Ginger Mint Smoothie

I like for the heat to top out at about 75 degrees, 80 tops. Anything hotter than that and I get super lazy, and maybe a little cranky. I even lose my sanity and do crazy things like take my swimsuit cover-up off and get in to the pool next to my super fit, marathon running, yoga practicing friends who’s skin actually tans instead of freckling and burning. I love them, they’re actually really nice people but, seriously, Bend is a tough town for a normal size, fair skinned girl when bathing suit season comes around. Thank goodness it only lasts for about three months.

 

That’s what the negative side of me says and it often wins out. The positive side though, which I try to keep in mind, says I love myself and I’m grateful for my body and my curves and blah, blah, blah. Really though, I do, and I’ll be damned if I’m going to let my girls see me hiding behind a cover-up when it’s 95 degrees outside and they want me to come in the pool with them. So, some days are easier than others, but I have been practicing confidence in front of them because I know that, ultimately, the way I feel about my own body will be a huge influence on how they feel about their own. No pressure there!

 

No more floaties means mom’s in the pool a lot more these days!

 

The other thing about the heat that really cramps my style is that, between my extreme laziness and the fact that it makes the house even hotter, I have zero desire to cook. That’s kind of a problem for a recipe blogger.

 

So today, I bring you my version of a frozen green smoothie. I have done a fair amount of experimenting and found that, for me, a green smoothie has to have strong, fresh flavors like ginger, citrus and mint, plenty of sweetness from ripe bananas, and it has to have a really frozen consistency so that the texture isn’t gritty. I’m not eating or drinking anything that doesn’t taste good, no matter how great I want to look in a swimsuit. Maybe that’s part of my problem. Oh wait, that’s right, I don’t have a problem. Bob likes these too, he always acts frightened when I bring him one but then is pleasantly surprised by how good it tastes for something that’s so healthy. And yes, he acts like that every time. Chia seeds are my new favorite add in but I often also add flax meal. They’re both rich in omega-3 fatty acids and provide extra fiber and protein as well as a host of other benefits. Also, neither of them add any flavor so you hardly know they’re there. I hope you enjoy this – it’s not for everyone but I promise I really do enjoy it and it makes me feel virtuous all day.

 

(serves 2)

 

3/4 cup coconut water (you could also use coconut or almond milk)

2 TB fresh lemon juice

1 TB fresh ginger, cut in small chunks

3/4 cup frozen spinach (you could also use fresh but double the amount)

@ 1 TB fresh mint leaves

1 TB chia seeds or flax meal

1/2 cup Greek yogurt

1 cup frozen banana chunks (add more for sweetness/thickness)

 

 

Blend until smooth. Add ice if you need to for consistency or more frozen bananas to sweeten it up. Pour, serve and feel beautiful and strong all day!

 

 

I like this quote. Let’s all try to remember this – hard as it is – because it really is true!