Photo by Jeremy RIcketts I walked into my local Dollar Tree with one thing on my mind…BLUEBERRIES!! Dollar Tree by far has the best deal in town on blueberries with a pound of frozen blueberries coming in at $1. Blueberries can be pricey depending on where you shop and the time of year you purchase these little powerhouses. However, with summer just around the corner, it may be easy to find a great deal on these seasonal delights. While I plan on loading up on fresh blueberries as they reach season’s peak, I’ll also continue my indulgence of the frozen variety. You may be curious as to why. Well, frozen blueberries can be enjoyed year round and guilt free given they are highly accessible, affordable and frozen making them the perfect chilled additions to smoothies on a hot summer day.
You may have noticed that I make a big deal about blueberries and I believe such a high opinion of this berry is more than justified. So okay why all the fuss over blueberries? It may be easy to dismiss these petite gems without a second thought but don’t be deceived, blueberries pack a mighty nutritional punch. With a low caloric value (1 cup contains ~80 calories) and high antioxidant profile, the blueberry is seen by many as a superfood. A generous serving of manganese, fiber and vitamin C can be obtained by indulging in a 1-cup serving of these beloved berries. Additionally, research is currently being conducted that explores the benefits of blueberries in connection to insulin response, cancer prevention, brain health and cardiovascular health. Given the ample health benefits, low cost and upcoming seasonality of the locally grown, fresh variety; get ready to explore the wonderful world of blueberries and let’s start with this yummy, protein packed smoothie!
Reference: www.blueberrycouncil.org
Vegan-Friendly Blueberry Spinach Smoothie
Ingredients:
1 cup frozen blueberries
3 cups raw spinach
2 Tablespoons almond butter
1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
Instructions:
1. Add blueberries, spinach, almond butter and almond milk to blender.
2. Blend. Add more almond milk if needed and blend to desired consistency.
You may have noticed that I make a big deal about blueberries and I believe such a high opinion of this berry is more than justified. So okay why all the fuss over blueberries? It may be easy to dismiss these petite gems without a second thought but don’t be deceived, blueberries pack a mighty nutritional punch. With a low caloric value (1 cup contains ~80 calories) and high antioxidant profile, the blueberry is seen by many as a superfood. A generous serving of manganese, fiber and vitamin C can be obtained by indulging in a 1-cup serving of these beloved berries. Additionally, research is currently being conducted that explores the benefits of blueberries in connection to insulin response, cancer prevention, brain health and cardiovascular health. Given the ample health benefits, low cost and upcoming seasonality of the locally grown, fresh variety; get ready to explore the wonderful world of blueberries and let’s start with this yummy, protein packed smoothie!
Reference: www.blueberrycouncil.org
Vegan-Friendly Blueberry Spinach Smoothie
Ingredients:
1 cup frozen blueberries
3 cups raw spinach
2 Tablespoons almond butter
1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
Instructions:
1. Add blueberries, spinach, almond butter and almond milk to blender.
2. Blend. Add more almond milk if needed and blend to desired consistency.
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