My Favorite Smoothie Recipe!!!

I blend daily, usually twice a day or more and because of this I always get asked for smoothie recipes which is hard for me because I don't use recipes when I blend. At this point I make up my own recipes or use recipes from memory but it took a lot of trial and error and a lot of gross smoothies to find my footing. This smoothie is my favorite! It is quick, easy and delicious!! 

"Chocolate Covered Strawberry Smoothie"

** The color of this smoothie usually varies between dark green and poo brown (yeah I said it) but don't despair..what it lacks in color it makes up for in taste!!

You need:

1 cup of plant milk

You can use hemp milk, rice milk, coconut milk or Almond milk but don't use dairy (cow's) milk. Use unsweetened if you are trying to lose weight. I usually use Chocolate Almond Milk or Coconut Milk. check out my favorite brands here

1/2 fresh banana

I usually use a whole banana but if you are trying to lose weight or cut sugar only use a half of banana.

1/2 cup unsweetened frozen strawberries and 1/2 cup of fresh organic strawberries

I mix fresh and frozen but If you don't have both frozen and fresh strawberries use 1 cup of frozen or 1 cup of fresh strawberries (whichever you have). If you use fresh strawberries and no frozen, you may want to throw a few ice cubes in the blender. 

1 tbs of Raw Organic Cacao Powder

1 (packed) cup of fresh organic baby spinach 
The great thing about blending with spinach is that you can barely taste it in the smoothie which makes it great for people who are just beginning to use greens in their smoothies.

1 Tablespoon of Coconut Oil 

Coconut Oil is AMAZING!! If you don't have any..buy some now

One of my FAVORITE websites Natural News listed all of the benefits of coconut oil

Coconut oil medicinal uses: Virgin coconut oil tastes and smells like coconut. Expeller pressed oil has no scent or taste and both types can be used medicinally. --Kills bacteria causing urinary tract infections, gonorrhea, gum disease, staphylococcus, MRSA...--Destroys fungus causing candida.--Kills viruses causing flu, infectious disease, typhoid, HIV...--Inhibits parasite growth such as tapeworm, liver flukes, giardia...--Eases acid reflux, relieves gallbladder disease.--Enhances proper bowel function and lowers incidence of hemorrhoids when oil is consumed.--Relieves and heals intestinal disorders, ulcers, colitis, IBS, and Crohn's disease.--Stabilizes blood sugar and insulin production.--Eases neuropathies and itching from diabetes.--Protects against osteoporosis and reduces problems from cystic fibrosis.--Enhances pancreatic function, enzyme production and reduces pancreatitis.--Improves magnesium and calcium absorption, promoting stronger bones.--Reduces joint and muscle inflammation, supporting repair of tissues.--Regulates thyroid function.--Protects against cancers of colon, breast, and digestive tract.--Medium chain fatty acids (MCFA) protect against development of Alzheimer's disease.--MCFA strengthen heart and circulatory system protecting against artherosclerosis and heart disease.--Prevents oxidation of fatty acids.--Provides antioxidants to fight free radicals slowing aging and degenerative diseases such as arthritis.--Relieves symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome.--Reduces incidence and intensity of epileptic seizures.--Stabilizes female hormones reducing hot flashes and vaginal dryness during menopause.--Lessens symptoms associated with prostate enlargement.--Strengthens the liver and protects against degeneration.--Soothes earaches when mixed with garlic and olive oil. Topical uses for coconut oil:--Forms a chemical barrier on skin to protect and heal infections.--Topical applications relieve pain and swelling from hemorrhoids.--Moisturizes and softens dry skin.--Reduces bags, puffiness and wrinkles under eyes.--Lessens occurrence and appearance of varicose veins.--Preps skin before shaving.--Mixed with baking soda, coconut oil makes an effective toothpaste.--Soothes sunburned skin and promotes healing of burns and blisters.--Heals psoriasis and eczema lesions.--Stops pain, burning, and itching of bug and snake bites.--Prevents itching from poison ivy, oak, and sumac.--Promotes firm skin tone, preventing age spots, sagging and wrinkles.--Eliminates head lice.--Removes makeup easily.--Heals nail fungus under finger and toenails.--Prevent nosebleeds by applying light film inside nostrils.--In combination with cornstarch and baking soda, coconut oil makes an effective deodorant.--Makes an excellent massage oil, a natural personal lubricant, and great sunscreen.--Conditions hair, prevents split ends, reduces frizz, controls flaky scalp and dandruff.--Removes scars and stretch marks.--Repairs cracked, sore, dry nipples from nursing.--Heals diaper rash and removes cradle cap on babies. Nutritional uses for coconut oil:--Enhances absorption of nutrients and improves digestion.--Provides a quick energy source and stimulates metabolism.--Produces immediate, usable energy source rather than being stored as fat.--Increases metabolic rate, stabilizes body weight, and controls food cravings.--Enriches milk supply for breast-feeding women.--Doesn't form harmful by-products during cooking when used at high heat.

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/036028_coconu_oil_health_solutions.html#ixzz2HVan2AeJ