This year we will be talking a lot about Shakes (smoothies). Of course I am only referring to whole fruits and vegetables and in no way recommending that you substitute fruit juice, or a store bought smoothie, for these recipes. There is a huge difference and the difference will make you huge!!!

of the “smoothie” recipes that we will be recommending are made with whole fruits and vegetables and we will be hitting on it hard this year. Hoping to get across what a great way this is for you to get in some much needed nutrition (that even your kids will enjoy).

In order to make these shakes you will need a high powered blender. There are only two that we recommend :

1. Vita mix (available on line use this code and receive free shipping 06-004848 )
2. Blendtec (available at CostCo).

Both of these blenders are far superior to anything else you will find and well worth the investment ($300-$500). We don’t know how we would live without our Vita Mix. It is the most important piece of equipment we have in the kitchen (besides maybe the refrigerator) and we have been using it daily for 2 years. These blenders are so powerful you could liquefy nails with them. (If you attempt to use an average kitchen blender to make these smoothies you will burn up the motor).

In February we will be doing a 5 day smoothie cleanse all smoothies for 5 solid days. So if you think you might take on that challenge you need to get yourself one of those two blenders, pronto!

Here is this week’s smoothie recipe: Serves apx 4 (I know it looks really gross, but I promise it’s actually good)

Ingredients:

1 cup ice
1 ¾ cup water
1 head of red leaf lettuce, washed
Kale, added until mixture reaches 6 cup line
2 key limes (they must be key limes! And don’t peel them!)
1 avocado, peeled and pit removed
2 granny smith apples (green)
1 banana, frozen in chunks
4 cups frozen mixed berries
¼ cup honey

The night before cut up the banana and put it in the freezer so it can freeze over night.

Directions: Blend the first 4 ingredients until smooth. Add in the remaining ingredients and honey and blend until smooth. Add in one serving of Chia seeds if you like. Enjoy or store in the fridge up to 24 hrs (shake before serving, if you have stored it).

The other big change, that we are going to recommend, is Chia seeds as a good supplement to your new healthy diet. We have omitted flax seed from Tony’s super shake recipe and replaced it with chia seeds this week.

The Chia seed is an Amazing food. For centuries many have used the seeds for a host of different reasons. Native Americans would take a pouch of seeds and a gourd of water on their trips. The seeds were their food source on long journeys and taken with water they would hydrate their bodies for endurance. Chia seeds come from the desert plant Salvia hispanica, a member of the mint family that grows in Southern Mexico.

When you hydrate the seeds in water the seed shell opens up and absorbs up to nine times its volume in water. This then forms a gel, which is called Chia Seed Gel. The gel helps keep your body hydrated. The gel is also 90% soluble fiber, which is beneficial for your digestive track. People use the seeds when they are involved in sports or physical activities that require endurance.

The seeds have twice the protein of any other seed or grain, five times the calcium of milk, they also contain; boron which is a trace mineral that helps transfer calcium into your bones, omega 3 and omega 6 which are essential oils for the body. They also have a very long list of other valuable minerals and nutrients in them.

In addition to the nutrients…The soluble fiber in the gel forms a wall between carbohydrates and the body, releasing the sugars more slowly into your blood stream. This has been found to be very helpful for people who have trouble controlling their sugar levels like Diabetics. Dieters love the seeds because you will have the sensation of being full longer. Many use the seeds as a way to control appetite.

The seeds have no taste. The best way to use the seeds is to take the seeds already hydrated (by creating a gel) To make the gel combine 1/3 cup seeds with 2 cups water. Let sit for 15 minutes and it will form a gel. Take 3 tablespoons of the gel, 3 times a day. When you take the seeds in the gel form they will not absorb your own body fluids to hydrate.

If you decide to take the seeds without hydrating them first, make certain you drink at least 8 ounces of water when you take them, and that you get the proper amount of water throughout the day, or the seeds will dehydrate you. The seeds may be added to anything from water to juice, to any food.

Benefits you might notice immediately:

• more regular bowel movements
• more stable blood sugar levels
• less mood swings, more energy
• feeling satiated longer

2 tablespoons of Chia = 7 grams of fiber, 4 grams protein, 205 milligrams of Calcium, 5 grams of Omega-3

Chia Seeds are available at most health food stores or you can get them on line, in bulk, at this address

Here is a great resource for Chia Seeds: www.naturalremi-eas.com

Vita Mix blenders available on line at www.VitaMix.com
Use this code and receive free Shipping: 06-004848

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