I don't know about you, but I find going to the grocery store right now, very stressful. It's not the getting there, or the being safe parts that I'm worried about, it's the empty shelves and hoarding. We continue to be told in media and digitally that there is no worry of food shortages, however people continue to purchase items in bulk.
Because of our global situation, I'm currently doing a lot of thinking about pantry meals (hence the Pantry Meal Series) and utilizing food that is shelf stable. What's striking to me about the COVID-19 pandemic though, is that we can't forget about the amount of fresh, seasonal and readily available produce everywhere - from big box chains to your local bodegas and corner stores.
I'm currently doing the shopping for two different seniors, as well as my own home and it's really interesting how right now, the only area of the grocery stores not empty (except for the bagged onions!) is the produce section. As we are quickly approaching the growing season here in North America, fresh produce will only become more rich in flavours and more readily available.
So, in addition to pasta, grains, beans and tomatoes, I'm loading up all three of our homes like I would normally. My cart is filled with dark leafy greens, fruits, vegetables and root vegetables that are laden with protein, vitamins, potassium and iron. Aside from washing our hands, I think it's key to remember the importance of vitamins and nutritious eating to keep our bodies, minds and immune systems healthy and energized during these somewhat stressful times.
So with that in mind, I'm posting my favourite green smoothie. It is packed with spinach - a superfood. Spinach is a dark, leafy green that provides us with multiple vitamins, iron, minerals and protein. It's a low calorie green that benefits your whole body.
Also, the addition of hemp hearts and a sprinkling of cinnamon at the end makes this smoothie as beautiful as it is tasty! Even in these times, we eat with our eyes :) .
Here's to not forgetting to eat your greens!
Enjoy,
Krista
Healthy Go Green Spinach Smoothie (loosely adapted from here, why mess with something when it's this good!)
Makes 4, 1 cup servings
Ingredients
2 cups almond milk
3 cups spinach, packed (kale, chard or other dark leafy greens can be substituted)
1 teaspoon honey (optional, for added sweetness, depending on your taste preference)
2 tablespoons cinnamon + a sprinkle for garnish
2 tablespoons almond butter
2 teaspoons flax meal (ground flax seeds)
2 teaspoons chia seeds
2 bananas, frozen in halves
1 teaspoon vanilla
6-8 ice cubes
1 teaspoon hemp hearts, to garnish
*1-2 scoops protein powder (optional)
Method
In a high speed blender, such as a Vitamix, add ingredients in the order listed (the order, starting with the liquid then adding up to leafy greens, helps the blender work most effectively at breaking down the foods). Blend for 60-90 seconds, starting on low and then increasing the speed to med-high, or until smoothie is light and foamy. Pour into glasses, top with hemp hearts and a sprinkle of cinnamon and enjoy!
Looking for more smoothie recipes?
You can find my Berry Good Immune Booster Smoothie recipe here and the recipe for my Tropical Fruit Sunshine Smoothie here.
If you make this recipe, please leave a comment below or post to #mykuratelife on social media. I'd love to hear from you!
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