Red, White, and Blueberry Smoothie

Now that summer is here in full force, I'm constantly looking for ways to stay cool. And with Fourth of July just a couple of days away, I'm celebrating the holiday with a refreshingly cool (and patriotic) smoothie.

And if you're looking to impress your friends at an Independence Day cookout this weekend, this concoction will totally do it. Healthy, delicious, and totally impressible.

Win, win, win.

Get the recipe (makes two large servings):

Blue:
1 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
1/2 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
1/4 plain greek yogurt
1 tablespoon honey (optional)

White:
1 banana (fresh or frozen)
1/2 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
tablespoon coconut flakes
1/4 plain greek yogurt

Red:
1 cup strawberries (fresh or frozen)
1/2 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
1/2 pitted cherries (fresh or frozen)
1/4 cup plain greek yogurt

Blend each section separately, filling one third of your glass with each flavor. Depending on the amount of fresh or frozen fruit you use, you make want to add some additional ice to get the desired consistency and thickness (the more ice, the better the separation between colors). Top with extra berries or coconut flakes. Add a fun straw and enjoy!

Lucky Green Smoothie

I have a confession: I used to be a hardcore McDonald’s addict.

Double cheeseburgers and a coke were my weakness. Every late night at the bar ended with a trip to Mickey D’s (sometimes in a cab). I even celebrated my 5th birthday party at the joint, complete with an appearance from Ronald McDonald. I was hooked. And it wasn’t just habit, it was something I was proud of.

Then I got the big C and I started to pay attention to not only what I put ON my body, but what I put IN my body. I started to learn that looking good is not just about what clothes you wear, but how you feel. For the first time in my life, I learned to cook and really love real food (not just fast “food”).

For me, the best way to feel (and look) great is starting the day with a green smoothie or green juice. It means that no matter how crappy my food choices are throughout the day, I know I’ve at least gotten in several servings of fruits and vegetables before I’ve even figured out what  to wear. 

So in honor of St. Patrick’s Day, I’m sharing with you my favorite super healthy, energizing green superfoods smoothie (to counteract all the super green beer you may or may not drink today). This is also a great “day after” cure for anyone feeling less than lucky tomorrow.

2 cups coconut water
2 large handfuls of spinach
1 banana
1/2 cup frozen mango
2 tbsp chia seeds
1 tbsp hemp seeds
1/2 tbsp bee pollen

Blend all ingredients together and enjoy!