☆Slimming Weight Loss and Healthy Smoothies Recipe☆

Have you tried green smoothies? They are healthy and refreshing. I love making them for breakfast. The great thing about green smoothies is that you can add a lot of green to your diet without eating salad. I love salads, but sometimes variety is good! I've also known a lot of people who don't like salad who love green smoothies! They're a treat!

Needed: 1 lime, coconut milk, 1 granny smith apple, baby spinach, yogurt, ice cubes. Optional: mint leaves.

Directions: For the green layer mix 2 cups spinach (2 giant handfuls works), 1/2 cup coconut milk, 4 ice cubes, 1/2 a granny smith apple (chopped) and the juice of 1 lime. Blend together and add to cup. Rinse your blender and then combine 1/4 cup coconut milk, 1/2 cup yogurt (green yogurt or vanilla yogurt work great), 1/2 a granny smith apple (chopped) and 2-5 fresh mint leaves if you like mint! Blend, add to your glass and garnish with an apple slice.

Note: This smoothie is refreshing and a little tart. If you like your smoothies extra sweet, try adding a teaspoon of Truvia to each layer before blending. Spinach is the easiest green to blend in a sweeter smoothie, but if you don't mind the "green" taste try baby kale next time!

INGREDIENTS:
2 c. frozen raspberries
2 bananas
1/2 c. nonfat Greek yogurt
1 tbsp. chia seeds (optional)
1/2 c. lowfat milk
Granola, for serving
Toasted coconut flakes, for serving


DIRECTIONS:
In a blender, puree the raspberries, bananas, yogurt, chia seeds (if using) and milk until smooth.
Divide between bowls and top with granola and toasted coconut, if desired.

INGREDIENTS:
2 tbsp. pecans
kosher salt
1¼ c. old-fashioned rolled oats
1 red apple, such as McIntosh or Braeburn
2 tsp. brown sugar
Pinch ground cinnamon


DIRECTIONS:
Heat oven to 400°F. Place the pecans on a rimmed baking sheet and roast until fragrant, 6 to 8 minutes; chop.
Bring 2 1⁄2 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add a pinch of salt and stir in the oats. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the oats begin to thicken, 3 to 4 minutes.
Add the apple and cook, stirring occasionally, until the apple is just tender and the oatmeal has thickened, 1 to 2 minutes more.
Sprinkle with the pecans, brown sugar and cinnamon before serving.

Ingredients:
1 cup uncooked quinoa (I used tricolor)
1½ cup strawberries, sliced
1 cup blackberries
1 cup blueberries
1 mango, diced
Honey Lime Glaze:
¼ cup honey
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon chopped basil for garnish


Instructions:
Rinse and prepare the quinoa according to package. Let quinoa cool to room temperature.
In a large bowl, combine quinoa, strawberries, blueberries, and mango.
To make the glaze: In a small bowl combine the honey and lime juice. Drizzle over the fruit salad and toss to coat. Garnish with fresh basil.