Okay it may sound weird at first. Dates in a smoothie? Yes, it is true… Combine milk, pitted dates, almond butter, and cacao powder with ice, and you’ll have a breakfast or dessert smoothie that is so filing and good! Dates are sometimes overlooked but they provide energy and are great when you’re craving something sweet. They do have calories but also fiber so they are good to help regulate digestion and contain vitamins such as B 6 and niacin. Paired with milk, almond butter and cacao powder, this recipe can be a healthy breakfast, afternoon snack or dessert. If you’re not familiar with cacao powder, you can find it at specialty grocery stores. It’s healthy alternative to chocolate with great flavor but without sugar and any processing. It’s also raw, vegan and a source of antioxidants, iron and fiber. This only takes 5 minutes to prepare, so blend and enjoy!
Tag: almond milk recipes
Blueberry Banana Smoothie Bowl
Yes, I am at it again with this Blueberry Smoothie Bowl perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. I made a banana and blueberry smoothie, but wanted more so I added flaxseed, chia seeds, milk, and protein powder. I prefer to enjoy smoothies with a spoon these days so I topped it with some of my favorite healthy toppings.
Health benefits of Blueberries: Blueberries offer many nutritional benefits. They are packed with Vitamin C, fiber, full of antioxidants and a good source of manganese (which is important in bone health). To find out the health benefits of blueberries see
Health Benefits of Chia Seeds: Chia seeds are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids and fiber at 10 grams per ounce (about 2 tablespoons). New research suggests that including chia seeds in your diet may help improve cardiovascular risk factors such as lowering cholesterol, triglycerides and blood pressure. It’s said that the amounts of omega 3′s can also work reduce symptoms of depression and increase brain function. A one-ounce (28 grams) serving of chia seeds contains 139 calories, 11 grams of fiber, four grams of protein and 9 grams of fat, as well as calcium, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, potassium and B vitamins.
Health Benefits of Flaxseeds: Studies have suggested that flaxseed can also help lower the risk of diabetes, heart disease stroke, caner and post-menopausal symptoms. Flaxseed contains high levels of fiber and Omega 3 fatty acids. Just two tablespoons of ground flaxseed contain more than 140 percent daily value of the inflammation-reducing Omega 3 fatty acids and more lignans than any other plant food. One tablespoon of flaxseed contains 55 calories, three grams of carbohydrates, 2.8 grams of fiber, 1.9 grams of protein and 4.3 grams of fat. See more about seeds in my article on Fitness Republic.
3 Ingredient Coffee Milkshake
We are HUGE fans of milkshakes at my house, and my kids are always concocting recipes and new variations. Since my youngest son, Zachary, loves coffee ice cream, he blended only 3 ingredients together to make this amazing 3 Ingredient Coffee Milkshake. It’s definitely as good as it looks. I think I have another future recipe developer on my hands :). And don’t forget: Milkshakes can be healthy! They contain milk which is high in protein and our bones need it so enjoy!
Blueberry Crepes
We have been having the best summer so far, but I miss my two boys at camp SO much! I can’t wait until this Friday when I pick them up. I don’t think my daughter, Leigh, has known what to do as an only child, but she’s been helping me out a ton at home. She suggested we make crepes, and before I turned around, she created some beautiful Blueberry Crepes with almond milk. Since we had blueberries on hand, she also suggested that we create a sauce. These Blueberry Crepes have no sugar, but they are fabulous! And easy too!