A "Treat" Smoothie Packed with Nutrition You Can Feel Good About Indulging In!!

Tata’s Strawberry Colada Smoothie

This is one of my all-time favorite “treat” smoothies.  And even being a treat it is packed with nutrition (see nutritional information at the bottom of this post) and has no added sugars!  The kiddos in my life LOVE this smoothie as does the kid inside of me!!  I created this smoothie for a less sweet version of a Pina Colada and as a superfood treat.  Enjoy!

Yields: 16 oz of smoothie goodness!

Ingredients:

½ frozen banana

5 large frozen strawberries

2 TBS unsweetened shredded or fresh coconut

2 TBS full fat coconut milk** from a can*

*you can substitute non-fat plain/vanilla Greek yogurt to reduce the fat but you will lose the amazing natural coconut flavor and nutrition provided via the coconut milk—see below.

**Take note that coconut milk is VERY different from coconut water!  Make sure you are using coconut MILK from a can not the new ‘soy’ coconut milk version.

¾ cup pineapple/coconut juice* 

*I prefer R.W Knudsen’s—see picture below.  If can use solely pineapple juice but it will create a much sweeter smoothie.

1 TBS chia seeds* or 2 tsp Flax oil

*If you use chia seeds you will need a high power blender such as a Vita-mix and make sure you blend completely or you will end up with an unappetizing seedy smoothie.

Directions:

Place all ingredients in a blender and blend!  It’s that easy!!  Add a little more juice at a time for desired consistency. 

Optional:

Add 1 tsp pure lemon juice for a little tang and to boost nutritional content.  This is a great option if you feel like you are coming down with something or trying to kick a cold.

Make it Green: Add 1/2 cup fresh spinach leaves 

Top with shredded coconut as a garnish.

Add 1 scoop of Vanilla protein.  I like Spiru-Tein* (rice, soy and pea protein--dairy free!) or Muscle Milk Whey Vanilla protein. *I special order this 5lb container from Purple Moon Organic Espresso, Smoothies and Juice in Corvallis, OR (contact information below)--they offer a great deal on it and you will end up saving a ton of money.  Otherwise most stores only sell the 1 pound containers and they are spendy!  

Nutritional benefits:

Coconut milk: Helps fight infections; is high in fiber, vitamins: C, E, B1, B3, B5, B6 and contains minerals including: iron, selenium, sodium, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus and is dairy-free!  The chia seeds are high in: protein, fiber, Omega-3’s, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and also contain a decent amount of zinc, vitamin B3, potassium, vitamins B1 and B2. In the pineapple juice you will receive an adequate quantity of vitamins, enzymes and minerals which help with digestion; fight against stomach infections; help with constipation and indigestion, and help with arthritis and sinusitis.  Pineapple juice can also help with eye sight and prevents muscle cramps and soreness.  Pineapple juice is packed with vitamin C and is good for healthy immune system and supports cell growth!  Pineapple juice is often overlooked or not used very frequently; but as you can see it has amazing health benefits!!  And lastly in regards to the strawberries they are high in antioxidants; boost immunity; promote eye health; fight cancer; help with lowering cholesterol; reduce inflammation and regulate blood pressure among others!! So rest assured you are doing a great thing for yourself and your health by eating this smoothie!! 

 

Contact information to order protein:

Purple Moon Organic Espresso, Smoothies and Juice

(541) 760-1517

320 SE Chapman Place (In parking lot of South Co-op Natural Foods Store) Corvallis, OR 97333

Tell them Tata sent you!!

Enjoy!!  Love, Tata