Upcycled Produce Smoothies

If you are like me, you purchase healthy produce with the best intentions of using all of it... strawberries, spinach, carrots, apples, celery, bananas, sweet potatoes, avocados and more.  However, my produce usually ruins before I can prepare it all.  Or it reaches a point where its texture turns my kids off to eating it.  Strawberries, for example, are great for a day or two, but once they get a bit mushy my kids won't touch them.  Same for bananas and apples.  This is where we moms can use this to our family's healthy advantage, by "upcycling" all that food into the base for delicious, healthy smoothies.

During the day, I tend to snack or eat unhealthy.  Now, I squeeze in the necessary food groups with a nutritious smoothie that won't cost extra money at a juice bar or health food restaurant and will use up all our wasted produce.  Here one example I whipped up today using my blender.  A fancy juicer or food processor is unnecessary.   (See the very end of this post for tastier kid smoothies.)

• 9 mushy strawberries
• 3 stalks Romaine lettuce (stalks and leaves)
• 4 slices of apple (I used two entire apples that were getting brown)
• 1/2 cup frozen organic blueberries
• 3 tablespoons fat free plain yogurt to give a creamier texture (you could also use natural peanut butter)
• Coconut Water

Wash produce thoroughly.  Add produce to blender first.

Next, add coconut water.  I add maybe a cup or cup and 1/2

Cover blender and blend on low setting, then switch to high setting.  You can also pulse if the produce isn't getting chopped enough.  Add any additional produce if you like.

You can also add as many ice cubes as you want and blend again.

Ta-da!  Ready to drink!  You can experiment as much as you like with all sorts of juices, milks, nuts, veggies, fruits, etc.  If it isn't sweet enough, add honey, agave or vanilla yogurt, etc.  I drink all of this for breakfast or as a meal substitute a few times a week.  Since it is all blended up, it's the same as eating all of these foods on a plate and drinking a glass of coconut water.

Here is the nutrition I'm getting, not to mention the fiber:

• Romaine lettuce - vitamins K, A and folate
• Strawberries - vitamin C
• Blueberries - vitamins K, C and manganese
• Coconut Water - potassium, super hydrating beverage

One perk is that my daughter loves the sweeter smoothies with fruit and veggies added.  Two quick examples (without photos) are below.  Google the nutritional value and you will be amazed. 

Chocolate Suprise Smoothie (AKA: Spinach Smoothie)

• one cup fresh spinach (it can be wilting, no problem)
• one or two bananas (ok if over-ripe or even turning dark)
• 1/2 cup frozen berries (black, blue, raspberries, whatever)
• 1/2 cup strawberries
• two tablespoons organic peanut butter
• vanilla Almond Milk (or chocolate)
• ice cubes

Orange Cream Smoothie (AKA: Veggie Surprise)

• 1/2 cup baby carrots (throw them in whole)
• one or two bananas
• carton vanilla low fat greek yogurt
• orange juice or half orange juice, half coconut water
• ice cubes
• (orange slices can also be added)

Experiment with your favorites and I guarantee you will find a million uses for your wasted produce!

Organization Struggles

I've been working to organize my cosmetics and closet this week.  Unfortunately, things are in more disarray than before I began.  Especially in the bathroom.  



LÈVRES SCINTILLANTESGLOSSIMER
Limited Edition $29.50

First off, I'm a cosmetics hoarder.  It is difficult for me to part with cosmetics because 1.) I buy far too many 2.) shopping for makeup is what I do when I'm bored 3.) discarding them is admitting failure and being wasteful and 4.) I never know when I could use that lipstick (blush, foundation, ...).  Yes, they have an expiration date.  That still doesn't stop me from finding lipstick from four years ago, no exaggeration.  Such as the two tubes of Chanel Glossimer.  I cannot part with it.  It was expensive!  Mascara is one thing I've eradicated from my life.  It's fabulous not to worry about finding that perfect brand anymore.  (Which, by the way, was Dior Show.)  I have lash extensions and LOVE THEM.  Don't tell me they are bad for me, it won't matter.  I will still get them twice a month.


Large Mason jar $12.41 at Target stores

 
Back to organizing.  I've thrown a lot of makeup away.  I've also donated it to Mom, daughter and friends.  The rest (mainly lipstick) I'm keeping until I decide what to do with it.  Other than use it, I've decided to store it in very large Mason jars which I found today at Target.  This way, I can see them and decide which color I want to use.  They are also quite decorative on the countertop or along the bathtub edge. 


Luxe Acrylic Modular System
$11.99 - 29.99 at Container Store

I've also scored some nice clear plastic Container Store shelf organizers, which I'm using in the bathroom cabinets.  They are holding lotions, hair products, brushes, eye liners, lip pencils, and more while keeping them neat and orderly.  Plus, I'm able to see everything because they are clear.  Yay!  So, I'm getting there slowly but surely.

My closet is neatly arranged, but when there is dust on the shoulders of my shirts I know I have problems.  Too many clothes, and no place to wear them.  Most days, I'm in workout wear, sweats or pajamas.  When I do venture into the world beyond my doorstep, those workout clothes will usually suffice.  I also like to be comfortable, so many of my jeans are no longer worn because they aren't stretchy.  Sad, but those Levi's and True Religions are going to waste.  Broken in tees and lycra pants have spoiled me.  Now, I'm trying to get inspired by the exercise clothing trend I see in magazines that allow women to go straight from the gym to the supermarket with very little change in clothing.  Check out a few styles from Athleta:  super cute and effortless!