Shamrock Shake! Peppermint Chocolate :)

I am keepin' it green for St.Patty's Day! ...with a little bit of chocolate tossed in ;)

I love putting bananas, almond mylk, spinach (and quite often chocolate) into smoothies (like in my Chocolate Vanilla Mylkshake Smoothie), and I've been playing around with different extracts lately...vanilla, coconut, peppermint, lemon... When I came up with this, it reminded me of Chocolate Covered Katie's Raw Mint Chocolate Chip Milkshake. Pretty similar, but a wee bit different. I think it subconsciously inspired me for St. Patty's Day :) Thanks, Katie! I've been drinking this for breakfast the past couple days, and I am in looooooove <3

After breakfast is over, keep with the green theme! Pull out your t-shirts, eat your salad & broccoli...and I won't judge if you grab some green beer out the fridge tonight ;)

It's easy being green! From my kitchen to yours <3

Ingredients:
1 cup almond mylk (unsweetened)
2 tsp peppermint extract
1 tbs cocoa powder
1 cup spinach
2 small ripe bananas, peeled
optional: 1 tbs cacao nibs, for topping

Directions:
1) BLEND IT! :D
2) DRINK IT! :D
3) BE GREEN! you are what you eat ;)

peace, love, food <3
Char, xo

Chocolate Vanilla Mylkshake Smoothie

Some of you may remember this recipe from my post on Dairy Free Betty awhile ago, but I thought I would re-publish it on here :)

Last summer when I was in Toronto, I made Chocolate Mango Smoothies for myself and my Auntie Lolo. While they have definitely since been a staple, I have news...I've made them taste even better!


Green smoothies have literally changed my life since I discovered them almost a year ago. They have given me silky, shiny hair; clear, soft skin; better digestion; more energy. Best part? I've learned how to make 'em taste like dessert! ;)

As passionate as I am about healthy foods, I do not believe in deprivation. However, I also do not believe in sending myself to an early grave as a result of destructive foods. So where's this middle ground?
I am honestly not the biggest fan of spinach salads. Not because I don't like spinach, but because I don't like "spinach teeth." (Anyone who has partaken in the consumption of raw spinach knows EXACTLY what I'm talking about!) But, through trial and error, I have learned that spinach is my favourite leafy green to blend into a smoothie. It makes it silky, soft, and creamy, and you don't notice it at all. And when you blend foods, it "pre-digests" them for your body, creating less work for your tummy.
Then what else do I add? Almond mylk, banana, and mango for added creaminess as well as sweetening; then cocoa, vanilla, and cinammon for a dessert taste. The result is a Chocolate Vanilla Mylkshake Smoothie that lets you be "bad" indulging something "good." I am OBSESSED with this smoothie, and drink it practically every morning. Feel free to switch up flavours: I've made some pretty fun ones. Even without the chocolate, vanilla, & cinammon, this is one silky smoothie that will have you craving more. Start your morning with "salad"! :)

Ingredients:
1 cup unsweetened almond mylk
1 cup water
2 tbs cocoa powder
1 tbs vanilla extract
1-2 tsp cinammon
2 cups spinach
1 ripe banana, peeled
1/2 cup frozen mango

Directions:
1) Blend all ingredients.
2) Drink dessert for breakfast.
3) Keep working toward that amazing beach body ;)

Optional Variation: eliminate water, and reduce spinach to 1/2 cup. I sometimes do this when I want it to taste thicker and more chocolate-y :D

peace, love, food <3
Char, xo

Green Mylk Smoothie

This was the first smoothie I introduced my Dad to, and he loves it. I made it for the first time months ago, and it's still one of my favourites. It literally tastes like a sweet, creamy mylk, and is such a treat. Whenever I'm feeling anxious or stressed, or when I know my blood sugar needs to be balanced, this is a perfect meal, and tastes like an absolute treat :) If you want to add more spinach, add a bit more water as well. I do so often. Drink this in the morning for energy, balance, and clarity. It helps to start your day off right :)

And in case anyone is wondering how I'm doing...no more tears :) Time spent with friends & family makes a happy, happy Char! xo


From my kitchen, to yours <3

Ingredients:
1 cup unsweetened almond mylk, plain or vanilla
1 cup spinach
1/2 cup frozen mango
1 ripe banana, peeled
optional: 1 tbs vanilla extract
optional: 1 tsp cinnamon

Directions:
1) Blend it all up, drink it all up.

peace, love, food <3
Char, xo

Ginger Berry Mylk Smoothie

Sooo, can't remember if I told you guys or not, but my Dad asked for a Magic Bullet from my sister & I for Christmas. He was wanting to get into the smoothie thing in an effort to eat better. He also works away from home a lot, and needed something portable. Well wouldn't you know it, my Dad is hooked on smoothies! :) And not just fruit smoothies, either. He stuffs spinach into 'em, too! YEAH DAD!! (He even put rum into ours one day...yep, it's all about balance. hehe.)
Though this is not a green smoothie, you can quite easily make it so. However, I would slowly add small amounts of water to help blend it.
I loooove almond mylk in smoothies! Try it! I promise you can't go wrong :)

From my kitchen to yours <3

Ingredients:
1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond mylk
1/2 cup frozen berries
1 ripe banana, peeled
2 teaspoons minced ginger

Directions:
1) Blend it, drink it, love it :)

peace, love, food <3
Char, xo

Ginger Smoothies & Gourmet Dishes

In the days leading up to New Year's, my Dad and I were spoiled by his sister (my Auntie) and her husband. A visit to their home can be compared to a stay in a 5-star resort, being served gourmet food.
For breakfast on our first day, my Auntie made us each this delicious and tangy smoothie. lovelovelove it :)

Ginger Fruit Smoothie
Ingredients:
1 cup frozen berries
1/2 ripe banana
2 tsp minced ginger
1 tbs pure maple syrup

Directions:
1) Blend, baby, blend!
2) Drink pink, be green ;)

Lunch? My Uncle created this fabulous salad for me :) Romaine, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a delicious variety of Epicure seasonings made this beautiful to look at and beautiful to taste.

Dinner? Well it was wing night at The Blind Monk, but I obvs wasn't having any of those ;) I dug into the house-made veggie burger, with a patty made of chickpeas & mushrooms. Doused in some Frank's Red Hot Sauce, this delicious dinner went down easy :) The patty was tender and crispy, and full of flavour. I ditched the top of the bun (to cut down on white bread) and used the lettuce and tomato as a top. Nom nom :D

The next day was started perfectly with another fruit smoothie, and then a perfect veggie stirfry for lunch and dinner (lucky me, I got the leftovers!). Complete with broccoli, carrots, zucchini, celery, snap peas, red onions, bean sprouts, garlic, ginger, and many more beautiful flavours, this was more perfect than any stirfry I've ever had in any restaurant.

Our final meal together <3 Butternut squash ravioli smothered in a veggie sauce made with onion, garlic, tomatoes, mushrooms, zucchini, salsa, tomato paste, various Epicure seasonings, and more.

On the side: Greek salad (sans feta), and vegan garlic bread, with herb & garlic Epicure :) Hands down, one of the best meals I've ever experienced <3

They say you can pick your friends, but you can't pick your family. But in truth...I don't think I could find any better family than the ones I'm blessed with :) I love them all, and feel so lucky to be a part of this family!

peace, love, food, family <3
Char, xo

Pumpkin Pie Mylkshake

Bippity, Boppity, BOO!
While this delicious breakfast dessert will never turn into a royal carriage, it also won't make me look like one, either. I played with a few ingredients & finally came up with a treat that is so smooth, delicate, & satisfying, it should be sinful. If you want to make it thicker, you can try adding some non-dairy vanilla nice kream, but I found it to be thick & creamy enough as is :)
What's with the Halloween characters, you might ask? The kitten card is from my closest girlfriend and the pumpkins are supposed to represent my roomie & I. Yeah, I'm a dork like that. I believe we should all have pumpkin head alter-egos.

Cheers to dessert for breakfast & pumpkins for heads!


Ingredients:
1 cup almond mylk, unsweetened
1/2 cup pureed pumpkin
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp cinammon
1 banana
pinch nutmeg
optional: add 1 cup spinach. nom nom

Directions:
1) Toss all goodies into a blender & puree!
2) Sip pumpkin pie mylkshaky goodness :)

peace, love, food <3
Char, xo

Green Satin Smoothie

This smoothie is so simple & so perfect. Spinach is my favourite in smoothies, because it makes everything taste smooth & creamy. I have been obsessed with this drink lately: It gives me energy, and I don't have cramping after because there is nothing but fruit & leafy greens. It's perfect for keeping my mind clear and helping me focus on school work & my jobs, and it is soooo easy to throw together.
For those watching their weight, it's light on calories and will help you fit into that green satin mini dress sooner ;) If you need a denser smoothie, feel free to add a larger quantity of fruit. I don't eat too much in the morning, so this was perfect for filling my tummy without making me feel bloated :D
Of all my smoothies, THIS is my favourite! You MUST try it :) lovelovelove <3

From my kitchen, to yours <3

Ingredients:
1 1/2-2 cups water (add as needed)
2 cups spinach
1 peach, cored & sliced
1 ripe banana, peeled

Directions:
1) Blend all ingredients until smooth.
2) Sip satin.

peace, love, green food <3
Char, xo

Banana Carob Smoothie

Happy Day, foodies!! I know it's been awhile since I've posted, but my schedule between 3 jobs, school & life has been craaaaaazy busy & only gets busier. C'est la vie :)
Though I drink smoothies everyday, it's been awhile since I've created a new recipe for them. However, I've been finding that I can't really tolerate too many types of food anymore.
I used to be able to have gluten here and there, but I got sick from eating it this weekend. And protein powders, I have found, are partly to blame for my digestive issues & cramps.
So what's a girl to do? I've found what helps me thrive, feel energetic & remain focused is.....low fat, raw foods! I'm still eating plain, steamed veggies as well (brussell sprouts, broccoli, etc), to help with digestion. But other than that, my diet has been entirely fruits & veggies for about a week (except for the killer pizza). I do still have some older recipes to post, though, so you will see some cooked foods here & there. I love how this is pushing me to get more creative :) Because oohhhh, I have!
Sooooo after a large introduction, here is my new, naked smoothie, the way nature would want it to be :) lovelovelove this smoothie, & I know you will, too! <3

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups water (or more, as needed)
2 tbs carob powder
2 cups spinach
1/2 cup mango
2 bananas

Directions:
1) Blend! Drink! Love :)

peace, love, food <3
Char, xo

P.S. more smoothies to come! Including a Satin Green Smoothie ;)

Green Silk Smoothie

Ohhh baby, you will looooove this smoothie! It literally tastes like silk. With the combination of chlorophyll, almond butter & banana, it truly feels very balancing :) Chlorella is the richest source of chlorophyll (plant's blood), & spirulina offers iron, calcium, & beta-carotene (among other benefits). The addition of cocoa helps bring flavours together, but it isn't really noticeable. I made this in order to learn how to budget my smoothies. This costs me less than the ones I usually make, & may even be my new favourite!






From my kitchen, to yours <3

Ingredients:
1 cup water
1 tsp chlorella
2 tsp spirulina
1-2 cups leafy greens
1 tbs almond butter
1 tbs cacao powder
1/2 banana, peeled
1/2 cup frozen mango

Directions:
1) Blend all ingredients until smooth.
2) Get your green on ;)

peace, love, food <3
Char, xo

Toronto! Part Two :) & a Chocolate Mango Smoothie!!

Waking up in the “morning,” (I had a hard time adjusting to the 3 hour time difference), Lolo & Georgie did their hair, make-up, & sat down to wine glasses full of Chocolate Mango Smoothies (recipe below). You know how much I love & live for these things ;) My Auntie has now also fallen for them.

Guess what we did with the energy from our smoothies? SHOPPING!! We are ladies, after all ;)
Shopping at Eaton’s centre kept us busy, & eventually hungry. Freshii, we discovered, is an incredible restaurant dedicated to those with conscious eating in mind, & there happened to be one in the food court. Though there were meat options, there was also a huge variety of vegan options. We both dug into our create-your-own brown rice stirfrys, containing: carrots, broccoli, celery, sweet corn, edamame, mushrooms, red onions, roasted peppers, beets, grilled tofu, spinach & spicy peanut sauce. Oh yeah. Be jealous.

After our long day of shopping, we headed to Noah’s health food store, where we picked up many staples to snack on for the week. There were many pre-made dishes for us to choose from as well: most were raw, others were whole food vegan.
What we chose to dig into for dinner that night was a raw Pad Thai (prepared by ‘LIVE’ Restaurant in Toronto), as well as a sprouted lentil veggie pie (prepared by ‘FOODS to LIVE by’). OM NOM NOM!! The Pad Thai consisted of spiralized zucchini, shredded carrots & cabbage, red peppers, crushed peanuts, & a delicious sauce. The sprouted lentil veggie pie? Okay, wow! First I have to tell you that this is the best pie I’ve ever had. The whole thing was soft, flaky, & ‘buttery.’ Ingredients? All organic & local: sprouted Ontario spelt, sprouted lentils, soaked pumpkin seed, cabbage, carrots, sweet potato, kale, onion, celery root, olive oil, black pepper, herbs, Celtic grey sea salt. You guys missed out. Seriously.

Oh, & of course, our dinner was served with a lovely white wine :) Whether it was wine or a ‘Lolotini,’ we shared a drink (or 3) with dinner every night ;)
With shopping bags & tummies full, our visit was definitely off to a good start <3

Chocolate Mango Smoothie:

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups water
1-2 tbs cacao powder
1 scoop Vega
2-4 cups greens (spinach, kale, your choice!)
1/2 cup diced mango
1 banana, peeled

Directions:
1) Blend all ingredients together until smooth.
2) Be compassionate, be radiant :)

Georgie & Lolo, xo

Choco Cantaloupe Smoothie

My obsession with this smoothie right now is sick! Sick, I tell you! Maybe because it's been way too long since I've indulged in melon? Or maybe because chocolate & cantaloupe have a beautiful love affair that was previously undiscovered? Whatever the case, HOLY CRAP!! This smoothie is to live for! I tried it first with the lemon, & then also without. Both ways were suuuuper tasty, but I think I'm favouring the 'no-lemon' version right meow.
I know that all of my smoothies lately have been loaded with chocolate & greens, buuuut....deal with it :) I'm serious, give chocolate & greens a try. You'll be surprised. The best part? It's helping to curb my cravings for all those raw cookies! The diminishing 'cookie handles' on my waist say "thank you." :)

From my slimming waist to yours <3

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups water
1 scoop Vega, natural
2 tbs raw cacao powder
3-4 cups greens (spinach, kale, your choice!)
1/4 of a cantaloupe, skinned
1 banana, peeled
juice from one lemon, about 2tbs (optional)

Directions:
1) Put all ingredients in a blender. Puree until smooth.
2) Drink your chocolate-green-melon smoothie.
3) Smile. Don't worry, be happy :)

Char xo

Chocolate Lemonade Smoothie

I am completely obsessed with cacao in my smoothies lately. Completely. Even when it just plays a supporting role, as opposed to being the star, I notice a huge change in the flavour profile of my smoothies. And it's great, because I seem to get chocolate cravings daily...so, as opposed to angrily fighting them off with carrots & lettuce, I'm embracing them! You only live once, right? Put some friggin' chocolate in your smoothies! Chocolate makes me happy :) Happy Char, Happy World <3
I had expected this to taste more like a chocolate banana treat, but was surprised that it turned out more like chocolate lemonade! Never would have thought to create something like that: I love when my recipes happen by accident :)

From my chocolate-lovin' tummy to yours <3

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups water
2tbs cacao powder
2-4 cups greens
1 banana
juice from 1 lemon (about 2tbs)
1/2 cup fresh strawberries

Directions:
1) Blend until smooth. Drink from a wine glass, because you can ;)

Char xo

Chocolate Mango Berry Smoothie

If you're new to my blog, welcome :) You're going to learn very quickly that I have a sick passion for chocolate...& greens.
These are two foods that I eat everyday. Everyday. Oh, & bananas, but they weren't in this delicious dessert-breakfast :)
Greens are amazing for everything!! Your hair, skin, muscles, internal organs, eyes, digestive system, mood...They are so essential to life, yet not enough people eat them. You can always be eating more greens :)
As for chocolate...ohhh myyyy, it makes me happy <3 It has high levels of magnesium, which helps in the absorption of calcium. It is also a great mood elevator, as it helps in production of serotonin (the "happy hormone") levels in your brain.
Soooo, we have greens, we have chocolate...let's add some mango & berries!! Um, YUM!! This is sooooooo delish, & I'm way hooked on it <3 It's so funny, because I made this at the same time that I made a regular fruit & greens smoothie (minus the chocolate & mango, add banana & apple). I mixed them up, & thought I was drinking this one. I thought, "hmm, it kinda just tastes like all my other smoothies. Oh well." The next day, I took what I thought was the "regular" smoothie to work & was waaaaaayyy stoked to realize I had a chocolate smoothie clutched in my hot little hands!! Nothing says "Good morning!" like a chocolate smoothie :)

From my kitchen, to yours <3

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups water
1 scoop Vega
2tbs cacao powder
2-4 cups greens (spinach, kale, your choice!)
1 large mango, chopped
1/4 cup mixed berries, frozen

Directions:
1) Blend all ingredients.
2) Drink, smile, love :)

Char xo

Apple Berry Smoothie

My mom generally hates anything I make with lemons; she's not a fan of the "bitter" taste (I actually find lemons refreshing). I made this smoothie while she was in the kitchen, though, & offered her a sip...SUCCESS!! Anytime my mom likes my food, I know I have a hit. She's not a vegan, & she's very particular about the produce that she will eat. Sooo when I am successful at pleasing her palate, it makes my day :) I've been keeping this smoothie on hand at all times; I really, really, enjoy the crisp taste of the apple & lemon. (I generally make 2-3 different smoothies & keep them in my fridge so I'm prepared.) So satisfying, this smoothie tastes of summer :)

From my kitchen, to yours <3

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups water
2-4 cups of greens (spinach, kale, your choice!)
1/2 cup strawberries
1 apple
1 banana
juice from 1 lemon (about 2tbs)

Directions:
1) You know the drill: BLEND! Drink. Let your body do the rest :)

Now before you go away...I have to introduce you to Charlie :D My mom phoned me from work to tell me she had a present, & that I should name him Charlie...to be honest, I thought I was getting a teddy bear, haha. I was waaaaaaaaaay stoked to discover that she had adopted a Chocolate Mint baby for me!! I had been saying for awhile that I was going to get one for my AeroGarden, but Mom was one step ahead of me! Gillian, Timothy, & Chingy welcomed their little brother to his new home; I have a feeling he's going to fit right in :)

Char xo

Chocolate Coconut Banana Smoothie

 

In the true spirit of my love & passion for chocolate, a new smoothie was born. I originally made this with just the greens, banana, berries, & cacao, but immediately knew what was missing. I have been completely obsessed with fresh coconut lately. Completely. I keep buying whole ones (or my mom surprises me with them!!), & I just cut out the flesh & eat it on its own. lovelovelove <3 My skin seems to glow the day after eating fresh coconut, & feels softer. Fresh coconut coupled with raw cacao in a smoothie is heavenly bliss. I can't tell you how much I love this smoothie: I have been WAAAY hooked on it lately! It gives me energy, lifts my mood, tastes like dessert, satiates me, & gives my body everything it needs. Do not pass up this recipe; it's a must-make ;)

From my kitchen, to yours:

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups water

1 scoop Vega

2 tbs cacao powder

2-4 cups greens (spinach, kale, your choice!)

1 banana

1/2 cup strawberries

1/2 cup fresh coconut meat

Directions:

1) Blend it like it's breakfast. Enjoy it like dessert.

Char xo

Basil Pear Smoothie

I've made a smoothie with basil in it before, & discovered that I loveloveloved it :) My AeroGarden babies continue to grow, & so I continue to harvest them. I've never had a green thumb, but I love having something grow that I find joy & excitement in. (More info about my babies below.) I don't think it's possible for you to know how much I'd love to have a veggie garden one day. Oh, & I will :)
This smoothie is light & refreshing (aren't they all?). I enjoyed it very muchly :) I know you will, too!

From my kitchen, to yours <3

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups water
1 scoop Vega
2-4 cups greens (spinach, kale, your choice!)
1/4 cup basil
1 apple
1 pear
juice from 1 lemon (about 2tbs)

Directions:
1) Blend all ingredients until smooth.
2) Drink your way to health & beauty :)

If you've been following my fan page on Facebook, you may have noticed the post I made about my re-potted Herb Babies. They now have names: my thyme is Timothy, my genovese basil is Gillian, & my chives are Chingy. I have high hopes for Chingy, as he had a hard time in the AeroGarden...his brother & sister grew large & wide, so he didn't receive a lot of light. In his new environment, though, I'm sure he'll do just fine <3

Char xo

Pink Lemonade Smoothie

Mmmmmmmmmmmmm, this smoothie is another one of those "perfect accidents." Every so often, I'll throw a bunch of things together & expect it to look/taste a certain way....& it will be completely, amazingly different!! I didn't plan for this to taste like pink lemonade: it just DOES!! :)
I know some people may still be intimidated by the idea of adding greens to their smoothies, but don't be! I promise: the fruit is what stands out, & the greens just make it thicker. They also feed all the little cells in your body with beautiful nutrients :) Eat, drink, be beautiful!

From my kitchen, to yours <3

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups water
2-4 cups greens (spinach, kale, your choice!)

1 banana
1/2 cup strawberries
1 pear
juice from 1 lemon (about 2tbs)

Directions:
1) Blend, sip, glow.

Char xo

Lemon Banana Pear Berry Smoothie

Ohhh myyyy, I love this one :) Each flavour blends into the next for a taste that's as beautiful as the picture. But enough sappy stuff.
As you've likely noticed, I love adding lemon juice to my smoothies. Part of the reason is the amazing taste: the other part being that lemon is a natural preservative. I'm often pressed for time in the morning, and appreciate when I have one less thing to do (ie. make a smoothie). I often make my smoothies the night before, so that I have NO excuse not to take one with me to work. When I add lemon juice, it preserves the more perishable produce in my smoothies, such as the greens & bananas. Taste, & natural preservation. Win-win.
Back in March, I made a post all about lemon rinds & how to use 'em up rather than composting them. Later, I discovered what they do at Rawthentic Eatery with their lemon rinds. There is literally no end to how you can make use of these bad boys. So don't waste 'em! Use up every bit of lemon lovin' you can ;) If you come up with new ideas, share them with the rest of us!

From my kitchen, to yours <3

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups water
1 scoop Vega
2-4 cups greens (spinach, kale, your choice!)
1 banana
1 pear
1/4 cup mixed frozen berries
juice from 1 lemon, about 2tbs

Directions:
1) Blend all ingredients until smooth.
2) Store in fridge, or drink immediately. Your body loves everything you do for it :)

Char xo

Banana Berry Coconut Smoothie

Sooooooo I know I've been posting pretty much nothing but smoothies lately, but I'm not apologizing :) They are freakin' delicious, & the best gifts you can give to your body. This smoothie is seriously to live for! I lovelovelove fresh coconut in smoothies (well, I just love fresh coconut period). I dunno what it is about raw coconut, but I always feel satisfied, light, energetic, & super happy after indulging (though, um, I'm pretty much always that way :) ).
Don't feel initimidated by the fresh coconut: I know some of you have never opened one before, & aren't really sure how to do it, so here's a tip: I've never opened one, either...I ask the guys in produce to do it for me. Best part about asking them to do it, is that you won't discover you have a moldy coconut after you buy it & go home. So let the produce people do it for you :) If you ask nicely, they're generally happy to oblige.
For scraping the meat out, I generally slice along the edges & inside with a paring knife, & then pry the "meat" out with a spoon. Sometimes, depending on the coconut, this can be a pain in the behind, but it's soooo worth it! I will never complain about the work that goes into preparing a coconut, because the end result always creates satisfaction & joy :)

From my kitchen, to yours <3

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups water
1 scoop Vega
2-4 cups greens (spinach, kale, your choice! stuff 'em in!!)
1/4 cup fresh coconut
1/2 cup frozen berries
1 banana

Directions:
1) By now, you gotta know this: Blend, baby, blend!

Peace, love, food <3

Char xo

Chocolate Pear Berry Smoothie

It's the last day of my cleanse, & I'm craving chocolate hardcore!! My goal, though, was to stick with green smoothies, veggies, & fruit only for the last two days of my cleanse. Still wanting to give my digestive system a break by avoiding raw cookies & sticking with smoothies, I also didn't want to feel deprived: I wanted chocolate, & I wanted it right meow! Yesterday, I had this smoothie without the added cacao; today I had it with. Both smoothies are fantastic: it just depends on what you're craving at the moment. Yesterday, I was good without chocolate, but, um, not today :) Sooo I added some cacao, & sipped my way to happiness. Breakfast was great this morning. I've included both recipes below, as I added ginger in one, & cacao in the other...dunno why I didn't think to add the ginger to my chocolate, one, though, because that would be pretty yummy, too :) Enjoy!

From my kitchen, to yours <3

Ingredients for Ginger Pear Berry Smoothie:
1 1/2 cups water
1 scoop Vega
2-3 cups greens (spinach, kale, your choice! usually stuff in about 4 cups)
1/2 cup frozen berries
1 pear
1tbs fresh grated ginger
juice from 1 lemon (about 2tbs)

Ingredients for Chocolate Pear Berry Smoothie:
1 1/2 cups water

1 scoop Vega
2-3 cups greens (I usually stuff in about 4 cups)
1/2 cup frozen berries
1 pear
2tbs raw cacao powder
juice from 1 lemon (about 2tbs)

Directions:
1) Blend the smoothie ingredients of your choice.
2) Drink, smile, dance.

Char xo