Summer Smoothies

How do you do smoothies?

I have always loved smoothies. Ever since I was a little kid, I would always ask my mom to make me a smoothie before soccer practice or on my way to school. It was sweet and satisfying but also filling and providing my body with nutrients. Once I was old enough to use the blender, I was making wild smoothie combinations and enjoying every single one of them. I did get a little help from my siblings (who both worked at Jamba Juice in high school) when making these amazing smoothie combinations. Whether it be an all fruit smoothie or a chocolate-y delight, I was always making smoothies at home.

This summer has been the perfect excuse for me to revisit my smoothie making roots and create some delicious, trendy flavors with some amazing toppings. I used a lot of Pitaya this summer along with bananas, raspberries, strawberries, mango and watermelon! 

I know smoothies can have high caloric content but in my opinion, everything in moderation. 

Now I don't drink smoothies EVERYDAY, but I do drink them more often then others would. DUE TO my busy schedule I have found it easier to make smoothies for a grab and go snack. With my nutrition background, I have found a balance and realized that with the combination of exercise and eating a well balanced diet (adequate intake of essential nutrients) throughout the day make a smoothie a bonus to my diet! If you enjoy it and find your balance, then enjoy smoothies like I do! 

So I hope you enjoy these smoothie combinations and stay hydrated this summer. 

Pitaya Paradise

Pitaya is dragonfruit. Packed full with antioxidants, fiber, vitamins and minerals!

Ingredients:

• 1 Pitaya Plus smoothie packet
• 1/2 cup pineapple, chunks
• 1 frozen banana
• 1 cup water

Optional Toppings: Fig bars and Theo Dark Chocolate

Coconut Raspberry Banana Smoothie

"A one-cup serving of frozen red raspberries has only 80 calories but provides 60% of the recommended daily allowance of vitamin C, 36% fiber, 45% Manganese, 5%, of potassium, and all with only 1 gram of fat and, no cholesterol." -Red Razz

Ingredients: 

• 1 cup frozen raspberries
• 1 frozen banana
• 1 cup coconut cream yogurt
• 1 cup water

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Enjoy!

Strawberry DragonFruit Smoothie

"Strawberries are in low in sugar and calories, and provide a unique combination of essential nutrients, dietary fiber and phytochemicals. Clinical research suggests that eating just one serving of eight strawberries a day may improve heart health, help manage diabetes, support brain health, and reduce the risk of some cancers." -California Strawberries

Ingredients:

• 1 cup frozen strawberries
• 1 fresh red flesh dragon fruit, skinned and diced
• 1 frozen banana
• 1 cup water

Optional toppings: sunflower kernels

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a blender ad blend until smooth.

Mango Pitaya Smoothie

"A one-cup serving of mangos is 100 calories." -Mango Board

Ingredients:

• 1 cup mango, diced
• 1 Pitaya Plus smoothie packet
• 1 frozen banana
• 1 cup water

Optional: Top with fresh mango to add some texture and fiber!

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a blender. Blend until smooth. Enjoy!

Or I just go for a simple smoothie without the toppings. 

Frozen Watermelon, Strawberry Banana Slushie

"One serving of 2 cups of watermelon is packed with nutrients that support your health!... hydration and antioxidants that can aid in recovery after exercise." -Watermelon Board

Ingredients:

• 2 cups watermelon, cubed
• 1/2 cup frozen strawberries
• 1 medium banana
• 1/2 fresh orange, peeled and sliced
• 1 cup water

Directions: 

1. Combine all ingredients into a blender. Blend until smooth. Add more water for smooth texture. Enjoy immediately!

"Disclosure: I was not compensated for my time or sponsored for this post. I did not received any samples."

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwiches

The summer is hot and the kitchen gets even hotter...making cooking a tedious task when the heat is literally everywhere. I am one to avoid the heat during the summer and I usually apt for smoothies, ice cream and popsicles to cool off immediately. However, that is no diet I should live off of for the whole summer. hehe. So to stay as far away from the heat as possible, I like to use my slow cooker... where I can drop all the ingredients into one pot and let it do its thing while I enjoy the summer days out of school. One of my favorite recipes is one my family loves. Pulled pork sandwiches!

A great summer meal that keeps you out of the kitchen (and out of the added heat) and its so delicious! Also, it's perfect for this month's Recipe Redux theme, "Whether you go slow or fast, just don’t turn on the oven. Show us how to keep the kitchen cool by using one of these appliances: Slow cooker, instant pot, pressure cooker."

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Makes about 12 sandwiches

Ingredients:

• 1 (3lb) boneless pork shoulder
• 2 teaspoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite flavor... I used a Honey BBQ sauce)
• 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 3 tablespoons yellow mustard
• 2 tablespoons onion powder
• 12 sweet rolls

Directions:

1. In a slow cooker on medium heat, add the olive oil and pork. Cook covered for an hour on medium heat.
2. Add BBQ sauce, onion, garlic, mustard, and onion powder. Cook covered on low for 4-5 hours.
3. Remove meat. Shred with two forks and return to slow cooker; heat through.
4. Lightly toast sweet rolls and place about 2/3 cup serving of pulled pork on each sweet roll. Enjoy immediately!

Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Popcorn Bark

With summer in full swing and the multiple parties and holidays coming up, I have been working on a quick and delicious treat that can be perfect for any occasion. One of my favorite snacks is popcorn and I love the many ways you can snack on it! In trail mix, with different seasonings, or as a delicious chocolate bark treat! This leads me to sharing one of my favorite recipes that is full of protein, fiber and sweetness. Dark chocolate chips+ sea salt and pepper popcorn = sweet & savory goodness. AND the peanut butter makes it twice as good!

YUM. 

Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Popcorn Bark

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dark chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 3/4 cup popcorn (I used SkinnyPop Sea Salt and Pepper flavor)
• 2 tablespoons sunflower kernals 
• 1 tablespoon Sea Salt

Directions:

1. In a microwave safe bowl, combine dark chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave for 1 minute, stirring at 30 seconds.
2. On a nonstick paper (parchment paper) pour melted chocolate mixture. Evenly spread out for a 1/4 inch thickness.
3. In a clean microwave safe bowl, add peanut butter. Microwave for 30 seconds and stir. Place dollops of melted peanut butter on top of melted chocolate. With a knife, slowly swirl the chocolate and peanut together, making a cool design.
4. Sprinkle popcorn and sunflower kernals on top and place in freezer for 20-30 minutes or until solid.
5. Break into pieces and enjoy immediately!

I was not compensated or sponsored for my time for this posting.