Blackberry Peachy Smoothie

I started making smoothies in order to pump up my vitamin and protein levels in my diet.  I found that smoothies were a quick and easy way to do that.  For your own energy boost, try blending up a smoothie first thing in the morning.  I tend to make mine full of enough vitamins and protein to last me until a mid morning snack.  Try adding seeds to your smoothie for extra valuable minerals, that tend to be depleted from our typical diets.

• 1 handful blackberries
• 1 sliced peach or a cup of frozen sliced peaches
• 1 cup coconut milk, hemp milk, almond milk, or soy milk (depending on your preference)
• 1 T Flaxseed
• 1 T Raw/Unsalted Sunflower Seeds
• 1 Scoop Protein Powder of your choice
• 1 cup Greek Yogurt
• 1 handful of ice

Place all ingredients in your high powered blender and blend until smooth.  Enjoy the lasting energy and health benefits you will feel from your morning Blackberry Peach Smoothies!  Feel free to vary the fruit ingredients with what you enjoy and have on hand.  I buy bags of frozen organic fruit at Costco and use those each morning in our smoothies. Sip with a straw and enjoy!

Rays of Healing

Blackberries have a royal purple color, which is the source of the rich antioxidants that fight free radicals. They also help with memory function.

Peaches and other “stone fruits” contain compounds that have anti-diabetic, anti-obesity and anti-inflammatory properties.

Flaxseed is easier to absorb when ground, so blending it up takes care of that!  Flax provides fiber, omega 3s, minerals and vitamin E.

Greek Yogurt contains high amounts of protein and calcium for bone health, as when as immune boosting probiotics.

Sunflower Seeds are amazing for the tiny little seeds they are! They contain a powerhouse of magnesium which keeps our nerves relaxed as well as our blood vessels and muscles. They also have anti cancer fighting selenium.  Studies have shown a link between low selenium and cancer incidence.

So drink up your daily morning smoothies,  and reap the health you sow with these rays of healing!

” I go to natur…

” I go to nature to be soothed and healed,
and to have my senses put in order.”

-John Burroughs

SunshineWater

I made SunshineWater when my little girl came down with a bad case of the flu.  She had a high fever and was not able to eat or drink much.  She did not like sports drinks, so I made this and she loved it.  I believe the natural electrolytes, vitamins and minerals that I infused into the water, helped her heal.

For a healthy and refreshing beverage, pick some fresh herbs and citrus from your garden or local farmers market and make your own SunshineWater.  

• One Cara Cara Orange, cut in wedges and slices and squeezed (toss in slices without squeezing!)
• Two Lemons, cut in wedges and slices and squeezed (toss in the pretty slices without squeezing!)
• Handful of fresh Basil or fresh Peppermint, chopped-depends on your preference
• One Cucumber, peeled and sliced

Squeeze lemons and oranges into your pitcher/jar.  Place all ingredients into a large size jar or pitcher. Pour filtered water over the top and refrigerate overnight.  Pour over ice into glasses. Garnish with a slice of lemon or cucumber. Sip wildly and freely! Smile.

Rays of  Healing

 Cara Cara Oranges are called the “Power Orange”,  because they are full of disease fighting anti-oxidants, folate, potassium, vitamin c and fiber.

Lemons are full of citric acid, magnesium, vitamin c, bioflavonoids, and limonene which promotes immunity and fights off infection.  Lemons are a natural source of anti-bacterial, anti-viral and full of immune boosting goodness.

Basil contains powerful anti-inflammatory qualities from eugenol, a volatile oil that blocks enzymes that cause swelling.  Great for soothing arthritis.

Peppermint aids in digestions, and soothes the stomach.  My grandmother used to pick fresh peppermint and infuse it in boiling water and served it to me as a tea, when my stomach hurt!  It is also calming and can help break up phlegm from a cough. It also contains cancer fighting qualities.

Cucumbers contain lots of vitamin c, manganese, beta carotene and lignans that have anti-cancer antioxidants.

Serve SunshineWater any day, but especially when your immune system needs an extra kick!