Heart Healthy and Body-Slimming Smoothie Recipe

As you know, I’ve been participating in the Made to Crave & now the Made to Crave: Action Plan online Bible studies through Proverbs 31 Ministries since early this year.  It’s been an incredible journey that I’ve had the privilege to travel with thousands of other women world-wide; learning about how our bodies were designed to crave.  But it’s the importance of learning what we should be craving and what we should not.

As a part of the Action Plan, we’ve learned how our bodies also store food; retaining it in case their is a famine, and the importance of how we need to include essentials like omega-3s and fiber into our daily diets.  One way I have learned to get these important nutrients in is through my favorite breakfast smoothie (though it’s good at any time of the day!), and I thought I’d share with you the jist of it with a FREE printable recipe card!

I drank this smoothie nearly every day over the past summer and strongly believe that it attributed to my overall weight loss (paired with calorie counting & Zumba 3xs a week).

• Frozen blueberries
  Great source of antioxidants!  I use Kroger’s Private Selection, but any kind will do.
• Frozen pineapple
  Pineapple has a special enzyme in it that helps to reduce bloating (great for the ladies).  I buy fresh pineapple that I cut into smaller pieces.  I place these in a freezer bag and pop them in the freezer for the next morning’s smoothie.  The leftover juice can be used in your smoothie for a little extra flavor as well!
• Light Vanilla Greek Yogurt
  If you haven’t heard Greek yogurt is the new rage!  It provides more protein and a tangier flavor than regular yogurt.  But if Greek yogurt is not your thing, you can still get Dannon’s Light & Fit Vanilla Yogurt, or any unflavored yogurt since the fruit will provide enough sweetness.
• Organic Kale
  A cup of kale is only 33 calories, but that’s not all, it’s the king of leafy greens!  An incredible source of fiber, vitamins A, C & K and also helps to reduce cholesterol and prevent cancer!  Read more about the great health benefits. If you’re not able to come across organic kale, that is fine.  I prefer to use organic when I can.
• Almond Butter
  Rich in monounsaturated fats, it is good for the heart and reducing blood pressure.  Helps to regulate blood sugar levels and is rich in antioxidants.  I had never tried almond butter before I started making these smoothies, but it really lends itself well to the flavor and lightly sweetens the smoothie.
• Water
  Water is needed in the blending process and lends aid in hydrating the body.
• *Optional* Organic Milled Flax Seeds
  Once again, organic is not crucial, but the addition of these seeds are gluten free and provide a great source of Omega-3s to the already nutrient-rich smoothie.

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FREEBIE!

Who doesn’t love freebies!?!  Here’s one for you so that you can start incorporating these incredible nutrients in your diet and begin reaping the benefits today!

– Click Here to Download & Print –