The Kitchen Docs

There are so many awesome things in this smoothie that I cannot put my finger on one ingredient that might lead the title so I am leaving it up to you to call this recipe whatever. It is a meal in itself with a decent serving of fruits, vegetables, grain, nuts and dairy. The only gadget you need is a blender. Better and more powerful your blender is, more “smooth” the smoothie. I mostly use my hand blender, just because it’s handy and is mostly lounging around my kitchen counter. If your blendtech/vitamix or any other one of those super-speed and power blenders reside on your counter permanently, invite it to the party. Your call.

This smoothie is crazy healthy and after drinking it I feel energetic and I have also observed that it keeps me full longer. I can give you a quick breakdown of the health benefits of some of the ingredients:

Spinach – veg protein source, blocks certain carcinogens, has magnesium which is anti-inflammatory and it also forms a protective barrier in your gut.

Berries – blueberries are anti-oxidant rich superfoods, boost your immune system and can be age-defying. Strawberries, raspberries, blackberries – contain powerful turmoil hindering compounds and cancer fighting agents.

Cherries – contain anthocyanins that keep your arteries clean plus cherries are a great source of Vitamin B, and fiber.

Bananas – high in potassium and low in sodium which is a great combination. This fruit is legitimately recognized by the FDA as being able to lower blood pressure and guard against heart disease and stroke.

Peaches – great source of vitamin A and vitamin C, improve eyesight, can help in preventing cancer. Contain antioxidants, fiber along with beneficial minerals

Oatmeal – Fiber-rich and can protect you from heart disease. Also stabilizes blood sugar and wards-off hunger. Helps in lowering “bad” cholesterol.

Almonds – protein source and can act as a natural weight control agent.

Milk – low fat milk is the way to go. Needless to say, calcium rich component of the smoothie along with protein and vitamin D. It also reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Dates – loaded with fiber and help lower cholesterol.

Whoa – information overload? Good info though! So here is what it took to make two servings

Ingredients:

Spinach – a handful of baby spinach leaves

Dates – 1, pitted and chopped

Berries – about ¼ cup (I used a frozen blend)

Cherries – 3-4 , pitted

Banana – 1/2 , peeled

Peach – ½, big and pitted

Oats – ¼ cup

Almonds – 4, soaked and peeled (If not, use 1 tablespoon of blanched, sliced almonds available in most stores)

Milk – ¼ cup (2%)

Honey – drizzle according to taste or skip

Method:

Put everything in a blender and blend till smooth. Enjoy!

P.S. – as always, this recipe is just a guideline, adjust and change the fruits and veggies according to your liking and taste.

Love – Vaishali.

Tools used:

Blender

Measuring cups and spoons

Knife