Blueberry Avocado Smoothie

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I had been seeing avocado smoothies popping up here and there during my explorations of food blogs lately, and today was high-time to try one myself. Results= success. It gives a creamy, mellow taste and texture, plus plenty of heart-healthy fats and vitamins. I mixed up a blueberry smoothie this afternoon, because blueberries are a lower-carb fruit. I’d love to try it with frozen cantaloupe, honey and yogurt when I’m eating more carbs in a couple weeks. I’ve never really counted carbs before, and I didn’t realize how many carbs fruit and honey have…. Two of my main foods! They are good carbs, but I can easily eat 3-4 pieces of fruit a day! This smoothie fits perfectly with the Curves diet plan. It’s 1200 calories a day, limited to 60 grams of carbohydrates. You don’t count ”free foods” ex: spinach, cabbage, cucumbers etc. and can have as much as you want. You are supposed to break it down into 6 small meals a day, which is easy for me because I snack a lot! It breaks down to 6 200 calories, 10 carb meals. This smoothies clocks in at ~262 Calories and 12 Carbs, which can be easily compensated for to keep me within the 1200/60 count.

Blueberry Avocado Smoothie

1/4c. Frozen Blueberries
1/2c. Water
2-3 Ice Cubes
1 TB Chopped Walnuts
1 TB Vanilla flavored Whey Protein
1/4 of a medium-small sized Ripe Avocado

Blend on high in the blender until smooth.

Orange-Cranberry Smoothie loaded with Vitamin C

I have been feeling a little under the weather with a cold lately. I hate cold medicine and don’t like taking pills so I’m going the natural route.

• Taking lots a Vitamin C
• Drinking lots of water
• Eating extra raw veggies
• Taking Bioplasma, a combination of 12 Cell Salts
• Sleeping!

I am on the verge of getting better and don’t want to get sick again! I was pretty worn out after exams and lots of people at the college and some of my family were sick, so my body just couldn’t fight it off.

After Pilates this morning I wanted a little energy boost and some more vitamin C. A smoothie sounded good so I rummaged the fridge and threw this together. It is super fresh and tasty, perfect for a post/pre holiday dextox and fighting off a cold. It’s loaded with Vitamin C, has no added sugars, and you get lots of great nutrients from the fresh fruits.

Orange-Cranberry Smoothie

I wasn’t measuring so these are estimates! Add as much or as little water as you want depending on how you like your smoothies, I like mine thick so I use a little water and frozen fruits! 

• 1/2 of an Orange
• 1/4 c. Cranberries, fresh or frozen
• 1/3 Banana, fresh or frozen
• 1/2 c. Frozen Melon Cubes
• 1 tsp. Vitamin C Powder
• 1/2 tsp Stevia
• 1/2 c. Water

Mix it all up in the blender until it’s smooth and enjoy!

Another great way to get extra vitamin C are Emergen-C packets. I usually keep a few in my backpack and take one midday for a little energy and extra vitamins. There are 1000mg of vitamin C in each packet as well as B vitamins. I’ve been using the Super Orange and the Tropical flavors.

Another health-promoting habit is to drink lemon water in the morning. I have been reading a lot about how good this is for you lately! I can’t say that I have kept up with it every morning, but I’m getting better at it! I really do feel better (maybe it’s just in my head… =P) after drinking water right away in the morning, lemon-y or not.

10 Reasons Why You Should Drink Lemon Water in the Morning
                                                                                   from la Jolla mom

1. Boosts your immune system: Lemons are high in vitamin C, which is great for fighting colds.  They’re high in potassium, which stimulates brain and nerve function. Potassium also helps control blood pressure.

2. Balances pH: Drink lemon water everyday and you’ll reduce your body’s overall acidity. Lemon is one of the most alkaline foods around. (Lemon itself is not alkaline, it is quite acidic, but the way it works with your body helps reduce acidity *See comments)

3. Helps with weight loss:   Lemons are high in pectin fiber, which helps fight hunger cravings. It also has been shown that people who maintain a more alkaline diet (see #2) lose weight faster.

4. Aids digestion:  Lemon juice helps flush out unwanted materials. It encourages the liver to produce bile which is an acid that required for digestion. Efficient digestion reduces heartburn and constipation.

5. Is a diuretic: Lemons increase the rate of urination in the body, which helps purify it. Toxins are, therefore, released at a faster rate which helps keep your urinary tract healthy.

6. Clears skin:  The vitamin C component helps decrease wrinkles and blemishes. Lemon water purges toxins from the blood which helps keep skin clear as well. It can actually be applied directly to scars to help reduce their appearance.

7. Freshens breath: Not only this, but it can help relieve tooth pain and gingivitis. The citric acid can erode tooth enamel, so you should monitor this. I admit, I’m slightly worried about it.

8. Relieves respiratory problems: Warm lemon water helps get rid of chest infections and halt those pesky coughs. It’s thought to be helpful to people with asthma and allergies too.

9. Keeps you zen: Vitamin C is one of the first things depleted when you subject your mind and body to stress. As mentioned previously, lemons are chock full of vitamin C.

10. Helps kick the coffee habit:  After I have a glass of hot lemon water, I actually don’t crave coffee in the morning. This is weird, I can’t explain it, but I’ll take it.

What is your cure for a cold? Do you have any natural remedies that work for you?

Pumpkin Pie Shake

One of the best parts about fall is pumpkins. Carving pumpkins, roasted pumpkin, pumpkin pancakes, pumpkin chocolate chip muffins, pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkin pie, pumpkin pie with CHOCOLATE ON TOP, and now, Pumpkin Pie Shakes!

Pumpkin Pie Shake

• 1/2c 2% Milk
• 1/4c Pumpkin (Cooked/Canned)
• 1 TB ground flax
• 2 TB 1% milkfat cottage cheese
• 1c Ice
• 1/8 tsp Nutmeg
• 1/8 tsp Ginger
• 1/4 tsp Cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp Molassess
• 1 tsp Honey
• 1/2 tsp Stevia

Blend it up on high!

Check out my other pumpkin posts…

Pumpkin Oatmeal

Agua de Calabaza (Mexican Pumpkin-Water. Much tastier than it sounds, promise!)

Pumpkin Ice Cream

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins