Finally - It's time for spring. With the season comes longer days, warmer weather, and an opportunity to start anew! It's time to emerge from the hibernation of winter and spend more time outdoors.
The warm weather and sunshine also kicks our schedules up a notch as we tend to schedule in more, from spring sports, scout troops, and dog parks. Getting nutrients on the go can be tricky, but this fruity smoothie is the perfect solution. Not only is it nutritious, but it is bright and colorful - like bringing in the goodness of spring flowers.
A powerhouse of organic fruits & veggies.
The greatest benefit of smoothies is how they allow you to pack in a ton of nutrients with only a few minutes of prep time. For the best flavor and nutrition, we aim to use organic ingredients.
Organic fruits and vegetables offer all the benefits of traditional fruits and veggies minus the chemicals. In fact, organic produce may have more antioxidants and flavonoids. Eating organic gives peace of mind knowing that your food is free from harmful pesticides. Not to mention it's much better for the environment and affects the lives of the growers. Organic farms prioritize soil health and biodiversity, creating a healthier system all around. So when you shop for these ingredients, think organic!
Ingredients list:
For the green romaine-apple, bottom layer:
- 1 heart of romaine lettuce
- 1 apple, cored and sliced (Granny Smith recommended)
- 1 banana (best frozen and cut into chunks)
- 2 dates, pitted
- 2 tbsp parsley
- 1/2 cup 100% orange juice (not from concentrate)
- 1 lime
For the strawberry-blueberry, top layer:
- 2 cups strawberries, hulls removed
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1 banana (best frozen and cut into chunks)
- 2 dates
- 5 ounces nonfat vanilla vegan yogurt
- 1/2 cup 100% orange juice (not from concentrate)
Instructions:
1. Wash, slice and cut all ingredients as necessary to prepare for blending.
2. Combine all the tasty ingredients for your romaine-apple layer and whiz them up in a blender until you have a nice smooth texture. Distribute the mixture evenly between two glasses.
3. Before filling the blender with new ingredients, give it a quick rinse to ensure smooth blending for the upcoming layer.
4. Next, combine all the ingredients for the strawberry-blueberry layer in your blender. Whirl together until you have a smooth texture, then slowly pour it over the romaine-apple layer.
5. Get creative and make some epic designs with a simple straw! Just push the straw all the way down to the bottom of your glass, then draw it against the glass through both layers.
Tip: You can prep the ingredients ahead of time, and store the ingredients for each layer in freezer bags in your freezer until you are ready to blend.
This smoothie is delicious and nutritious.
Our perfect spring smoothie is loaded with superfoods that give you a ton of health benefits. You can count on the following:
- Strawberries are loaded with Vitamin C, folic acid, Vitamin K, potassium, manganese, and fiber. That's a lot of nutrition for 50 calories per serving.
- Romaine lettuce has a surprising superpower! Packed full of folic acid, it helps boost fertility and combat depression.
- An apple a day really could keep the doctor away. Apples have been linked to a lower risk for diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
- Blueberries are well-known as a superfood that has brain-boosting power that can help improve memory and prevent cognitive decline. Sipping on a smoothie packed with the power of blueberries is like sipping from the fountain of youth.
- Bananas are great for your heart! Packed with potassium and fiber, yet low in sodium, they help flush out extra salt from the body so blood vessels can stay relaxed. Keep eating those 'naners to keep your healthy ticker in tip-top shape.
- Dates come with plenty of benefits in addition to their sweet taste. These nutritious powerhouses are filled with antioxidants to help protect against a range of illnesses like diabetes, Alzheimer's, heart disease, and even cancer.
- Limes can help ward off nagging inflammation, pesky infections and painful kidney stones. There is even evidence they may help protect against strokes. So dig in and enjoy the zingy flavor of these nutrition powerhouses.
Smoothies make for the perfect snack this spring season. They are easy to make with a variety of fresh and delicious ingredients that pack in a lot of nutrition. Not only are smoothies quick and nutritious, but they also provide great flavor and an enjoyable experience.Â
Give this spring recipe a try. We’re all about 360 degrees of wellness, whether it be the 72 degree spring days, or the -10 degree winter nights. So be sure to check back with Wondercide often for new recipes to help you keep up with your nutrient-rich cravings and to feel your best.
