It's smoothie time again! Sick of the same 'ole ingredients? Switch it up by trying this refreshing, citrus probiotic and protein smoothie.
You may or may not have realized this, but it's currently blood orange season.
If you're not familiar, this is a variety of orange with flesh that has a crimson, blood-like color! Slice one in half and you'll notice the insides and juice are a vivid red.
And depending on the individual orange they can taste especially sweet or slightly tart. On top of all that, blood oranges are perfect for adding splashes of intense color to drinks and foods.
My brain's already teeming with recipe ideas incorporating this seasonal produce. Hopefully I'll get a chance to try a few out before I eat them all or they disappear off the shelves. So...keep an eye out in the next few weeks for more blood orange recipes from me.
In the meantime, here's a recipe that harnesses the punchy, citrusy flavors of blood orange and kiwi, which are mellowed slightly by adding a super ripe banana.
And the benefits of combining these three fruits? LOTS of vitamin c and potassium, with a bit of extra fiber from the kiwi. Plus, the blood orange's red flesh provides additional antioxidants.
This is a perfect smoothie if you're aiming to ward off a head-cold or bolster your immune system. However, don't forget to add the yogurt, protein powder and chia seeds.
All three are important for increasing your probiotics, protein and fiber intake so you're getting the most nutrients out of this fruity beverage.
Want to make your smoothie even healthier? Throw in a few handfuls of organic leafy greens like kale or spinach to make a green smoothie. I promise, with all the fruit, you can't taste it!
Blood Orange, Banana, Kiwi & Chia Seed Probiotic Protein Smoothie
| Original Recipe & Photograph by The Rising Spoon | © Elaina Newton 2013
Serves: 1-2
Ingredients
1 blood orange, peeled
1-2 kiwi fruit, peeled
1 large, ripe banana, peeled
1/2 cup of good quality full-fat plain greek yogurt (substitute coconut milk greek yogurt if you're vegan)
3 tablespoons of organic, high fiber hemp protein powder (get my favorite brand here)
2 tablespoons of organic chia seeds
1 teaspoon of grade b maple syrup or raw honey (optional)
Purified, reverse osmosis water (add til you reach the desired consistency)
Recommended Equipment
blender
Want more real food & gadget recommendations? Check out my shop page.
Directions
Peel all the fruit, then combine all ingredients in a blender. Add a little purified water at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Some people like thicker smoothies, others like them more liquid. You can also add 3-4 ice cubes to make it colder. Serve immediately or store in the fridge and consume within 24 hours for maximum nutritional benefits.
Notes & Tips
I like my smoothies a little bit cold, so I typically use frozen bananas (and other frozen fruit) instead of ice. If I only have room temperature fruit, I'll add 3-4 ice cubes.
I know it's tempting to choose non-fat dairy products like yogurt and milk in this case, but keep in mind that certain vitamins (such as those found in leafy greens) are fat-soluble, which means they need fat in order to absorbed by your body. When you include healthy, full-fat ingredients (in moderation) in your foods this ensures your body receives the nutrients! Read here and here for more info.
Want to detox while drinking delicious smoothies?
If you're looking for an easy and short whole foods based cleanse that will nourish your body while removing impurities, I highly recommend the 7 Day Diet Plan For Weight Loss and Improved Health by Katherine Kyle of Green Thickies.
Click here to learn more about the 7 Day Diet Plan.
More Recipes from The Rising Spoon:
- hot lemon & cranberry juice detox drink
- homemade vegan protein popcorn with coconut oil
- blue beauty smoothie
- spicy turkey chili soup
Question For Discussion: What's your favorite seasonal fruit to add to smoothies?
Answer in the comments section below or join the conversation on The Rising Spoon Facebook page. Prefer Twitter? And feel free to circle me on Google Plus or follow me on Pinterest.
This post has been linked to Healthy Roots, Happy Soul's Tuned-in Tuesday Blog Hop! #3.
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