JAN
28

Fruit, Veggies & Chocolate

I went to sleep dreaming of what I would add to my morning smoothie. It could have been the guilty-pleasure dinner of an In-and-Out burger + fries* from last night (gotta balance it out!), but I was excited to hear the whiiirrrrrrr this morning and whip up a breakfast treat filled with chocolate, fruits and vegetables. Notes, ingredient pictures to whet your appetite + a full recipe below. Makes one scrumptious serving packed with antioxidant goodness (don’t miss this smoothie, either!).

tip: buy blueberries in season; freeze & use year-round.

the average American eats 28 pounds of bananas a year. crazy.

the average American does NOT eat as much spinach per year...

don't ruin a perfectly good smoothie by forgetting chocolate.

Fruit, Veg & Chocolate Smoothie

• 1/2 banana (frozen or fresh; either works)
• 1/2 cup blueberries (frozen)
• 1 heaping handful of baby spinach
• 1-2 tablespoons of cacao nibs (used in this recipe, too)
• 1 scoop of protein powder (I like Paleta’s vegan powder)
• 3/4 to 1 cup almond milk

Layer in Order. Blend. Savor. Enjoy.

*About that burger + fries meal: I eat a mostly plant-based diet on the weekdays. On the weekends I enjoy – without guilt or remorse – meals outside my normal eating style. The caveat: the indulgent meals must be worth it. Meals made of real foods, with minimal-to-zero processing from fresh, local ingredients. In-and-Out qualifies! A post on weekend meals may be required soon … Zelda’s Mini-Donuts in Venice and goat-cheese omelettes + mimosas at Custom Hotel are a few of my indulgent favorites. I’ve never “dieted” a day in my life and have maintained my weight for over eleven years.  I may be on to something with this whole balanced approach to wellness … I’d love to learn more about your food philosophy. If you’d like to know more about mine, I’m availabe for a Skype or phone chat!

Images for the post found here, here, here and here. Giving credit where due.