Blue Cranberry Smoothie

Blue Cranberry Smoothies...

Valentine's day is around the corner and there are thousands of recipes that involve chocolate and heart shaped treats. I have chocolate recipes to share with you too, but I first wanted to share a smoothie that is healthy and delicious. To me, what says “I love you” more than a healthy smoothie to keep the one you love around longer?

I have to tell you that when I make smoothies for my husband, he smiles and rolls his eyes because sometimes I put some really funky things in there. I’ll post those strange but cool smoothies someday. My goal was to get him to enjoy a healthy smoothie loaded with some amazing beneficial ingredients that most of you already know about.

Blueberries, to me, are beautiful little treats sent from heaven. I love them and I try to have them everyday throughout the year. When they are in season, we go blueberry picking and I leave with at least 10 to 15 pints. A few of them are gone by the time we get home because we all gobble them up. What’s great is they are available all year frozen. There are several articles that suggest that frozen blueberries are healthier than fresh. Either way, blueberries are a good thing.

Frozen blueberries and cranberries are always in my freezer...

Cranberries are filled with antioxidants and also have anti-inflamatory benefits. When cranberries are in season, I buy bags and bags of them and freeze them. I use them throughout the year every morning in my smoothies. They are so good for you.

Greek yogurt. Need I say anything else? Ok, here are just a few examples - GREAT source of protein, packed with probiotics, and calcium. There are more benefits, but this should already have sold you.

Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory. For me, it is better to have ginger everyday then to take an anti-inflammatory pill. I love ginger and buy it either in root form to juice or minced in jars. I have it everyday in my smoothie for breakfast.

Cinnamon has been linked to regulating blood sugar. There are many other benefits to cinnamon but I just like the taste and add it daily to my smoothie.

Bananas make the smoothie thick and adds a little sweetness. Of course, it is also a good source of potassium. I only use a half of a banana and I keep a bunch frozen at all times. I just break off a half and throw it in the blender.

Coconut water also adds potassium and is super hydrating. I like the touch of sweetness it adds and just reading more and more about the benefits makes me feel good.

Honey is one of the most beautiful ingredients offered to us by nature. I have gallons of honey. I use it up whenever I can. I try and buy local honey whenever possible and offer a teaspoon to my kids whenever they are feeling a sore throat coming or a cold.

There are so many good resources out there to educate on the ingredients listed above. I honestly use these ingredients not only because of what I have read, but because it makes ME feel good.

This takes no time to whip up. Put all the ingredients in a blender and blend until creamy and smooth. Pour into a glass and enjoy.

Delicious and good for you...

So what am I going to give my hubby for Valentine’s Day? I’ll start off with this ‘I want to keep you around for a long time’ smoothie. Then later I will follow it up with chocolate!

Be happy, eat well...

Blue Cranberry Smoothie

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Author: Natalie Gregory

Ingredients

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• ½ cup frozen wild blueberries
• ½ cup frozen cranberries
• ½ small banana - preferably frozen
• 1 cup coconut water
• 1 teaspoon minced ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon honey - preferably local

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Instructions

• Put all the ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth.
• Enjoy!

Nutritional Information

I don't post the nutritional value because I don't trust the accuracy of the nutritional apps. I’m not a nutritionist and don't want to post misinformation.

Did you make this recipe? Tag @thegeneticchef and use #thegeneticchef and tell me all about it!