Second summer of the year

Second summer of the year...

  Is it just me or does it seem like we are being hit with a second summer? Don't get me wrong...I love summer!  I patiently (sort of) wait for it every year but I really don't feel like we had a full summer this year. Plus, we were hit with a cold front just prior to school starting which started to get me in the mood for fall (which I also LOVE).  Now that school has started, this weather is reminding me of the end of the school year instead of the start of the school year.  But don't get me wrong, I AM NOT COMPLAINING! 

  One thing that I love during the summer is smoothies!  When it's hot out the last thing I think about is eating.  So a smoothie is the perfect way to get all the stuff I need without feeling too full and it cools me off at the same time.  Not to mention, it's a great way to sneak some extra veggies into my kids when they aren't looking! I use an emulsion blender but you can use a regular blender or Vitamix type product. 

  You can customize any smoothie to fit your needs or taste but some folks just don't know where to begin. This is a smoothie that my kids love and it contains stuff I always have on hand.  I sometimes add a little sprouted watermelon seeds (yes, I said watermelon seeds, check it out here) to give a boost of protein or I add pumpkin seed protein powder. Either works well or you can do without.  The added protein almost makes this a complete meal that is perfect for breakfast, after workouts, after school, at the pool, or just whenever you want one. So make yourself a smoothie, grab a book, head outside and enjoy the warm weather before we get blasted with snow!

Summer Smoothie

Serves:1-2 (2 Cups)

Prep Time:5 minutes

Cook Time:0 minutes

Total Time:5 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cup frozen mixed berries (or favorite frozen berry)
• 1/3 cup canned coconut milk or almond milk
• 1/2 cup fresh baby spinach
• 1 banana
• *optional 1/4 cup of watermelon seeds or 1 scoop of protein pumpkin seed powder

Instructions:

1. Add all ingredients and blend until smooth.