Banana-Almond Butter-Chocolate-Hemp Protein Shake

Ingredients

• 1 Banana
• 1 1/2 cup Rice Milk (or soy, hemp, dairy etc.)
• 1 tablespoon Chia Seeds
• 1 Large tablespoon of Almond Butter
• 2 Heaping tablespoons of Hemp Protein Powder (plain, no flavor)
• 1 tablespoon Flaxseed Meal
• 2 teaspoons Cocoa Powder (100% pure cocoa powder)

Preparation

Place all ingredients (in order) in the blender and blend until smooth. Pour, drink, and enjoy!

I am a huge fan of hemp protein. It is such a pure, vegan source of protein that is also packed full of Omega-3 fats. This super food is a great addition to shakes, smoothies, and even baked goods! Also, I love nut butters–they are so delicious, packed full of good fats and protein too! Plus, the 100% pure cocoa powder is a great source of antioxidants! SO DELICIOUS…SO HEALTHY!

Bluberry-Banana-Chocolate Antioxidant Protein Shake

Ingredients

• 2 Ice Cubes
• 1/2 a Banana
• 1/4 Cup Frozen (or Fresh) Blueberries
• 1 1/2 Cups Rice Milk (or soy, hemp, almond, dairy etc.)
• 1 Tablespoon Flaxseed Meal
• 1 Tablespoon Chia Seeds
• 2 Tablespoons Hemp Protein Powder (plain, no flavor)
• 1 Tablespoon Cocoa Powder (100% pure)
• 1/2 Teaspoon Agave
• Small handfull Whole, Raw Almonds
• 1 Tablespoon Cocoa Nibs

Preparation

In a blender combine all the ingredient (in order) except for the almonds and cocoa nibs. Blend until smooth (about 1 minute). Turn blender off, add almonds and blend for about 30 seconds (depending on power of blender) until almonds are slightly chopped. Turn blender off and add the cocoa nibs, pulse for 5-10 seconds. Pour, drink, enjoy!

This is SO delicious and SO healthy! YUM! The blueberries are an added source of antioxidants, plus the cocoa powder and the cocoa nibs. Cocoa nibs are a true super food. They are also a great source of magnesium. The whole almonds, that become slightly chopped, add a great texture too.

Dandy Blend (It’s better than coffee)

A good friend introduced me to this bitter drink consisting of “totally soluble extracts of roasted barley, rye, chicory root, dandelion root and beetroot.” It is caffein free, non acidic, alkalizing, and detoxifying! And it is SO easy to make…just add hot or cold water! I like mine with a little bit of honey and some rice milk.

I highly recommend this for people who would like to wean themselves off coffee.
For more information go to: www.dandyblend.com

Chia-Gel Water

In an 8oz glass of purified water add 1 tbps. chia seeds. Let sit for about 3 minutes—they will clump together and form a thick, gel-like layer. Drink and enjoy. Chia seeds absorb water and therefore keep you hydrated, in addition to being a great vegetarian source of Omga-3 fats.

Also, another perk is that they keep you full and can help suppress cravings or mindless eating.

Birthday Celebration: THE GOLDEN YEAR!

Alex bought this wine for me on my 22nd birthday…an entire case. As one of my gifts, he wanted to buy a case that we could age…that would age with us. So,  now we have 12 bottles to open every couple of years and enjoy.

This is a special tradition that I suggest to friends. We often look at getting older as a negative thing…but if we can change our perspective to that of the juice of a grape, perhaps we will see that with age we become bolder, fuller, less acidic, and even better than when we were young…

I am not encouraging you to drink to the point of inebriation, I would like to point out the healthfulness, however, of red wine. This sophisticated beverage that comes in a variety of flavors/blends/brands etc. is packed full of antioxidants. They do say that once you drink more than 1 glass those benefits begin to be reversed…so stick to one glass a night…and don’t forget to raise the glass to the loved ones around you, to your healthy, and to years of happiness to come!