This is the recipe that gave the kids the purple mustaches and big smiles!

 Açaí Cherryberry Smoothie

• 3oz Zola Açaí Puree (available at www.amazon.com)
• 3oz Vanilla Soymilk (unsweetened)
• ½ Fresh Banana
• 3oz Frozen Strawberries
• 3oz Frozen Cherries

© Chris for The Blender Diaries: Dedicated to smoothies, juicing, Superfruits and healthy living., 2010. | Permalink | One comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Açaí, blendtec, cherry, smoothie, soymilk, Zola Açaí, Zola acai puree

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The other night I made this delicious and filling Carrot Ginger Soup – and you guessed it, I did it all in my blender!

Carrot Ginger Soup

• 3carrots chopped
• 1 cup shredded coconut
• 1 ½  Tbsp shallots, diced
• ½ cup coconut water
• 1/4 c Zola Acai Original Juice
• ¼ cup orange juice
• ½ clove of garlic
• 1 Tbsp minced ginger
• 1 Tbsp miso
• Pinch of sea salt

Place all ingredients in your BlendTec or Vitamix and blend until completely smooth. Enjoy!

What’s in your blender today? Email me drinkzola@gmail.com and follow me on Twitter @drinkzola.

© Chris for The Blender Diaries: Dedicated to smoothies, juicing, Superfruits and healthy living., 2010. | Permalink | 2 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: blender, blendtec, healthy eating, healthy recipes, juicer, smoothie, snow, snowfall, soup recipes, Vitamix, winter recipes, winter weather, Zola Açaí, Zola Superfruit juice

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I find that one of the best ways to get back on the healthy eating circuit after a long couple of weeks of holiday goodies is to get a bunch of high quality, fresh produce back in the kitchen. Away with the cookies and bring on the carrots!

If you’re looking to detox, refresh and start anew, try this amazing veggie juice blend.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup apple juice
• 1 watermelon daikon chopped
• ½ carrot peeled and chopped
• ½ cucumber peeled and chopped
• 1 apple sliced into eighths and cored
• ¼ cup parsley
• ½ celery chopped
• ¼ cup ice

Place all ingredients in your Blendtec or juicer and blend em up! Enjoy.

What’s in your blender today? Email me: drinkzola@gmail.com; and follow me on Twitter @drinkzola.

© Chris for The Blender Diaries: Dedicated to smoothies, juicing, Superfruits and healthy living., 2010. | Permalink | One comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: blendtec, cleanse, cucumber, detox, fruit juice, healthy juice, healthy resolutions, holidays, juice cleanse, juicer, juicing, New Year's resolutions, overeating, refresh, surfing, vegetables, veggie, veggie juice, yoga, Zola Açaí

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Ingredients:

• 2 cups Zola  Açaí Original
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½  lemon, zested
• 2 tsp clove powder
• 2 tbsp fresh nutmeg
• Ice (optional)
• Banana (optional)

Combine all ingredients in a saucepan.  Bring to a boil over medium low heat.  Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes.

If you want to drink it hot, then you’re all done! Top it with a cinnamon stick if you desire and enjoy…

If you want to add it to a smoothie, here’s what you can do next.

Let it cool for about 20 minutes in the refrigerator.  Once cool, put mixture in a blender along with 1 cup of ice and a banana and blend until smooth.  Pour in your favorite smoothie glass and top it with a cinnamon stick – and enjoy!

What’s in your blender today? Email me: drinkzola@gmail.com; Twitter: @drinkzola.

© Chris for The Blender Diaries: Dedicated to smoothies, juicing, Superfruits and healthy living., 2009. | Permalink | 4 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: blender, Brazilian Superfruit, Christmas, holiday beverages, holiday drink, holiday smoothie, holidays, mulled wine, seasonal drinks, smoothie, spiced cider, spices, wassail, Zola Açaí

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One fun way to reap all of the health benefits of cinnamon is with this great cinnamon smoothie recipe.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon nutmeg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup vanilla soy milk
• 1 cup ice

Blend all ingredients together and enjoy!

What’s in your blender today? Email me: drinkzola@gmail.com and follow me on Twitter: @drinkzola.

© Chris for The Blender Diaries: Dedicated to smoothies, juicing, Superfruits and healthy living., 2009. | Permalink | 4 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: antioxidants, cinnamon, cold season, flu season, health benefits, healthy holiday recipes, holiday recipes, holiday smoothies, spices, Zola Açaí

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I’ve decided to tackle Thanksgiving in a new way this year.  Since I am generally in the kitchen all day cooking and prepping, I also find myself SNACKING constantly. I think my snacks and “taste tests” alone probably rack up another whole Thanksgiving dinner.  I’ve decided that things will be different this year. I am armed with my blender, a little Zola and a small ounce of will power.

Zola Power Smoothie:

• 1 cup Zola Acai Original
• 2 tbsps chia seeds (hemp seeds will also work)
• 1 banana
• 1 handful of blueberries (blackberries will also work)
• Ice

Place all ingredients in a blender, blend and ENJOY!

The power of this smoothie is that you’ll get natural energy and antioxidants from the Zola Acai (nothing will spread more germs than a house full of kids!), protein and healthy omegas from the seeds, and fiber (to keep you full longer) from the banana and blueberries.

Hopefully this plan will help me get the turkey carved and on the table before most of it goes in my mouth. Three cheers to not overeating before dinner even begins!

What’s in your blender today? Email me: drinkzola@gmail.com and follow me on Twitter: @drinkzola.

© Chris for The Blender Diaries: Dedicated to smoothies, juicing, Superfruits and healthy living., 2009. | Permalink | 2 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Açaí, berries, chia seeds, dessert, energy, energy snacks, guarana, healthy, helpful holiday hints, hemp, holiday recipes, how to stop snacking, natural, Thanksgiving healthy recipes, Thanksgiving recipes, treats, Zola Açaí

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Here’s the recipe:

• 1 cup cranberries
• 1 cup raspberries
• 1/3 cup cran-apple juice
• 8 oz vanilla yogurt

Put all ingredients in a blender. Add ice. Blend and enjoy!

What’s in your blender today? Email me: drinkzola@gmail.com and follow me on Twitter: @drinkzola.

© Chris for The Blender Diaries: Dedicated to smoothies, juicing, Superfruits and healthy living., 2009. | Permalink | 5 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: blender, cooking, cranberry sauce, health, healthy food, holiday recipes, holiday themed smoothie, Smoothies, Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving feast, Zola Açaí

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Please enjoy her latest post on the benefits of smoothies:

Don’t wait until January 1^st to set a healthy resolution; get a head start and challenge yourself to drink a nutritious smoothie each day.

A daily nutrient-rich smoothie will ensure your body gets the nourishment it needs in a whole food form. As a personal culinary nutritionist, I do not suggest smoothies a                       supplement to whole food or as a meal, instead I recommend smoothies as a form of liquid that will help take strain off your digestive system, providing greater energy throughout your day.

Acai fruit smoothies are becoming increasingly popular as my clients look for natural cleansing options.  Acai berries have been known to have both restorative and preventive health benefits; smoothies have created an easy and fun way to enjoy this superfruit and reap the nutritious benefits right in your kitchen.

I enjoy creating my own Zola Acai Green Smoothies, which are fruit smoothies blended with fresh greens, fruits and Zola Acai.  I opt for lettuce, celery, kale, chard, apples, pears and bananas for a tasty and unique Zola Acai smoothie.  Green Smoothies are packed with alkaline minerals, chlorophyll, vitamins and antioxidants; they become easier to digest when they are blended.  My Zola Acai Green Smoothies increase energy, improve mood, stabilize blood sugar, reduce bad food cravings and improved dental health.  They are also chock full of live enzymes, phytonutrients and antioxidants.  Moreover, many of my clients who have added Zola Acai Smoothies to their Standard American Diet ‘SAD’ report more energy, normalized blood sugar, reduced craving for caffeine and coffee and regular bowl movements.

Here are a few of my favorite Zola Acai ‘Add-In’ Ingredients:

• 2 Tbsp. Seeds: (ground flax, hemp, chia, sunflower, pumpkin, sesame)
• 1 banana
• 1 pear, cored
• 1 Tbsp. grated ginger
• 2 Tbsp. Wheat germ
• 2 Tbsp. Bee pollen
• Low fat Greek  yogurt
• ¼ cup all-natural nut butter (almond, peanut, macadamia, etc.)
• 1 Tbsp. coconut oil
• Zola Acai Juice- any flavor
• Romaine lettuce leaves
• Kale leaves
• 1 Tbsp. tahini or hummus
• Fresh herbs

There are essentially limitless possibilities to making smoothies.  Experiment with Zola Acai Juices and mix n’ match your favorite nuts, grains, fresh herbs and green vegetables to create your very own Zola Masterpiece.

As you continue to enjoy your Zola Smoothies you’ll be yearning to blend one up every day.  Your body will get accustomed to receiving good nutrition and will naturally want you to add more fruits and vegetables to your diet.  Be sure to use the freshest ingredients possible when you are making your smoothie.  I enjoy mixing my Zola Acai with ice, a ripe avocado, chia seeds, fresh spinach, Greek yogurt and fresh mint, yum!

Be sure to rotate your ingredients and add variety to your smoothies by choosing a new seed, vegetable,  nut, juice or grain each week.  By changing the ingredients you will fill your body with a greater variety of nutrients and keep your taste buds happy with new flavors and textures.

Smoothies are not just for adults, you can easily whip up a nutritious smoothie for the kids, as well.  Smoothies are a wonderful way to get kids to eat fruits and veggies in a fun drink.  Add your child’s favorite Zola Acai juice to their smoothie and they’ll not only reap the nutritional benefits but they’ll be hooked on your Zola smoothies and wanting them as snacks and dessert in no time!  Include the kids in the smoothie-making process and they’ll have a ball choosing the ingredients.  Set a good example for the youngsters in your life and blend up a Zola Smoothie in a handy-dandy cup with a colorful straw to spark up the excitement!  You can easily add hearty grains such as oatmeal, brown rice, quinoa, buckwheat and bran to smoothies to bulk up the texture and add a nice dose of fiber, vitamins and minerals.

Here are 3 of my Favorite Zola Acai Smoothie Recipes- Simply add the below ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.  All smoothies can be kept refrigerated for up to 3 days, although they are best when fresh.

Zola Acai Blueberry

Ingredients

• ½ cup Zola Acai Blueberry Juice
• 1 ripe banana
• 1 cup ice
• ¼ cup almonds
• 4 fresh kale leaves
• 2 Tbsp. pumpkin seeds
• ½ cup arugula
• 3 Fresh mint leaves
• ½ cup brown rice, cooked
• ½ tsp. honey

Zola Acai Original

Ingredients

• 1 cup ice
• ½ cup Zola Acai Original Juice
• 2 Tbsp. wheat germ
• 1/3 cup Greek yogurt
• 6 romaine lettuce leaves
• 6 Brazil nuts
• 3 Swiss chard leaves
• ¼ tsp. cinnamon
• ½ cup bulgur, cooked
• ½ tsp. stevia

Zola Acai Pineapple

Ingredients

• ½ cup ice
• 1 cup Zola Acai Pineapple
• 1 cup fresh spinach
• 2 Tbsp. ground flax seeds
• ½ ripe avocado
• 2 Tbsp. all-natural nut butter
• ½ tsp. agave nectar
• 4 stalks celery
• 3 fresh basil leaves
• ½ cup quinoa, cooked

© Chris for The Blender Diaries: Dedicated to smoothies, juicing, Superfruits and healthy living., 2009. | Permalink | 3 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: acai berry, Amie Valpone, blender diaries, flax, green smoothie recipes, health, health and food coach, healthy smoothies, natural, nutrient rich, nutrition, nutritionist, NYC based nutritionist, organic, preventitive health benefits, protein, recipes, resolutions, smoothie recipes, superfood, Superfruit, supplements, The Healthy Apple, Zola Açaí

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We’re feeling kind of super about this so thought why not giveaway some of our delicious, nutritious oh so super Zola Superfood smoothies?

If you like the sound of this, why not enter to win a Zola Superfood smoothie?  It’s easy.  Here’s what you have to do (easy!):

• Follow us on Twitter: @drinkzola and post an @reply with the following: I love #ZolaSuperfood before 12:00 am ET on Friday, October 2.

OR….

• Fan us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/group.php?gid=44904316076&ref=ts and leave a comment on our wall before 12:00 am ET on Friday, October 2

I told you it was easy.  Once we have your entry, we’ll send you a Twitter DM or a message on Facebook to see if we can confirm your contact information.  All winners will be notified by Monday, October 5.

ENJOY!

© Chris for The Blender Diaries: Dedicated to smoothies, juicing, Superfruits and healthy living., 2009. | Permalink | 3 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: blenders, Brazilian Superfood, drink zola, drinkzola, free stuff, gear of the year awards, giveaway, ShapeYou.com, smoothie, Superfruit, win free stuff, Zola Açaí, Zola Superfood

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Happiness really is contagious -just check out my daughter after enjoying a Zola Acai smoothie.   Isn’t she adorable?

Have a great acai milk mustache that you’d like to share?  Email me: drinkzola@gmail.com; Twitter: @drinkzola.

© Chris for The Blender Diaries: Dedicated to smoothies, juicing, Superfruits and healthy living., 2009. | Permalink | One comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Açaí, beverages, Brazil, Brazilian Superfruit, drinks, Forbes.com, happiness, happy, health, healthy beverage, In the News, juice, Rio de Janeiro, wellness, Zola Açaí

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