AKA  “Golden Bliss smoothie” – thought I should just say what it is straight off there in the title but I like Golden Bliss:)

We’ve been drinking this colorful, energy packed smoothie many a winter morning and straight on into spring. It’s packed with protein,  immune boosting and  anti-inflammatory properties.

I could drink it everyday because it tastes so damn good but we alternate with the berry spinach smoothie. The carrot conversation was happening for me as we (me again at least) have been influenced by media that carrots are high sugar (albeit natural) and carbs and then the Glycemic Index (GI) gets thrown in there and that sounds serious. In the last decade research on not only GI is readily available but also GL- Glycemic Load- which is how the body processes the food. It’s similar with our cholesterol scores. You’ve got to read the fine print- HDL LDL and ratio… Here are a couple links to check out on GI and GL  …..  TTYL (just kidding).

I start off juicing organic carrots, lemon, fresh peeled ginger and turmeric. Everything organic if possible (Here’s 2017 dirty dozen). Lemon helps flush your system in so many ways. And these two roots bring a plethora (like a ton) of healthy benefits. Ginger supports the GI tract, has anti-inflammatory and immune boosting properties as well as aids in lowering cancer risks. And the same can be said for turmeric along with aiding in detoxification and which when combined with carrots also helps with the absorption of beta-carotene. Please read further in the links above. Turmeric has become so popular you can generally find it in the grocery store and we are lucky to have organic turmeric in our local co-op.  Sometimes I’ll change it up and add a little beet too.

Our Champion is a power horse and it’s easy to use and rinse.

I’ll shoot for a cup of juice per person. And usually after the veggies I’ll run a little coconut water through the Champion to work through the last bits of pulp. Then just take the juice to your blender- I LOVE my VITAMIX and am not paid to say that (but would not be opposed to that).  Add plain yogurt- I am using our goat yogurt, cashews, raw date, a few ice cubes and a grind or 2 of pepper to help with the absorption of the turmeric. I will also add a scoop of whey protein but you’ve got protein already with your yogurt and nuts… up to you.

Lovely date- about a half of a pitted date per portion.

I’ll give it a good couple minutes in the blender till the color lightens up and the healthy oils in the nuts have broke free. And that’s it! It’s so good.

And here’s what else I’m doing to extend on my daily smoothies when I’m not juicing the base or use to make a hot immune boosting tea. I juice a large amount of ginger, turmeric and lemon and freeze it in ice cubes.

Totally simple and a good way to keep this  incredible combo at your fingertips (your soon to be yellow fingertips)!

Golden Bliss smoothie- carrot and cashew

• Servings: 1
• Time: 15mins
• Difficulty: easy
• Print

An energy and nutrient packed way to start the day!

I’m using a Champion Juicer and Vitamix

Ingredients

• 3 medium carrots washed and tops trimmed
• ½ peeled lemon
• 1 inch knob of ginger, peeled (approx .3-.5oz)
• 2 inch piece of turmeric, peeled (approx .5oz)
• 4-6 oz plain yogurt
• ¼ cup raw cashews
• ½ raw, pitted date
• dash of black pepper
• OPTIONAL – protein powder
• 3-4 ice cubes

Directions

1. Juice carrots, lemon, ginger and turmeric. Top off with water or coconut water to make 1 fluid cup.
2. Place vegetable juice in a blender and add yogurt, cashews, date, pepper and ice cubes and protein powder if you choose to use it.
3. Blend together till color lightens- approx 1-2 minutes on high.

The sun has made limited visits and the mud is making a solid effort to dry up! We are planting seeds and watching buds bloom.

Happy Spring,

xx

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