Beet Power Smoothie

Not too long ago, well a couple of weeks to be exact, I became a vegan.  Most people were under the impression that I was already vegan, but I'd occasionally delight in a late night snack of Greek Yogurt with honey, and giving up pizza for good seemed like more than I could handle.  However,  for months my heart had been urging me to give up all animal products and go for vegan.

I did it! I'm vegan now, and it's so nice to be clear about my lifestyle and ethics : )

I also recently became very interested in the raw vegan lifestyle.  Two of my friends, Cesar and Yulia, have been raw vegan since December, and they love it.  Sure, eating ONLY raw foods can sound a bit extreme to the typical American accustomed to cooking the life out of everything to acheive a certain taste or texture, or whatever.  I for one LOVE to cook, and do see myself continuing to cook and bake; because even though we kill the food's enzymes, I've got to admit, it's fun : )

You see, this past Monday I started a 2 week Raw Vegan "Cleanse".  Today is day 4 and I feel incredible! I haven't really been hungry because I'm eating fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts and sprouted seeds and legumes throughout the day.  I like to think I slowly inched myself into this "diet".  Over two weeks ago I started having a gigantic green smoothie for breakfast everyday, which eventually lead to my body craving more raw vegetables, which lead to me starting this cleanse.  

I feel radiant! I'm following what I like to call a Love Diet.  If you love the planet and you love yourself, give yourself the gift of a raw vegan cleanse. 


I'm vegan for the planet and because I love animals and care about their welfare.  I'm raw right now because my body deserves a break from having to break down and process cooked foods and baked goods.  Raw foods contain enzymes that aid the body's digestive process.  My body deserves the highest level of nutrients available, so I'm eating mostly organic raw foods; and it's not overly expensive if you know how to shop.

I  totally recommend incorporating more raw fruits, veggies and nuts, or going completely raw to anyone who wants to achieve optimum health.  Of course, there is more to it than just eating raw veggies and drinking fresh juices.  Being raw has proved pretty time consuming for me.  I'm not looking to lose weight, so I'm making sure to fill up on healthy fats like avocado, coconut, nuts and seeds. They'll help me maintain my weight, and keep my insides functioning properly.  I've also begun sprouting seeds and legumes: black eyed peas, red lentils, green lentils, sunflower seeds, the list goes on. Sprouting makes me feel like a kid doing a really cool science project that I'll surely get an A+ on; and the little sprouts are so cute!

Oh, but it's awfully time consuming; and I'm aware that most people don't want to devote their free time to rinsing lentils and making nut milks.  

Which brings me to the Beet Power Smoothie.
As I mentioned, I've been drinking a green smoothie everyday for over two weeks now, and I certainly notice the difference in my energy.
Giving your body a mega-boost with raw fruits and veggies is the best way to start the day, especially if you're as busy and active as I am.

My awesome Beet Power Smoothie combines two types of leafy greens--full of essential vitamins and minerals--with iron packed beet, vitamin C boasting cantaloupe and kiwi, antioxidant rich wild blueberries, mango, and chia seeds.  Chia seeds are nutritional powerhouses.  They are the richest plant source of Omega-3 fatty acids, and are bursting with antioxidants; not to mention a fantastic source of fiber.


I always loved oatmeal for breakfast, but nothing compares to a thick and fruity green smoothie to start my day!
This Beet Power Smoothie is delicious, and thick enough to eat with a spoon--like I do : )

If the flavor of the greens is too strong, add more cantaloupe or pour in some freshly squeezed orange juice.  Spinach, swiss chard, and beets greens will have a lighter flavor than kale and collards; of course any leafy green will work!

Get your blender out, and ease some raw into your world!

Beet Power Smoothie

(makes 16-20 ounces, which in my book is one serving.  I used collards and Swiss chard for this smoothie.  Make sure to remove and discard the ribs of the collard greens, but I like to keep the ribs of the Swiss chard in the smoothie, or save them for an earthy and crunchy snack. Buy organic greens and beets if possible!)

1 small beet, peeled and diced into 1/2 inch cubes

4 -5 cups of leafy greens (I used collards and Swiss chard) chopped and washed thoroughly

1 cup cantaloupe, seeded and diced

1 kiwi, peeled and quartered

1/2 or 1 whole mango, peeled and diced

3/4 cup of organic or wild blueberries

1/4 cup chia seed gel
1 date, soaked for 30 minutes, optional*

Put all of your ingredients into the blender, starting with the juiciest fruits at the bottom--cantaloupe, kiwi, beet, etc...

Blend and push fruits and veggies down with a wooden spoon through the hole in the lid of the blender.  BE CAREFUL not to stick the spoon down too far, or else it'll hit the blades! 

Keep pushing down around the sides, and after a few seconds the blender will have incorporated all of the ingredients.  If the smoothie is too thick, add more cantaloupe or even orange juice.  

Blend until thick and smooth.  Add more fruit if you'd like it sweeter.  

Sit back, relax and enjoy right away! Soon you'll be glowing with energy and health!