Blackberry and Spinach Smoothie
The simplicity of a smoothie made with all fresh ingredients is a wonderful thing. Sometimes breakfast can be a challenge and cooking something up is just out of the question. With the spring season in full swing, we are finding ourselves craving more fresh fruit and vegetables and less heavy grains and meats. Our bodies are changing with the season and we need different foods to maintain balance. We automatically are attracted to eating local and in-season foods because our bodies know that is appropriate for us right here and now. Things that are easy on our bodies digestion is key when we are coming into spring where that can be a challenge for some. Though almost all these foods are raw (which may not be optimal for digestion), none of them are frozen like many smoothies have. All are using fresh ingredients to maintain the integrity of each particular ingredient. Using fresh instead of frozen ingredients helps to keep all the energy in tact to fill us with life and vitality. And as the first meal of the day, what better way to eat than energy rich food?
This smoothie includes proteins and omega-3 fats to satisfy your morning hunger without leaving you feeling heavy or too full. You can enjoy one of these as a light, but satiating breakfast and be held over until lunch. If any of the ingredients below don’t sit well with you, substitute for ones that do. This is meant to be a guideline for you to follow to create your most delicious smoothie that is suitable for your unique body. Everyone is different and everyone responds differently to various ingredients; play with them and see what works for you. I started making this smoothie with blackberries, banana, spinach, and coconut milk and kept adding ingredients until I reached my desired outcome. The idea is to use local and organic ingredients. I only chose blackberries because that was what was available at my local shop. I tasted and added as necessary dancing with the flavors until it created a harmonious blend of sweet (almond), sour (lime), astringent (banana), barely salty (sea salt), bitter (spinach), and pungent (cardamom). Lime juice may not be necessary if you use a more sour berry like raspberries. Allow the ingredients to guide you through the process while listening to your body’s subtle ques of what works and what doesn’t. Cooking should be an enjoyable and meditative process. Enjoy yourself and bless the food you eat; the rest will fall into place.
What You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup raw milk, or full-fat coconut milk
- 1 c. loosely packed baby spinach
- 10 fresh blackberries
- 1/2 fresh banana
- 1 T chia seeds or flax seeds
- 1 T almond butter
- squeeze fresh lime juice
- dash sea salt
- dash cardamom
- scoop of super green powder (optional)
What to Do:
- Combine all ingredients in a food processor or blender and blend until smooth(ish). Enjoy immediately.
Makes 1 smoothie
