Press Rockridge - Healthy smoothie recipe book : easy mix-and-match smoothie recipes for a healthier you

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Front cover photo Suzanne Clements. Interior photos: Tatjana Ristanic / Stocksy, . ISBN: Print 978-1-62315-671-8 | eBook 978-1-62315-672-5 This book is dedicated to my parents for their undying support of my endeavors and their never-ending enthusiasm to test my smoothies recipes.

Countless dietary trends boast miraculous claims that often dont hold up to scrutiny. But the ubiquitous smoothie? Sure, they can be loaded with fiber, vitamins, minerals, and protein but can they really improve your health? Personally, including smoothies into my diet took my athletics and my health to the next level. My love affair with smoothies started years ago in Fort Collins, Colorado, when I was in graduate school working towards my dual masters of nutrition and exercise science degrees and becoming a registered dietitian. I was also training hard with one of the best coaches in the country and competing in countless 10Ks, half marathons, marathons, and triathlons.

I was a new vegetarian learning how to eat a nutritionally balanced diet. I must confess, a few areas needed improvement; my recovery from training was not optimal and my energy was low. During that time I was also working part-time at Alfalfas Market and discovered their smoothie barsomething new at the time. Smoothies were foreign to me but at the coaxing of my co-workers I got adventurous. I tried out a few of their specialties with musical names like Strawberry Fields, Blue Diva, and CaColorado. And guess what? They were phenomenal! Super thick, sweet, and loaded with nutrition.

I was amazed by the difference they made in my energy level. I felt supercharged. On the days I had smoothies I noticed a remarkable difference in my recovery from my long runs and speed work. I was instantly hooked on smoothie making and started experimenting at home with different fruits, liquids, bases, and add-ins. What I like most about smoothie making is how they are the perfect venue for kicking your nutrition up a notch because they are highly customizable. Smoothies work well with the addition of a wide variety of supercharged addins like probiotics, omega-3 fats, grains, beans, nuts, and phytochemical-rich foods galore.

They are also extremely versatile and can make a healthy breakfast, post-workout recovery drink, light lunch, and a hearty afternoon snack. Lately, Ive been experimenting with smoothie bowls. Theyre a way to enjoy smoothies with a spoon instead of drinking them with a straw. Smoothie bowls are thicker in consistency, and typically use toppings like granola, hemp seeds, or sliced nuts. You might find smoothie bowls to be a fun change from regular smoothies, especially if you are like me and enjoy eating things out of bowls.

Finding the time and budget to eat healthy foods can be a challenge. Finding the time and budget to eat healthy foods can be a challenge.

More and more, Americans are consuming meals on the go, grabbing a quick bite between work, kids activities, and other functions that keep them busy from dawn until dusk. Commercially prepared foods geared towards eating on the go are often high in artificial ingredients, fat, sugar, and salt while containing insufficient nutrition. While these foods are convenient and cheap, they lack nutrient density. In other words, these foods may serve as a source of bulk and calories, without the vitamins and minerals necessary to sustain good health. Enter the smoothie. The smoothies in this book are nutritionally dense; theyre packed with the vitamins and minerals you need without blowing your caloric or financial budgets.

They contain affordable ingredients, are easy to make, and are the perfect meal or snack when youre on the run.