipe to share? I’d love to see it and test it out. Email me directly at jami@ghsports.com.
~Jami Fawcett, Marketing Manager, GH Sports
A tip for this recipe.
- I’m still working on refining the texture. If it sits for a couple of minutes, the liquid becomes a bit foamy. For this reason, drink immediately after mixing.
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