Edited to Add: Thanks Women’s Health Magazine for featuring my smoothie. I posted about it here on my site, too.
The weather in San Diego was gloomy, dreary and rainy on Monday. Not a nice day, at all.
Not really a smoothie drinking day in my opinion, but Skylar wanted one.
Usually I don’t use too many smoothie “helpers”, but realized I had quite a stash and decided to try a few new-to-me helpers.
I opted for Nutiva Hemp Shake in Berry Pomegranate (brown/green powder). And I also tried an Acai Heart packet from Madre Labs (red powder) that I got as a free sample from a recent iHerb order.
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Purple Rain Smoothie
1 large banana (previously frozen is ideal but not essential)
1 tbsp chia seeds (optional)
1 or 2 packets/servings of your fave smoothie helper (or try one serving of protein powder + 1/3 c berries to replicate the smoothie helpers)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 c milk (nut milk, vanilla flavored nut milk, milk, cream, or vanilla Coffeemate. <– I used that)
1/4 c sugar (add/reduce/omit as desired, or use stevia or vanilla NuNaturals stevia drops, to taste)
2 c ice cubes
Blend everything in Vita-Mix or blender until smooth.
Yield’s two hearty portions or four smaller portions which I pour into plastic glasses and freeze and pull out of the freezer as needed over the next few days to save time.
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Everything in, and blend.
The color was sort of a grayish plum. The Nutiva Hempshake powder was brown/green and chia seeds are gray but the Acai Heart was bright red. Never know what colors are going to emerge from the Vita.
It tasted wonderful! The berry flavors really came through.
Skylar waited patiently, and giggled, while I took pictures of it.
She was staring it down, big time.
Worth the wait she told me. I agreed.
Don’t let the color fool you. This doesn’t taste “healthy” or blah like the weather was. It was sweet, berry-flavored and was great!
She’s still asking me for more Vanilla Banana Avocado Smoothie, though.
I told her we’re out of avocados and she told me, “Well mommy, you better go to the store then.” Smart girl.
From my last post about Driving a Hard Bargain, it sounds like some of you aren’t afraid to bargain, a bit. No one admitted to being an out-and-out haggler and wheeler-dealer though. We all know that one person who haggles over everything though, right?
Questions:
1. What’s your favorite smoothie combo lately?
As I mentioned, I’m not the biggest smoothie fan because they jut don’t hold me, but Skylar loves them so as a mommy, of course, I oblige and make her whatever creation comes to mind on the fly and with what I have on hand.
I’d rather have a homemade Vegan Caramel Macchiato if I am going to choose something to drink. Or just water.
And maybe I’ll nibble on a homemade Vegan “Turtle” while sipping coffee.
2. Purple Rain. Are there any Prince fans in the house?
Omg. I.love.Prince.
I have seen him in concert a few times. Probably about 2003-04 was the last time I saw him and I paid handsomely for some tickets in the second row of the concert. I actually felt like he really “saw” me and was actually “looking” at me. Yes, that sounds groupie-ish. And I don’t care.
Best Prince Songs in my opinion: When Doves Cry, Little Red Corvette, Kiss, I would Die 4 You, Let’s Go Crazy, Raspberry Beret.
3. Are you a fan of 80s music and what songs are you loving lately?
I need to put together an Aruba playlist so I’m all ears what you’re loving lately. <—Pun intended.
And yes, I love 80s music! From Def Leppard, Guns ‘n Roses, and Aerosmith to just about everything else, I dig 80s music. Except not a Debbie Gibson or New Kids fan, sorry.
And now, I am off to have a fun meetup! (Hint)
1- made an avocado smoothie recently that was yummy… need to start making them again regularly (protein ones), or just make your protein cookie dough balls for a shot of protein since I am weight training more heavily again and need it. Going to give the sunwarrior a try…
2- Prince from the pre-Purple Rain days… ie Controversy
3- Big Styx fan back in the day but I don’t listen to them too much anymore.
Yum, this smoothie sounds wonderful! And I’ve still gotta try the avocado pudding!
1. Frozen bananas, kale, carrots, cacao and vanilla protein powder.
2. Eh, I was a little young when he was huge.
3. Sure, I’ll add an 80s playlist every once in awhile. Now I listen to a lot of high energy dance stuff for working out and workday motivation.
L.O.V.E. Prince and all the songs your mentioned! Let’s go crazy and 1999 are 2 of my faves! And seeing as the 80’s is the era I “grew up” in, I dig all that music…even Debby Gibson and NKOTB! :)
I LOVE smoothies. I love mixing Greek yogurt with bananas and strawberries to make a strawberry banana milkshake. Although, I find that they aren’t filling unless I get to chew something afterwards. My stomach refuses to accept that I have eaten unless I’ve been chewing!
I’m a 90’s music girl. But, I like all kinds of stuff! Music sustains me :)
I’m with you. I only really crave smoothies when its bright and sunny and cheery. They still taste good on rainy days though! :)
I’m old enough that the music from the 70s, 80s and 90s is all mashed together in my head, so I really can’t tell you which decade is my favorite, but I do tend to favor heavy metal over pop. I don’t LOVE Prince, but I do like all those songs you mentioned.