Happy Monday, friends! I have been on a wicked smoothie kick lately, and I think Trader Joe’s is to blame. They have added a ton of new frozen fruits to our local store and I have been going crazy. Frozen sweet cherries and peach slices are two of my new favorites. I actually haven’t even had a chance to use the peach slices in a smoothie because they are so good as is! I have been snacking on them at night – I just let them sit for a few minutes so they are still frozen, but softened and sweeter.
Fruit aside, the real excitement is their frozen acai packs!! I have no idea when they started stocking these, but I just noticed them a couple weeks ago. Four packs for $4.99. I know, it sounds pricy, but… believe it or not, this is cheap for acai packets. I think they are close to $6 at my Whole Foods. I’ll dish out a little extra once a month to have these on hand – acai is a superfood, afterall.
Just run the frozen packet under warm water for about 10-15 seconds, and break apart to put in your blender. I have been playing around with recipes and finally nailed one that I love – and it is PACKED with antioxidants… not just from the acai, but also the addition of cacao, blueberries, and pomegranate. This smoothie is especially great during this time of year because of all the sniffles and colds going around. Antioxidants give your immune system that boost it needs to remain strong. I’ve rambled on and on about the benefits of antioxidants many times before, but how about we break the benefits of this smoothie down by the all-stars.
ACAI //
- High in anthocyanins – antioxidant that can lower cholesterol levels
- Aids in weightloss
- Promotes healthy skin
- Aids digestion
- Boosts immune-system
BLUEBERRIES //
- One of the highest antioxidant foods in the world – features a broad range
- Rich in proanthocyanidins – antioxidant with anti-aging properties
- Boosts brain health, focus, and memory
- Improves digestion – great balance of soluble and insoluble fiber
- May decrease risk of heart attack
CACAO //
- Rich in flavonoids – antioxidant compound that promotes general health
- Proanthocyanidin compounds in cacao may decrease LDL cholesterol
- Natural mood booster
- High plant source of iron
- Calcium boost
POMEGRANATE //
- Feature antioxidant, antiviral and antitumor properties
- High levels of antioxidants called flavonoids – fight free radicals in the body
- Promotes dental care
- Protects against heart ailments
- Promotes youthful skin
CHIA SEEDS //
- Packed with antioxidants – fight the production of free radicals
- Contain protein
- May aid in weight loss efforts
- High in omega-3 fatty acids (great for pregnant mamas)
- May improve metabolic health
Sold? Here’s how to make this antioxidant-packed smoothie:
Recipe
You will need:
- 1 packet organic acai
- 1/2 cup blueberries
- 1/2 frozen banana
- 2 tbs cacao powder
- 1/2 cup vanilla almond milk
- 1 tbs pomegranate seeds (to garnish)
- 1 tsp chia seeds (to garnish)
To make:
Add acai, blueberries, banana, cacao, and almond milk to your blender and blend until smooth. Garnish with pomegranate and chia seeds.
I hope you’ll enjoy this recipe, and wish you good health always. When you put in foods that make your insides glow, you’ll radiate on the outside. xx bianca
Yummy!
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