Immunity Boosting Bomb [Recipe]

I have been dabbling in essential oils for several years. This year, I have gotten more serious about building my essential oil collection. Along with essential oils, I am also researching and buying natural immunity boosters like elderberry, raw local honey, herbal teas, etc. Having an arsenal of a variety of immunity boosting products helps to keep our immune systems strong and healthy, so that when we are exposed to germs, bacteria, and viruses, we minimize the impact on our family. My favorite recipe for naturally boosting immunity is the Immunity Boosting Bomb. Containing plant extracts, essential oils, and raw local honey, this drink is easy to take and tastes great.

Immunity Boosting Bomb

Yield: 1-2 ounces

Vegan (leave out honey or sub)
Vegetarian
Dairy Free
Nut Free

Ingredients
1 tbsp elderberry syrup or elderberry extract
1 tsp honey (can sub maple syrup or agave syrup)
30-40 drops echinacea extract
3 drops Immunity Strength essential oil
3 drops lemon essential oil
1 ounce of water (warm or cold, depending on your preference)

Optional Additions
5-10 drops ginger extract
5-10 drops licorice extract

Directions

1. Mix ingredients in a cup.
2. Drink 2-3 times a day when exposed to illnesses or when sick.

Norm's Farms offers high quality elderberry products . Their Elderberry Syrup and Elderberry Extract are great additions to my natural medicine cabinet. The Elderberry Syrup is sweetened with a bit of honey and flavored with cinnamon. It is not overpowering, but just enough sweetness that my 1.5 year old son loved to take this syrup when he was sick. The Elderberry Extract is just elderberries and water. The flavor is not bitter, but is not sweet. I have been taking the Elderberry Syrup straight and my son has also take some of it, though he prefers the Elderberry Syrup.

The bottles are sealed for protection. Once opened, the bottles should be kept in the refrigerator and consumed within 30 days. I was a little bit worried about the 30 day use by recommendation at first. Since we are in flu season right now and I am exposed to germs on a daily basis when we go to play dates and story times with other kids, I have been taking the Elderberry Extract every day. I can see going through one bottle of this in 30 days. My bottle has been in the fridge for more than 30 days and it has not started to go bad.

The Elderberry Extract does have a little bit of Malic Acid in it to prevent fermentation. My label on the bottle I received did not disclose this information. I did read this on the Amazon product page and learned about it from the company representative.

I would purchase Norm's Farms Elderberry Syrup and Elderberry Extract again. If you are looking for a way to easily and quickly boost your immunity, look to elderberries.

Disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned above to facilitate this review. No other compensation was received. This post may contain Affiliate links. You will NOT pay more by using these links. I will receive a small kick back to support this blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. All opinions are my own. I am not a medical professional. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Please consult with your doctor regarding taking any supplements.

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Green Pancakes with Organic Spirulina Powder [Review]

One of my passions and hobbies is cooking, including baking. In high school, my mom introduced me to baking. I did not start cooking until I was living on my own after I graduated from college. After I got married, I started cooking more meals from scratch, incorporating local produce and exotic spices. While cooking is second nature now, baking is making a comeback. I enjoy trying new recipes and tweaking old recipes to make them healthier. Baked goods can benefit from adding a little organic protein powder or organic spirulina powder to boost the vitamins and nutrients. Sari Foods Organic Spirulina Powder is a natural source of vital nutrients and vitamins for a healthy body.


Organic Spirulina Powder             ($25.95, 16oz)

Rating: total green check marks out of 5.

The Good	The Not So Good
USDA Certified Organic	Zip lock does not work
Very fine powder, mixes easily	Plastic bag
Great source of vital nutrients

What is spirulina? Spirulina is a natural blue-green algae (cyanbacteria) powder that is very high in protein and nutrients. The algae forms tangled masses in warm alkaline lakes. The algae is dried and prepared as a food or food additive. This algae can be consumed by humans is one of the most potent nutrient sources available. Purchasing organic spirulina is important to avoid any contamination from the ponds and bodies of water where it grows. Contaminated spirulina, potentially non-organic spirulina can contain contaminants that would make it likely unsafe for children to consume because children are more sensitive to the contaminants.

Sari Foods grows spirulina in natural soda lakes in a remote area of Mongolia and is cultivated with pure desert water from 500m underground. This water is naturally free of environmental contaminants and is naturally rich in minerals and trace elements, making the conditions optimal for spirulina that is both pure and nutrient-dense. The area where the spirulina is grown is free of industry and pollution.

Spirulina is a fantastic source of many nutrients and vitamins that naturally boost the immune system and fight aging and free radicals. Nutrients and vitamins include:

• Dietary protein
• Calcium
• Vitamin B12 (perfect for vegetarians and vegans)
• Iron
• Magnesium
• Selenium
• Beta Carotene
• Chlorophyll
• Phytonutrients
• Antioxidants and essential amino acids (GLA, Omega 3, 6, 9)

Now that we have given a brief overview of spirulina, let's talk about using the powder. Sari Foods Organic Spirulina Powder is very fine. When I opened the package, the powder poofed out and dusted the counter top, reminding me of very fine all purpose flour. The package has a zip lock top, but it did not work very well. I had a difficult time getting the zipper closed all the way and decided to transfer to a glass container. I would like to see the packaging improved so the zip lock top closes all the way and is easier to close. The powder is so fine that the zip lock needs to work!

I smelled the spirulina powder and tasted a bit on my finger. Very strong smell and even stronger taste. The spirulina powder is very concentrated, so a little goes a long way. One would not necessarily take a teaspoon of spirulina powder and follow with water. The powder can be added to drinks, smoothies, baked goods, etc. 

I have mainly been adding spirulina to baked good like breads and muffins. When I added 1 teaspoon of the organic spirulina powder to pancake batter, it made it very green. Once the pancakes were cooked, the color wasn't as prominent. I think my toddler would find green pancakes fun when he gets a little bit older. I also made homemade raw almond butter and added about 1/2 tsp of the organic spirulina powder to it. Spirulina's deep green color makes it great for natural food coloring. I love the versatility of the spirulina powder. The fine grain of the powder results in easy and quick mixing into your favorite food or drink.

Green Pancakes Recipe
Add 1/2-1 tsp of organic spirulina powder to the pancake batter.

Every week, I am finding new foods and drinks to add the spirulina powder to. As the flu season has started, spirulina powder is a great way to keep my family healthy and strong to combat any illnesses we are exposed to. I keep reminding myself that a little spirulina powder goes a long way. The 16 oz package will last me a long daily with weekly use.

Remember to buy organic spirulina. Conventional and non-organic spirulina can be loaded with heavy metals and toxins that can cause harm to your body. Sari Foods Organic Spirulina Powder is a potent food additive to naturally boost immunity and strengthen your family's health. I would purchase this product again.

Disclosure: I am not a medical professional. If you have any questions or concerns about using this product, please consult a qualified medical professional. Spirulina use does have precautions and warning, so please do your research on any side effects and interactions. I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. All opinions are my own.

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How to Make Raw Almond Milk [Recipe]

Over the past year and a half, staying at home full time with my baby and now toddler has made me realize that I spend a lot of time in the kitchen. I love making healthy, homemade items for us to enjoy. Though I appreciate the convenience of pre-packaged food, I receive great satisfaction from making something myself. I have full control over the ingredients. After a recent search for an organic almond milk without any additives or sweeteners (yes, even natural and organic ones), I decided to make my own. Vita Nut Milk Bag is the best nut milk bag for making your own nut milks, raw juices, cold brew coffees and so much more.

Vita Nut Best Nut Milk Bag           ($9.95)

Rating: total green check marks out of 5.

The Good	The Not So Good
Rounded bottom for less waste	When drawn, strings can get in the way
No tearing under heat/squeezing
Ultra-fine mesh for better filtering
Reusable, quick-drying

Making raw almond milk is an easy process with just a few steps. Vita Nut's best milk bag helps to filter out the almond milk from the almond pulp and results in easy and sanitary clean up.

Homemade Raw Almond Milk

Ingredients
1 cup raw almonds, soaked in water (cover almonds and soak overnight, 8-12 hrs)
3 cups of water
Sweeteners such as dates (3-4 dates soaked for 1 hr), raisins, prunes, agave, honey, maple syrup (optional)
Vanilla or almond extract (optional)
Pinch of sea salt, to enhance flavor (optional)

Directions

1. Place almonds in a small bowl and cover with water. Soak overnight, 8-12 hours. Can also soak for 1-2 hours, if in a pinch.
2. If using dates, raisins or prunes as your sweetener, place those in the blender with a little bit of water and blend on highest speed until creamy. 
3. Drain and rinse the almonds and place in blender with 3 cups of water, any sweeteners, vanilla/almond extract and sea salt, if using. Omit sweeteners for unsweetened raw almond milk.
4. Blend on highest speed for 1 minute.
5. Place the milk bag over a large bowl and slowly pour the almond milk mixture into the bag. 
6. Hold the top of the bag closed and squeeze the bottom of the bag to release milk. Twisting the bag can also work. This creamy liquid is the raw almond milk.
7. Pour into a glass or airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. Shake container very well before using because the almond milk separates when sitting. 

Photo Directions

Drain and rinse soaked almonds. Place in blender with 3 cups of water and any other additions.

Blend on highest speed for 1 minute.

 

Place milk bag over a large bowl and slowly pour the almond milk mixture into the bag.

Let the almond milk drain, then squeeze the bottom and twist the bag to release the rest of the almond milk.

 

Notes

• A food processor can be used instead of a blender. The liquid tends to leak out, so you might want to do 2-3 batches.
• Cheese bag, cheese cloth, flour sacks, etc. can also be used. Cheese cloth tends to tear with twisting, so be careful when squeezing and twisting to release the almond milk.
• Recipe can be used to make any nut or seed milk. Most seeds do not need to be soaked or strained in the nut milk bag because they blend well with water. 
• Feel free to add any other flavorings or sweeteners to the blender.
• Liquid sweeteners can also be added to the strained milk.
• Almond pulp can be saved and used as an addition to things like yogurt, oatmeal, baked good, or dried/dehydrated to make raw almond flour.

I really liked using the Vita Nut milk bag to make my homemade raw almond milk. The bag was easy to use. I did not worry about it ripping or tearing when I was squeezing the almond milk. The almond pulp inside the bag was dry, meaning that the bag and my hands did a good job at straining the almond milk. When I was done straining the almond milk, I scooped out the almond pulp to save for muffins. I turned the milk bag inside out to get all of the almond pulp out. The rounded bottom helped to scoop everything out and resulted in easy clean up. A little natural soap and water and the milk bag was clean. The milk bag dried quickly and I reused it later for removing liquid from frozen spinach.

The strings at the top help to keep the bag cinched, but tend to get a bit long when they are drawn. I found that they got in the way while I was trying to squeeze the milk out. Maybe next time, I will tuck the strings into the bag.

Vita Nut best milk bag is the secret to quick and easy homemade nut milks, raw juices and more! No tearing, less mess and frustration, and easy clean up make Vita Nut milk bag the perfect accessory for your milk and juicing endeavors.

Disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. All opinions are my own.

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Healthy Whole Wheat Date Muffins [Recipe]

Ever since I have become a mom, a healthy breakfast or healthy snack that I can grab on-the-go ensures I have enough energy to make it through the day. Being able to give my child the same snack is even better! This muffin recipe originally started out as a bread that I made for years. I came across the Whole Wheat Date Nut Bread recipe in Whole Living magazine. After a while, I started experimenting with different additions and substitutions. I love the versatility and ease of this recipe. Everything I added or substituted made the bread even better. The bread is always delicious and moist.

I am sharing the original bread recipe and my adaptations (in blue). I also list some of the additions/substitutions I use every time and some that I sometimes use. My recent favorite addition (to add more nuts to my 16 month old son's diet) is to grind up nuts to a meal and add them into the batter.

Note: I have reduced the amount of sugar in the recipe by 1/4 cup and it can potentially be reduced to 1/2 cup. Sugar does play a role in baking, so be careful how much you reduce it.

Whole Wheat Date Nut Muffins

Yield: 18-24 muffins (depending on how full you fill the cups)
Bake time: 15 minutes

Vegan (sub flax egg or banana)
Dairy Free (sub flax egg or banana)
Nut Free (leave out nuts)

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups hot water
1 cup pitted dates, chopped (can also sub other dried fruit)
1 large egg (sometimes I use 2 small eggs; can sub flax egg or banana)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (I use coconut oil; can sub apple sauce (2-4 tbsp))
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour (I sub buckwheat flour or other whole grain flours)
1 cup whole-wheat flour (can sub other whole grain flours)
1 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon coarse salt
1 cup pecans, chopped (can sub any other nuts or leave out, whole or ground to a meal)
3/4 cup brown sugar (can reduce to 1/2 cup, can sub turbinado)

My Additions (I usually put in)
Nuts of any varieties (whole or ground)
Spices (1 tsp nutmeg, allspice, cinnamon, or ginger, 1/2 tsp cloves, all or some)
Hemp protein powder (2 tbsp)
Nutritional yeast (1 tbsp)

Other Additions (I sometimes put in)
Flax meal (2 tbsp)
Hemp seeds (2 tbsp)
Dried fruit (like raisins)
Molasses (1 tbsp)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray.
2. In a medium bowl, pour hot water over dates (and any other dried fruit) and let stand until slightly softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Whisk in egg (or flax egg or banana), oil (or apple sauce), and vanilla (and any other wet ingredients).
4. In another bowl, stir together flours, baking soda, salt, nuts, and sugar (and any other dry ingredients).
5. Fold wet mixture into dry until just combined.
6. Fill muffin pan about 3/4 full and smooth the top with a spatula.
7. Bake for 15 minutes for both regular and mini muffins, or until a tester inserted in the middle comes out clean. (bread bakes for about 65 minutes)
8. Let rest 10 minutes, then remove and move to a cooling rack.

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Graindrops Organic Probiotic Beverage [Review]

Probiotic beverages are a great way to get a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals. Fermentation is a great way to access these vitamins and minerals, which is why a lot of probiotic beverages are fermented. Probiotic beverages are also dairy based. For those who are following a vegan diet or cannot consume dairy, Graindrops offers an organic, GMO-free probiotic grain milk to optimize personal health and wellness. Graindrops uses Koji, an Asian fermentation culture that offers more than 40 enzymes to support our body's health.

Graindrops Probiotic Beverage   
   ($5.99)
Rating: total green check marks out of 5.

The Good	The Not So Good
USDA Certified Organic
Naturally fermented
22-24g of whole grains per serving
Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Soy-Free

Graindrops is an organic probiotic non-dairy beverage that is dairy-free and gluten-free (does contain oats). Graindrops adds agave syrup to sweeten the beverage, so I would call it cane sugar-free also. This probiotic beverage is triple cultured to result in a culture grain milk that contains natural probiotics. One of the things I really like about Graindrops is that this vegan beverage contains both prebiotics and probiotics. This combination aid digestion and increase the availability of nutrients for easier digestion. What a great way to boost immunity and maintain immunity.

Graindrops is certified gluten-free. However, it does contain gluten-free oats. Graindrops ensures that the gluten-free oats are not contaminated in the field or during processing. People who are allergic, intolerant or sensitive to gluten can also be allergic, intolerant or sensitive to oats because oats contain a similar protein to gluten. While Graindrops is gluten-free, it might not be completely allergen-free for those who react to oats.

Graindrops is available at my local Whole Foods Market. They used to have a bigger selection with more flavors, but recently reorganized the dairy and non-dairy sections and only have one of the flavors, Original. I have tried the Blueberry flavor in the past and prefer the fruit flavors to the Original flavor.

The Koji culturing method does provide an interesting flavor. Graindrops would describe it as rich, rounded, full flavor with a clean and refreshing taste. I agree! It is unlike anything I have tasted before, but I do like it. The texture is creamy with a clean finish.

For the Original flavor, I would probably add a little bit of honey or homemade fruit puree to round out the flavor. I have been adding Graindrops to smoothies to boost nutrition.

If you are looking for a dairy-free and gluten-free probiotic beverage that is naturally fermented, I recommend that you try Graindrops.

Disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. All opinions are my own.

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BioTerra Vision Zoom Herbal Supplement [Review]

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

Natural medicine is making a comeback and becoming more common. Herbal supplements and essential oils can be a great way to keep your family healthy, prevent illnesses and help to recover from illnesses. In some situations, modern medicine might still be required. Though you cannot go wrong with pure, natural, herbal supplements as an addition to your healthy diet. BioTerra Herbs Vision Zoom Herbal Supplement promotes eye health and supports visual function.

BioTerra Herbs Vision Zoom    
   ($19.99, 60 capsules)

Rating: total green check marks out of 5.

The Good	The Not So Good
100% pure and natural herbs
No taste/aftertaste
No artificial additives or preservatives
Made in the USA

BioTerra Herbs Vision Zoom contains 100% natural and pure herbs in a vegetarian capsule with rice flour. All ingredients are Vegan, Non-GMO and Gluten-Free. Vision Zoom contains the following ingredients:

Lycium (fruit) - Latin name: Lycium chinese
Chrysanthemum (flower) - Latin name: Dendranthema x grandiflorum.
Jujube (fruit) - Latin name: Ziziphus jujuba
Asian Water Plantain (rhizome) - Latin name: Alisma plantago-aquatica
Astragalus (root) - Latin name: Astragalus mongholicus

This list of ingredients is one of the simplest for supplements. I like that the ingredients are non-GMO, especially since the capsules contain rice flour.

I have been taking two (2) capsules on an almost daily basis after a meal, as recommended. Vision Zoom does not have a taste or aftertaste. Even when smelling the capsules, there was no scent. Unlike some herbal supplements, I love that there is no smell or taste. The capsules are of standard size, soft and easy to swallow for me.

Usually, I do see many, if any, visible effects (positive or negative) from taking herbal supplements. I have been taking this one for a few weeks and did not think I was seeing any noticeable results, until last weekend. I was in a wedding, so after wearing eye make up for a rehearsal dinner and the whole next day, my eyes were itchy and red by the end of the second day. I kept taking Vision Zoom once per day. I noticed that the itching was gone within 24 hours. Great results for someone who does not, anymore, wear makeup every day and gets affected by it when it is worn.

If you experience eye allergies, wear contacts or have sensitive eyes, BioTerra Herbs Vision Zoom herbal supplement is a great addition to your diet.

Disclosure: I am not a medical professional. Information about the product was sourced from the company website. These statements have not be reviewed by the FDA, not intended to treat, cure or diagnose any conditions or diseases. Please consult your physician before starting a new supplement. I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. All opinions are my own.

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Natural Unbleached White Matcha Powder [Review]

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

Coffee is one of my favorite beverages. I love coffee so much that sometimes I drink it just for the taste. However, coffee can leave me feeling jittery and keep me awake when I go to sleep if I drink it too late in the day. This is where Matcha green tea powder is a great alternative. When I need energy and focus without jitteriness from coffee, White Matcha Tea Powder is my answer.

Unbleached Matcha White Tea Powder       ($19.99, 30g)
Rating: total green check marks out of 5.

The Good	The Not So Good
Unbleached	Not Certified Organic
Easy to mix
Good energy boost

What is Matcha? Matcha is fine ground, powdered, high quality white tea. Matcha is stone ground to a fine powder. Stone grinding preserves the flavors and healthy qualities of delicate white tea.

White MatchaTea Powder benefits:

1. All day energy with increased focus
2. Has 1% caffeine content of coffee
3. Metabolism boost
4. High antioxidant count to kill free radicals in blood stream
5. Decreases fine lines and wrinkles on the skin

Red Leaf Tea sells natural, unbleached, high grade white matcha powder of culinary grade. This means that you can use the Matcha White Tea Powder in just about anything. Mix the powder with warm water, add the powder to a smoothie, or bake muffins. This trait is very unique to Matcha Tea Powder because you can get your energy boost through various sources.

I chose to make a white matcha drink with warm milk and honey. I warmed up 1 cup of local Snowville Creamery grass-fed milk, mixed in 1/2 tsp of Matcha White Tea Powder, and added 1/2 tbsp of local raw honey. White Matcha has a greenish-brownish color. The combination of milk and Matcha White Tea Powder alone was a bit too grassy for me. The addition of honey made the drink delicious and warming.

Did I receive a lasting energy boost? Yes! I did feel the caffeine kick in (not overpowering) after a couple of sips.

When I need an alternative to coffee with an energy boost, I look to Red Leaf Tea Matcha White Tea Powder. I love that this powder can be used in drinks, smoothie, and baking and offers a long lasting mild energy boost that keeps me going for hours.

Disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. All opinions are my own.

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Returning to a Plant Based Diet

Shhh! I'm going to tell you a little secret...I am planning my return to a plant based diet. To start my transition back, I will slowly reduce the amount of meat I eat and transition to vegetarian diety with some vegan meals. From those of you who have been following me for a few years, you will remember that I have done the 21 Day Vegan Kickstart and the Lent Fast (meat and dairy free in my religion). For most of 2012, I was eating a vegetarian diet.

When I became pregnant in 2012, I thought long and hard about introducing meat and fish back into my diet. After doing research about the benefits to the growing baby, I decided to eat a small amount of mostly fish and some meat. I bought only organic, grass-fed, pasture raised, or wild caught meat/fish. I introduced some meat and fish into my diet during the middle of the 2nd trimester. Now that my baby is 10 months old, I think it is time for me return. I knew that at some point in the future, I would go back to a vegetarian diet with a splash of vegan. The time is now!

At this point in my life, I concluded that I do not need to meat. Meat and fish do not provide the same satisfaction as they once did. From my previous vegan fasts, I learned that I do enjoy some dairy in my life. I also learned that meat and dairy substitutes are not for me. If I cannot have real whole milk and real raw cheese, then I will just go without (or eat a small amount). I will minimize the amount of dairy I consume to continue to enjoy the foods I enjoy, but also reduce my impact on the environment and on my body.

The beans and grains have been replenished. The Spring and Summer Farmers Markets are just around the corner. Ladies and gentleman, I am pulling out my meat-free recipes!

P.S. Maybe I need to stop (or continue) reading books about plant-based diets. Or maybe it is the universe's little way to guide me in the right direction for my life. :)
 

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Quick Smoothies with Cheribundi Smoothie Packs [Review]

Smoothies are one of my guilty pleasures. I love blending concoctions of fruits, vegetables, dairy, and proteins to create a thick and satisfying drink. When I am sick, smoothies are the best way for me to quickly and easily get vitamins and nutrients. The creations and combinations of ingredients are endless. My favorite combinations include fresh fruits and vegetables with frozen berries. Cheribundi Organic Smoothie Packs provide a convenient way to make smoothies with great flavor and an excellent source of antioxidants.

Cheribundi Organic Smoothie Packs      
Rating: total green check marks out of 5.

The Good	The Not So Good
Certified Organic
Convenient packaging
Great flavor
Excellent source of antioxidants

Each package contains more than 20 ripe, organic tart cherries. Growing up in Europe, tart cherries were available everywhere. I love the taste of them and the health benefits. Tart cherries are a great source of antioxidant, especially anthocyanins, which help to block the enzymes that cause muscle inflammation. Nothing better than a tart cherry smoothie for a post workout recovery drink. Tart cherries are also great for other inflammatory conditions such as arthritis.

Cheribundi uses a proprietary juicing process that retains all of the nutrients, power and taste from the tart cherries. This "gentler juicing" process does not require higher temperatures to extract. Cheribundi products contain 100% pure juice without added water, sugar, or preservatives. Juice is flash pasteurized at the packaging stage to kill bacteria. I love that Cheribundi is committed to minimal processing. When I cannot get some foods fresh, I prefer to buy products that are minimally processed.

Each Cheribundi Smoothie Pack contains frozen tart cherry puree that is used to blend with your selection of smoothie ingredients. The packs should be kept in the freezer until ready to use.

Now that we have covered the basics of tart cherries as a superfruit, let's make a smoothie! I prefer for my smoothies to contain fresh ingredients (fruits and/or vegetables), a dairy (yogurt, milk), and/or a protein (almond butter, protein powder, etc). This combination of ingredients is a great post-run smoothie. The vitamins and nutrients replenish the body and help muscles to recover.

Creamy Tart Cherry Smoothie Recipe

Ingredients
1 Cheribundi Organic Smoothie Pack - Tart Cherry
1/2 organic banana
1 tbsp hemp protein powder
1/2 cup organic grass-fed 6% plain yogurt (can sub non-dairy yogurt or milk)

Directions: Place all ingredients in blender. Blend until combined. Enjoy!

I like that the frozen Cheribundi Smoothie Pack provides a little bit of ice and coolness to the smoothie. The tart cherry puree has a distinct flavor, but not tart once you mix it with your smoothie ingredients. If you prefer sweeter smoothies, add a natural sweetener like honey or a few dates. Next, I'm going to try a vegetable smoothie with Cheribundi Tart Cherry Smoothie Packs.

Cheribundi Organic Smoothie Packs can be purchased at your local Whole Foods Market.

Connect with Cheribundi on Facebook and Twitter.


>> What is your favorite smoothie combination??

Disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. All opinions are my own.

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