Mama’s Feel Good Blueberry Smoothie

Mama’s Feel Good Blueberry Smoothie

(Becky, the Butter Lovin’ Mama)

“Mom, my throat hurts, can you make me that blueberry smoothie for me?”

“Honey, I’m feeling tired, do you have time to make one of your  blueberry smoothies?”

“I feel a cold coming on, Becky, what is that recipe for the Feel Better Smoothie?”

“I’m in a hurry, can you whip up that blueberry smoothie for a breakfast-to- go?”

I have made or given my “Feel Good Blueberry Smoothie” out to more loved ones than I can remember over the past few  years.  The reason?  It seems to work wonders in helping you feel better if you are run down.  And if you feel good, it will help you feel great.  Not only is it good for you, but it tastes delicious, soothing the throat as it goes down.  Seriously,  I should probably bottle this stuff and sell it on QVC.

Dr. Daniel Amen is best-selling author, speaker, public TV teacher, psychiatrist, and brain researcher who is also a good friend.  He has done an incredible service encouraging people to pay attention to their brain health.  For as long as I’ve known Dr. Amen, he has called blueberries, “brain berries” and has recommended that people eat a cup a day to protect and nourish their brain.  Research continues to back this up. For example:

1)  Strong  scientific evidence exists that eating blueberries, blackberries, strawberries and other berry fruits has beneficial effects on the brain and may help prevent age-related memory loss and other changes.  (March 7, 2012, Science Daily)

2) New research shows that blueberries may inhibit fat cells (April 10, 2011 Science Daily)

3)  “The high concentration of antioxidants in blueberries strengthens your immune system, which may protect you from cancer cell growth, cardiovascular disease and urinary tract infections. Studies suggest that blueberries may also reduce your risk of developing Parkinson’s disease,” says a report from Live Strong, March 7, 2012

I could go on and on!  (But that is just because I’m so energized by my smoothie.) One cup of fresh blueberries has only 83 calories but packs a lot of nutrition including 21 g of carbohydrates, 9 mg of calcium and magnesium, 17 mg of phosphorus, 112 mg of potassium, 14 mg of vitamin C, 78 IU of vitamin A and many other micronutrients.

This delicious smoothie also has protein from Greek yogurt, almond milk and walnuts; vitamin C from orange juice; sweetness and fiber from dates (or 1/2 banana), along with a super green food powder that is loaded with nutrients and probiotics.  To supercharge it, I also add two optional but tasty nutritious ingredients: liquid fish oil and L-carnitine.  The brands I use pack a big punch of nutrition for the buck and taste amazingly yummy, like sweet oranges. (No fishy taste at all!)

It’s a fabulous way to start your day, a great pick me up in the afternoon, and an immunity boost for anyone feeling under the weather.  Kids and teens also love this.

I totally need to do a Feel Good Blueberry Smoothie infomercial.  But for now, this post will have to do.

Feel Better Blueberry Smoothies

Mama Becky’s Feel Good Blueberry Smoothie

Makes 1 large or 2 smaller smoothies

Ingredients

1 c. frozen blueberries

1 c. orange juice

3 dates (or 1/2 banana, fresh or frozen)

1 T. walnuts (or any nuts you have on hand or Hemp Seeds )

1/2 c. unsweetened almond milk (or coconut or soy or dairy milk)

1 heaping Tablespoon plain Greek Yogurt (vegans may want to substitute a rice-based protein powder)

1/2 c. ice

1 t. to 1 T. super green food powder  (I like Green Vibrance which I get at Whole Foods. Expensive but lasts a long time!)

Ingredients for Becky’s Feel Better Smoothie: Blueberries, OJ, Almond milk, yogurt, dates (or sub 1/2 banana) walnuts

(Optional Ingredients: NOW brand  L-Carnitine Citrus Flavored Liquid and  Carlson’s Orange Flavored Fish Oil.  I find these at Vitamin Cottage but have linked to Amazon to give you more info.)

Citrus Flavored L-Carnitine (NOW) and Orange Flavored Fish Oil (Carlson) Nutritional supplements that are good for you and actually taste great. Perfect for adding to smoothies.

Directions:

Put all ingredients into a blender.  Start the blender low and move to high until it is smooth.  Top with an orange slice.  (More than for garnish, a little squeeze of fresh orange floating atop the smoothie is very tasty.)

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