Smoothies – Page 3

Coconut Almond Green Protein Smoothie. Vegan. GF.

January 21, 2015 by Knead to Cook Filed Under: Breakfast, Brunch, Desserts, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Fitness., Fruit, Gluten Free, Nuts, Running/Races, Smoothies, Vegan, Vegan proteins, Vitamix, Wheat Free 2 Comments

Coconut Almond Green Protein Smoothie. Vegan | Knead to Cook.

Yesterday I got the best delivery from one of my favorite companies (and people ever) – Vega One! And as soon as I saw this awesome new flavor, coconut almond, I knew it was going to make its way into my recovery run shake this morning. I couldn’t wait to get home and try it!

Today, one child woke up with a sour stomach and the other got an early dismissal with the pending snow that was going to arrive this afternoon along with swim practice being cancelled. The snow arrived and its coming down at a nice pace. Expected to get 2-3 inches of winter fun. So a big pot of soup is simmering on the stove (mandatory on a snow day) and I’m sitting here blogging, plotting and doing a bit of laundry. How about you?

Well, I better move on to this smoothie recipe because this is a food blog after all. Super easy. Insanely tasty. I love green smoothies! Being a vegan or not – it’s a fantastic way to get protein in your diet. Plus Vega One’s new formulation is bionic. It’s packed with more protein, more greens and made from real whole food! Plus non-GMO and totally vegan. This is NOT a sponsored post, btw.
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— Knead to Cook

The Green Hemp Protein Smoothie. Vegan.

January 6, 2015 by Knead to Cook Filed Under: Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Gluten Free, No bake/cooking required!, Smoothies, Vegan, Vegan proteins, Vitamix, Wheat Free 5 Comments

It’s that time of year again, right? You vow to eat more veggies, less sugar. You commit to being healthier. That “D” word is thrown around like crazy. The intention ~admirable. But I’m going to let you in on a little secret. It isn’t a diet, it’s a lifestyle. That’s what the commercials, the ads and everyone won’t say! Honestly, there is no magic pill, diet, cleanse or what have you. I know, I was 33 lbs heavier 3.5 years ago than I am right now.

I don’t really like to share my raw images but I did a few weeks ago, if you follow me on Instagram. It some how added some validity to my journey, the food I blog about and recipes I create. Most followers of my IG account just assumed that I always looked this way. And how would anyone know, right? I felt overweight and unhappy. In hindsight, I ate too much sugar and food. One interesting note: I trained then the same as I do today. Make sure you actually read that – my training hasn’t changed from 33 lbs ago however my running has gotten faster due to the weight loss. I hit a point that I was sick and tired of feeling that way so I decided to start on my journey to change. I went from hardcore carnivore to the person sitting here typing this blog post today – a plant-based vegan. I realize extreme to some but this has been an ongoing metamorphosis over 3.5 years. I happily celebrate my vegan 1 year anniversary this month and have never felt better in my life.

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— Knead to Cook

Vegan Gingerbread Protein Smoothie.

December 6, 2014 by Knead to Cook Filed Under: Beverages, Breakfast, Brunch, Cookies, Desserts, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Fitness., Gluten Free, Holiday, Running/Races, Smoothies, Snacks, Vegan, Vegan proteins, Vitamix, Wheat Free Leave a Comment

Vegan Gingerbread Protein Smoothie.

I’ve been so inspired by the flavors of the season this year. I came up with this recipe on a long run I did last weekend. I gave it a few attempts and settled in on this recipe to share – heavenly. It is so reminiscent of a gingerbread cookie that it will have children and adults clambering. Not all smoothies require kale or spinach, although it kills me not to add it. I tested out VegaOne’s new protein powder that will be released in January and it was heavenly in this beverage. This is perfect to curb a sweet attack. Post workout refueling. Dessert. Breakfast… whatever you have in mind. Plus it’s vegan and adds a nice dose of iron through the black strap molasses, which is a great benefit for a vegan diet. If you aren’t vegan – use whatever dairy you wish. Almond or cashew milk work great for vegans. I hope you give this recipe a try… I also topped it with some crushed gingersnaps which made it even more fun for kids (or adults that are kids at heart).

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— Knead to Cook

Chocolate Mint Matcha Smoothie. Vegan.

August 21, 2014 by Knead to Cook Filed Under: Beverages, Brunch, Desserts, Gluten Free, Smoothies, Vegan, Vegetarian, Vitamix, Wheat Free 6 Comments

Chocolate Mint Matcha Smoothie. by Knead to Cook.

Chocolate Mint Matcha Smoothie. Totally vegan. This smoothie was inspired by a Thrive recipe. I’ll admit, Matcha is growing on me as I wasn’t a big fan when I first tasted it. It really is such a powerhouse that I kept incorporating it into my smoothies and now I tolerate it. It’s different from green tea because the leaves are crushed into powder form and you consume them (hello kryptonite) v. tea leaves which are just steeped.

Amongst its many benefits, matcha…
Is packed with antioxidants including the powerful EGCg.
Boosts metabolism and burns calories.
Detoxifies effectively and naturally.
Calms and relaxes.
Enhances mood and aids in concentration.
Provides vitamin C, selenium, chromium, zinc and magnesium.
Fights against viruses and bacteria.
Is rich in fiber.
Lowers cholesterol and blood sugar.
Does not raise insulin levels.

Okay with that being said, adding other flavors to it makes it, in my opinion, way more tasty. I love this smoothie and I have it in my post workout rotation of smoothie breakfast choices. Plus it’s chocolatey which makes the start of any day awesome! My kids also love it so I’ll go out on a limb and say that it’s kid-approved. Now where to find Green Tea Matcha Powder? Some tea shops will have it. I found it at the grocery store in the specialty tea aisle, online but be aware, it is pricey. Thankfully you don’t use that much in recipes because it is so powerful. Just wanted to share.

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— Knead to Cook

Watermelon Juice.

July 1, 2014 by Knead to Cook Filed Under: 4th of July/Patriotic, Beverages, Brunch, Desserts, Fruit, Gluten Free, Holiday, No bake/cooking required!, Party Foods, Smoothies, Vegan, Vegetarian, Vitamix 2 Comments

The one thing I simply cannot control myself around is watermelon. My friends laugh hysterically at me because I often eat an entire watermelon in under 1 day. I keep picking at it and just can’t stop. My drug of choice. Could be worse! Due to it’s extremely high water content, it’s a low cal food packed with nutrients. It is also a great post workout beverage to help prevent sore muscles after they’ve been torn up. During working out, muscle cells rely heavily on glycogen, the storage form of carbohydrates in your muscles and liver. Consuming watermelon shortly after your workout can help replenish glycogen storage, refueling your muscles for your next workout. Watermelon helps prevent the formation of free radicals, known to cause cancer. And the lovely watermelon also contains vitamin A which helps skin and hair. You just can’t go wrong! Pair this up with the power- packed coconut water, which helps replenish electrolytes and packs in more potassium than bananas —- why would you drink anything other than this after your next workout?! Refreshing on a hot afternoon by the pool too or for your next party! Although perfect, you can always transform this into an adult beverage by adding vodka as option.

As the hot weather lingers, my appetite drops but my thirst goes through the roof. This is the perfect beverage to refuel and refresh.

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— Knead to Cook

Chocolate Green Goddess Smoothie. {vegan} {gluten free}

June 20, 2014 by Knead to Cook Filed Under: Beverages, Breakfast, Brunch, Desserts, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Fruit, Gluten Free, Nuts, Raw, Smoothies, Snacks, Vegan, Vegetarian, Vitamix, Wheat Free 4 Comments

This is the smoothie I make for myself every day. I’m a chocolate lover and this is my go-to reward protein smoothie after a killer run or workout. I workout 6 days a week and I prefer to consume a protein smoothie right after working out to speed up recovery. Not overloading your stomach with food helps speed up recovery so the body can focus on muscle recovery versus digesting food in the stomach. I’ve tweaked this recipe so many times and I’m finally feel that is ready to share. I now, also make this for my oldest before swim practice every morning. I think the balance of the cacao powder drowns out the spinach factor and she never even pays attention to it. I love that I’m getting at least two servings of veggies in her before 8 am and she works her muscles hard in the pool. It’s not overly sweet but just the perfect balance.

I realize there are about a million green smoothie recipes out there. This is just one of my favorite takes on it and it’s vegan and totally gluten free. Oh yeah, and protein packed! It may not be the most glamorous but it sure ranks up there in flavor.
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— Knead to Cook

Hail to Kale Smoothie.

June 17, 2014 by Knead to Cook Filed Under: Beverages, Brunch, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Fruit, Gluten Free, No bake/cooking required!, Raw, Smoothies, Snacks, Vegan, Vegetarian, Vitamix, Wheat Free 2 Comments

Ah summer is here. Hot temps have arrived and the craziness of summer has begun in our household. Taxi driving to and from work, practice, friend’s houses, swim meets… numerous grocery store runs for ravenous kids. Oh and Father’s Day was this past weekend. It’s all fun and nutty and I’m trying to breathe and embrace the time. I’m a type A control freak and I desperately am seeking a routine in the midst of the insanity. I’m not winning, just in case you were wondering.

Our garden is flourishing in the warm, dare I say, hot weather. Our kale is huge and beautiful. I couldn’t resist after running one kid home from swim practice and taking the other to the pool to hang out… whipping my dad and I a lovely green kale smoothie. It came out great. Not overtly sweet and quite refreshing – just what we both needed after a morning outside working. When the hot weather comes, I don’t gravitate towards conventional meals but like easily digestible foods/beverages that refuel and fill my body with nutrients I need. My daughter even loved this one. Love when that happens!

Inspired by The Blender Girl. [Read more…]

— Knead to Cook

Strawberry Overload Protein Smoothie. {vegan} {gluten free}

June 5, 2014 by Knead to Cook Filed Under: Beverages, Breakfast, Brunch, Desserts, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Featured, Gluten Free, Smoothies, Vegan, Vegetarian, Wheat Free 4 Comments

Our strawberry patch is exploding with fresh, gorgeous, organic strawberries! After bringing in about 5 lbs I thought it would be fun to whip up some strawberry milk for my youngest (her fave) and it quickly turned into a protein smoothie. She loves strawberry milk (almond, that is) but I opted to pack it with additional protein to help bulk up a bit, she’s on the small side. This is just another way of using up some of the gorgeous summery strawberries you might have on hand. Makes the perfect breakfast, lunch or snack. Also makes the perfect dessert! [Read more…]

— Knead to Cook

Green smoothie bowl.

June 2, 2014 by Knead to Cook Filed Under: Beverages, Breakfast, Brunch, Evolution Power Yoga 40 Days, Fruit, Gluten Free, Nuts, Raw, Smoothies, Snacks, Vegan, Vegetarian, Vitamix, Wheat Free 3 Comments

While going through my Instagram friend feed I stumbled upon A Blonde Vegan’s green smoothie lunch and I became intrigued. I really love her recipes and outlook on food/health. If you get a chance, check her out. As for me, I’m new to veganism (5 months in) and much of my feed is from vegans…

I observe.
I research.
I learn.
It’s all a process.

I tried her recipe last week and then morphed it a bit to suit my needs for lunch and wanted to post the recipe. It’s quite good and very filling. Packed with vital nutrients and protein… I’m all over it. You can certainly adapt the sweetness level by adding more or less fruit to the smoothie. But overall, this is a winner hands down! I hope you enjoy it and get inspired to make your very own!

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— Knead to Cook

Chocolate Cashew Protein Smoothie.

May 23, 2014 by Knead to Cook Filed Under: Beverages, Breakfast, Desserts, Fitness., Gluten Free, Nuts, Running/Races, Smoothies, Snacks, Vegan, Vegetarian, Vitamix, Wheat Free 2 Comments

Want a sip?

It’s Friday! It’s a long weekend and I’m so excited because today we head out to my favorite city, New York, to visit my best friend in the whole world and her family who are going to be there this weekend touring the awesomeness that the city has to offer. Since getting our puppy in December my trips to New York haven’t happened. I love NYC in the spring. I’m also so excited to be surrounded by vegan restaurants to try! I’m so happy I could burst.

Today I got up at 5 am and headed out for a run knowing I was going to be in the car for a bit today not moving around (I hate that). I haven’t been feeling my runs lately mostly because the heat and humidity have arrived and I’m so not a fan. But happily when I stepped outside, I found the weather cool and crisp. I was thrilled. I wanted to do 8-10 miles and at a slower pace around 8:30 mm. I just ran and loved it. I was faster than I wanted to be but I felt great. It went pretty fast and I arrived home and couldn’t wait to whip up a smoothie to speed along my recovery and energize me for a long day ahead.

This recipe is super delicious and totally kid-friendly. It’s packed with protein for muscle recovery and tastes so decadent that it feels like dessert – which it should feel like on a Friday of a long weekend when you’re husband takes Friday off too! [Read more…]

— Knead to Cook