The holidays may be over, but I still have a freezer full of cranberries. Loaded with phytochemicals and antioxidants, the low-glycemic cranberry is a fruit that shouldn’t be put away with the ornaments as soon as you’re sick of holiday carols…

As always with my shakes, the measurements are approximate and adjust to taste.

• 1/2 cup washed, frozen cranberries
• 1 serving of vanilla protein powder
• Almond flavoring: a splash of sugar-free almond syrup, sugar-free Almond Roca syrup or about 1 tsp almond extract
• Stevia extract if needed for additional sweetness
• Liquid: Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Breeze, milk or non-dairy milk – just enough to blend if you want a thick shake
• 5-10 ice cubes
• Optional: 1/4 tsp guar gum plus 1/8 tsp xanthan gum to help thicken and emulsify the shake

Blend all ingredients and adjust ice cubes and liquid to desired thickness. Enjoy!

© Chris for The Blender Diaries: Dedicated to smoothies, juicing, Superfruits and healthy living., 2010. | Permalink | 2 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Allie, almond, antioxidant, blender, blendtec, crandberry, fitness, fruit, health, healthy, nutrition, Pimp My Protein Shake, protein, smoothie, supplements, whey, workout, Zola

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If you’re trying to determine whether your smoothie needs a little something extra, here are some guidelines to help you choose:

PROTEIN
Whey/soy based proteins: these are great if you want to add muscle quickly
Nut Butters: use any type of nut butter (peanut butter, almond butter, cashew butter, etc) for added protein and flavor
Shelled flaxseed or hempseed:  seeds are a healthy  way to add protein, fiber and omega fatty acids

MEAL REPLACEMENT PACKET
If you’re going to include a meal replacement,  you may need to increase your liquid base by 1-2oz and will likely need a bigger glass.  Some great meal replacement packets include:
Amazing Grass
Vega
Kashi Go Lean

LIQUID OMEGA OILS
Liquid omega oils are a great source of heart healthy omegas.  Some healthy liquid omega oils include:
Hemp Oil: adds healthy protein and omegas without the crunch of hempseed
Flaxseed Oil: adds fiber, protein, and omegas without the crunch of flaxseed

WHEAT GERM
If you don’t have any gluten allergies, wheat germ is a very effective way to add fiber , protein and important nutrients including : iron, potassium, zinc, magnesium, riboflavin and vitamins A, B1, and B3.

GREEN TEA POWDER
Green tea powder, also commonly referred to as Matcha is a great source for antioxidants, energy, alertness, stress reduction, and contains anti-aging  and calming properties

SWEETENERS
If you need to sweeten up your smoothie, do it in a more healthful way by using one of the following:
Honey: provides an all natural and distinct taste
Splenda: low calorie option
Stevia:  low calorie and all  natural

TEXTURE
Granola – excellent taste, gives your smoothie a little crunch
Wheat Germ – great for fiber
Shelled Hempseed/Flaxseed – adds crunch, protein,  healthy omegas
Coconut – use dried un-sweetened coconut and add to tropical smoothie blends

© Chris for The Blender Diaries: Dedicated to smoothies, juicing, Superfruits and healthy living., 2009. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Açaí, add ons, cooking tips, energy boosts, flaxseed, health, healthy, hempseed, how to, nutrition, protein boosts, protein supplements, recipe, smoothie, Smoothies, supplement, whey, Zola Açaí

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