Ninja Turtle Smoothie...Not just for kids Dude.

The Ninja Turtle smoothie. Yes, that is the name of this amazingly healthy drink. And whether you are making if for yourself or your children - you must call it by its name...The Ninja Turtle.

So here is my lecture for the day...however, let it be said that if you are a follower of my blog you probably adhere to my exact same thoughts. I am sure those who don't aren't interested in my recipes :-). BUT, if you can cook, entertain, create a meal, for just one non healthy eater, and show them there are healthful alternatives maybe you can make a change in someone else...ahhhh, the eternal optimist.

It is hard enough to get adults to eat vegetables these days that aren't covered in butter or some calorie packed sauce - try getting kids to eat it! I am a firm believer that we need to get back to being able to appreciate the taste of a 100% naked fruit or vegetable. There is nothing like picking something straight from the garden & enjoying it the way mother nature intended :-). I promise you will get out of your body exactly what you put in...so treat it well & teach your kids to enjoy healthy foods that offer nothing but goodness. So, say "no more!" to processed, saturated fats & processed garbage for those little bodies who can't make their own meals. They are only given the options in which you allow them - so make that option 100% healthy.

Here is a break down of the key ingredients for the Ninja Turtle Smoothie ...and just a few of the many health benefits!

Kale is considered by nutritionists to be the most nutritious vegetable in the world with extremely powerful antioxidant properties. It also contains sulforaphane, which is a chemical believed to have potent anti-cancer properties (particularly when chopped or minced which is perfect for a smoothie). Kale is very high in beta carotene, vitamin K, vitamin C, lutein, zeaxathin, and also has a fair amount of calcium...seriously a wonder food!

Cinnamon is a great source of manganese, fiber, iron, and calcium. The health benefits are this zesty little spice are amazing...boosts cognitive function and memory, anti-clotting effect on the blood,  a regulatory effect on blood sugar, can lower LDL cholesterol, and the list goes on and on.

Blueberries are one of the few fruits native to North America (very cool!). They are super rich in antioxidants, and have shown to improve memory & favorable impact on blood sugar regulation in persons diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. They are commonly considered one of the healthiest foods!

Mango is an excellent source of Vitamin-Aand flavonoids like beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, and beta-cryptoxanthin. It has been found to protect against colon, breast, leukemia and prostate cancers. It is rich in pre-biotic dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals and poly-phenolic flavonoid antioxidant compounds. It contains the heath promoting qualities making it a common ingredient in new functional foods often called “super fruits”.

Bananas are rich in vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fiber. They also contain vitamin B6, and no other fruit contains more digestible carbohydrates than bananas. This is advantageous because, the body burns off calories from carbohydrate more easily and quickly than calories from fat or protein.

Almond Milk is high in a number of vitamins and minerals,such as vitamin E, manganese, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, selenium, iron, fiber, zinc and calcium. A huge benefit is it is low in calories & fat. Almond milk is lactose, gluten, casein and cholesterol free; it's also free of saturated fats.

Stevia is a plant which the leaves are used as a natural sweetener & are about 30 times sweeter than sugar and have no calories. Select a stevia concentrated liquid that is 100% natural & organic. DO NOT us artificial sweeteners that contain stevia - these are highly processed & offer no health benefits.Typically, can find the liquid in the natural or organic section of your grocery store. You may have to venture to a Whole Foods or other specialty grocer if yours doesn't carry it.

My kids absolutely love these smoothies. They beg me for them in fact. Crazy, but true. I promise you your children will as well!

Ninja Turtle Smoothie
1 Handful (maybe a cup) of rinsed Kale
Handful of blueberries
1 banana
1/2 a mango
1 teaspoon Cinnamon
1 cup Almond Milk (if not vanilla almond milk add 1 teaspoon organic vanilla extract)
4-5 drops liquid stevia

Place all ingredients into a cup - mix with your handy dandy hand held blender. Mix very well - lift the blender up and down to insure it is smooth & blended.

Serving with an umbrella is optional. My kids however feel it is a necessity :-). Too good health, cheers!