Berry Blend

~Sunday, September 09, 2012

This smoothie is another morning favorite in our family to start off the day.  When my husband underwent back surgery last year, he truly believed he could help his body heal from the inside-out with the antioxidant benefits found in the regular consumption of blueberries.  He has also seen studies showing blueberries to contain anti-inflammatory nutrients for the body system when incorporated into our diet on a regular basis.

Even though my mom cooks wonderful Italian meals for the family (all the time!), my husband has made her a believer in the health benefits of juicing as well.  So if she hadn’t fallen and broken her foot on Mother’s Day this year, she would’ve had the perfect day:  dinner with family, the unveiling of her very own Vitamix blender, and the gift of a small blueberry bush to plant in her garden.

 Ingredients (Serves 6)

3  cups seedless watermelon, chilled

1  cup organic mixed berry blend, frozen

1  organic banana, peeled and halved

3  heaping tablespoons nonfat plain Greek yogurt

2  tablespoons flaxseed meal

¼ teaspoon fresh ginger, peeled

Place watermelon into the Vitamix, set machine on low (Variable 3), and blend for 20 seconds.  This should yield approximately 3 cups of juice in the container at this stage.

Place the rest of the ingredients in the Vitamix and blend on low, slowly increasing to a higher setting (Variable 10), then to HIGH.  Blend on HIGH for approximately 1 minute.  Serve immediately.