Smoothies to Live For!

By Helyn Dunn

Are you a diehard smoothie lover or just getting started on a plant-based eating plan? Either way, you will adore these high-nutrient, decadently delicious smoothies! Who knew that eating healthy, nutritious foods could taste THIS GOOD? Helyn Dunn, creator of the popular whole food, plant-based food blog, Helyn's Healthy Kitchen, shares dozens of scrumptious smoothie recipes with you on your journey to superior health. Start your day with a fruity smoothie for a high nutrient bang, enjoy a creamy, indulgent shake without the guilt, or cool down with a satiating summer slushy ... 50+ smoothie recipes that will make you swoon!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Prominent Books, LLC
• Release date: Jul 21, 2015
• ISBN: 9781311135889

Book preview

tools of the

smoothie trade

Speaking of blending ... I am totally and completely biased, so don’t even try to talk to me about ANY other blender but a Vitamix! I think if there were ever a fire in my home, instead of grabbing my purse, my jewelry, or cherished family photos, I would run for my Vitamix. I use mine at least once per day. Of course I use it for my smoothies, but it’s also fabulous for soups, salad dressings, cashew cheeses, and so many other recipes. It is truly indispensable. Is it expensive? You bet. Is it worth every penny? Absolutely.

Simply put, the quality of your blender will make or break your smoothie. So don’t skimp on this one and only tool that you need to make the best smoothies on the block. And the Vitamix company is one of the best for customer service. They will take care of anything that goes wrong with your blender, no questions asked. Not that anything will. The Vitamix is a real workhorse.

smoothie basics

Besides having a good blender, one of the most important parts of a healthful smoothie is using pure ingredients. You should strive for natural and organic products, especially when using fruits and berries as they are some of the most heavily sprayed foods and we sure don’t want to consume pesticides when embarking on a healthy diet.

When blending a smoothie, always start off with the liquid ingredients and add your solid/frozen ingredients a bit at a time to get an even blend and to make sure your blender’s motor doesn’t overheat ... be kind to your blender, and it will last a long time!

FRESH vs. FROZEN: many people say that fresh fruits are more healthful than frozen. I’m not so sure about that. For one thing, unless you grow your own fruit, you can be sure that what you’re eating is not vine ripe. Most fruits are picked long before ripening in order to ensure their safe and bruise-free passage from wherever they’re being shipped. They also are picked early so that by the time they reach the supermarket shelves, they’re not