Good Monday to you.

I have a special treat for you today.  A reader of zesty wanted to be featured for one of his favorite smoothies.  I thought it was a neat idea to feature you guys and see what you make in your own kitchens.  So please enjoy today’s delicious take on a berry smoothie.

Hey guys, my name’s Ed, and I am all about creating satisfying, tasty, and healthy smoothie recipes that can not only excite your taste buds, but enrich your day and improve your health. We lead such busy lives, and most of us do not have remotely enough time to prepare every single one of our meals, especially if we want to pack in as much fresh food and nutrition as many of us, including myself, want to do.

This is why I came up with a delicious, fresh tasting, frozen mixed berry smoothie recipe with yogurt that has a little bit of twist as it has nearly everything that we need to get through our day including vitamins, protein, and fiber. So no drinking those disgusting gas station energy drinks, yuck! So I really love berries, and they are known for being the best “bang for your buck” fruits, as they are loaded with flavor, fiber, and vital nutrients without being too high in calories and sugar.

I decided to blend frozen dark berries with fresh strawberries for a really satisfying berry taste and plenty of extra nutrition. Remember that fiber, protein, and good healthy unsaturated fats help us stay satiated longer (and shed pounds!), which keeps our cravings in check throughout the day.

So this is a smoothie that tastes great, fills you up, and without any of the guilt? Yes Please. So let’s get to it!

Ingredients

• 1 Cup coconut water
• 1/2 Cup organic non fat vanilla flavored greek yogurt
• 4-5 Large fresh strawberries
• 1 Cup frozen black raspberries
• 1 Cup frozen wild blueberries
• 1 Tsp organic ground stevia for sweetening
• 2 Tbsp coconut oil
• 2 Tbsp chia seed powder

Method

1. Pour in the coconut water and yogurt first
2. Follow that up with the fresh strawberries, stevia, chia seed powder, and coconut oil
3. Finally, toss in your frozen berries on top
4. Blend this up thoroughly until you get your desired consistency
5. (optional) Add a few fresh blueberries and a strawberry on top to garnish
6. Drink up!

You get the fiber from the berries and chia seed powder, and as chia seed powder is also high in protein, you also get a healthy source of extra protein to supplement the protein naturally found in the greek yogurt, which also has probiotics to help with digestion, awesome right?  The coconut oil is a fantastic source of healthy unsaturated fats (embrace healthy fat!) which we all need a lot more of, and the coconut water gives you the extra potassium you need to keep your circulatory system running well!

I hope you guys enjoy it!

Thanks Ed.  Great job.  If any of you at home have neat, fun, delicious ideas you would like to share with the world drop me a note by email or in the comments section and I will get in touch with you.  I hope you have a great day and I will see you back on Wednesday.

Take care

zesty

Download my Free Recipe Book: Simply Zesty

Happy Monday to you!  I hope you had a great weekend as I can honestly say I did!  It was nice to spend some time away form the computer and be outside for a change.  The weather, believe it or not, was quite nice.  The sun was shining and the temperature made it above freezing – Whooo Hoooo!

Today I wanted to feature another breakfast smoothie item I have been having as of late which includes a great combination of flavors.

What I have been trying to do lately is too cut down on the bad carbs throughout the day.  It would be nothing for me to eat 6-8 slices of bread per day.  Even though I usually pick whole wheat, it’s still a lot of bread.

So having a protein smoothie reduces my normal 4 slices of whole wheat bread breakfast to zero.  It is a work in progress but I’m attempting to focus on eating cleaner and cutting out such things as chocolate cake, banana walnut bread, and crispy peanut butter cookies.  But have no fear,  I will still bake!   Hopefully, however, I’ll refrain from eating the whole batch like I did with the Butterscotch blondies.  That was crazy (but so goood).

To help with the smoothies I  have been using my magic bullet – it is the perfect appliance for the job.  It’s so fast and easy to clean – highly recommended.

Ingredients

• 6 Fresh strawberries
• 1/2 Cup frozen raspberries
• 1 1/2 Scoops of protein powder
• 1/4 Cup cranberry juice

Method

1. Toss all ingredients in the magic bullet; blend until smooth.
2. Pour into a glass and add a strawberry for looks.



3. ENJOY!

Zesty Tip: A smoothie is best enjoyed in the first few minutes after it’s made as it will give the best possible flavor and texture.  If you must make them ahead, you’ll notice that some smoothies begin to separate.  If that happens, simply stir it or put the smoothie back into the blender for a minute to bring it back to its original consistency.

Have a great Monday!  I look forward to sharing with you some interesting recipes that I have planned as well as a slight cry for help later in the week.  I will keep you in suspense for now – see you tomorrow!.

Take care

zesty

Download my Free Recipe Book: Simply Zesty

Want a smoothie? Late for work? Too lazy to make a meal?

If so, I think I have a smoothie that will please your taste buds not too mention touch on a few food groups that will give you some much needed energy to get through those busy days.

Get it Together: Liquid Measures, measuring spoons, dry measures, blender, 2 glasses.

Ingredients

• Milk (11/4 Cups)
• Blueberries (1 Cup)
• Raspberry Yogurt (1 Cup)
• Orange Juice (1/3 Cup)
• Ground Flax Seed ( 2 Tbsp)
• Instant Vanilla Pudding Powder (2 Tbsp)

Method

Put all 5 ingredients in the blender. Cover with Lid. Blend until smooth.  Pour into glasses.  Makes about 3 1/2 cups – enough for 2.

I really hope you enjoy it and I would love to hear your blender creations.

Zesty Smoothie Tips

Use your favorite berry or whatever berry you have kicking around or even a combination.  I like blueberries for the anti-oxidants and the consistency and color they give.

For a simple flavor switch change out the yogurt or leave it out altogether if you don’t like it or don’t have it on hand.

Download my Free Recipe Book: Simply Zesty