THRIVE: Natural Family Living: smoothie recipe

Friday, March 7, 2014

Amazing Almond Butter Smoothie (gluten and dairy free)

Every year when the weather begins to warm up, I get on a smoothie kick. This year is no different. While we have been having temperatures in the mid 70’s, my son and I have been enjoying smoothies on a daily basis. In fact, many days we have more than one. Lately we have been experimenting with new recipes, hence the recent influx of smoothie recipe posts. I am always looking for healthy, dairy-free, gluten-free, kid-friendly smoothie ideas. Recently Gwyneth Paltrow’s new cookbook, It’sAll Good, has been a great source of inspiration. You can view it and buy it HERE. This smoothie is a spin on one of her many delicious recipes in the book. It is packed with protein, satisfying, sweet and great for kids. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

My two-and-a-half year old son absolutely LOVES almond butter. He eats it by the spoonful so this smoothie is his new favorite. It is great for breakfast, an afternoon snack or even dessert!

1 Frozen Banana

1 ½ Cups Unsweetened Almond Milk

2 Tbls Almond Butter

1 ½ Tbls Cacao Powder

1 Tbls Sweetener of your choice (Agave, Honey or Pure Maple Syrup) or 1 Date

A Few Dashes of Ground Cinnamon (to taste) (Helps regulate blood sugar)

A Handful of Ice (to desired consistency)

1 Tbls Organic Gluten Free Oats (optional) (Great for nursing mothers or after a workout)

For Garnish:

A Sprinkling of Bee Pollen (optional) (for added allergy protection…great in the spring and fall)

A Sprinkling of Gluten Free Oats (optional) (for added hydration…great for nursing mothers)

Serves 2

Place of the ingredients into a high-powered blender and combine until smooth. Pour into glasses, sprinkle on garnishes and enjoy! You can buy BPA-free stainless steel straws (like pictured) HERE.

More Delicious and Healthy Recipes:
Low glycemic index smoothie recipe
"The Best" Smoothie Recipe
Healthy Low GI "Chocolate Shake Smoothie
Gluten Free Meatball Recipe
Green Juice Recipe
Homemade Healthy Cereal
Dairy-free, low glycemic index soft served ice cream recipe

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Low Glycemic Index Smoothie Recipe - Dairy Free and Gluten Free

We love smoothies when it’s hot outside. They are delicious in the morning for breakfast or as an afternoon snack. The smoothies I make are low on the Glycemic Index (GI) and full of nutrients. I follow a simple formula that is based on the smoothies at my favorite vegetarian restaurant in Hilton Head, Delisheee Yo, http://delisheeeyo.com. If you have picky eaters in your house, this is a great way to get some more vegetables and nutrients in them.

My formula (2 Servings):

2 Low GI fruits (berries, kiwi, apple, etc), Strawberry and Blueberry is a favorite combination in our house. Fruits High on the GI are bananas, grapes, melons, etc. We stay away from these fruits.

2 Tbls Gluten Free Organic Oats

1-2 Tbls Nuts (almonds are a favorite in our house. Walnuts are good for added Omega-3's)

2 Tsp Chia Seeds (Pack your smoothie full of Omega-3's)

A handful of fresh organic greens, I like arugula because it gives the smoothie a peppery flavor. Other options are spinach or kale.

1-2 Super Food Powders (spiralina, bee pollen, maca or acai) (Recently we have been using 1-2 tsp of acai powder)

1 Tsp Spice (I use cinnamon and/or turmeric) (For information on Turmeric click HERE)

2 Tsp Flax Oil

Liquid (coconut water, coconut milk or almond milk)

Ice if using fresh fruit (not necessary with frozen fruit)
**Note: I use all organic ingredients**

Blend in a high quality blender until smooth and desired consistency is reached. Add liquid and ice as needed.