Drink a Meal Now and Then!

I often drink my meals; I actually have no problem doing that. It's not uncommon for me to have a delicious protein power packed smoothie for breakfast or lunch, sometimes both. I also start each morning off with a 4 - 6oz serving of pure homemade juice. I have actually been juicing for quite a while now after a friend if you can believe this; offered me her Jack Lalanne juicer that she never used. Hello! Yes I'll take that! Anyways, I have gone through several inexpensive blenders and recently the bullet. I just wore the sucker right down. One of the only things I asked for Christmas was the "Ninja 1500" blender,juicer, food processor, dough maker "all in one" And Santa was good to me. This bad boy comes complete with a 2 horsepower motor and a triple blade which makes all the difference in the world. Take a look:

Pretty cool; so I decided to turn our center island in the kitchen into a juice and smoothie bar for my family and I to enjoy. I love it! My Dad has gotten into the habit of coming over every morning for one of my many concoctions: Check it out: Bottoms up to a continued Happy and Healthy New Year!

Carrot Apple Tangerine Juice - 1 Large Carrot, 1 Red Delicious Apple, 2 Clementines or 1 lg tangerine, Cut tips and ends off carrot, Core and cut apple into quarters (no need to peel), Remove peel and pith on clementines or tangerines, Feed through juicer in above order - stir and serve over ice

Blueberry/Banana Protein Smoothie - 1 Frozen Banana (Peel and slice banana before freezing), 3-4 Ice Cubes, 1 Cup Frozen Blueberries, 1 Cup Almond Breeze Almond/Coconut milk or any low-fat milk, 1/2 Cup Vanilla Chobani Greek Yogurt, 1 Scoop vanilla protein powder, 1tbs ground flax seed (great for omega 3's), 1tbs wheat germ, 1 tsp agave nectar for sweetness (has a low glycemic index will not spike your blood sugar), Place all ingredients in blender and mix to enjoy!

Pumpkin Pie Smoothie - 1 Frozen Banana (Peel and slice before freezing), 3 Ice Cubes, 1 Cup Almond Milk, 3/4 Pumpkin Pure (I used Libby's,) 1/4 Cup Oatmeal, 1/4 tsp Chia Seeds or 1 Tbs ground flax seed, dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin spice, Blend all together and squirt a little light whipped cream on top for an extra 15 calories! Calorie Count = 335 Not bad at all! - One of my favorites - Thank you Pinterest!