Recipe: Berry Delicious Green Smoothie

   I don't know about you, but I have trouble making myself eat enough vegetables.  It's not that I hate them per se.  I just prefer to eat other things.  In the past, I have enjoyed V8 Splash which it turns out is full of high fructose corn syrup, and V8 Fusion which is healthier but still expensive.  Recently I've learned of this recipe.  Like V8 Splash and V8 Fusion it uses fruit to mask the taste of vegetables resulting in a sweet drink that's actually good for you.  It really helps me increase my servings of veggies and adds a nice little snack to my afternoons.

• 1 cup apple juice or water (I use water, it's cheaper and has no sugar)
• Handful of spinach OR collard OR kale leaves (In my experience, spinach is the best)
• 1 frozen banana (previously peeled and frozen) (you can use a room temperature banana if you don't mind your drink a little less cold)
• 1/2 cup of frozen blueberries
• 1/2 cup of frozen strawberries
• optional: 1/2 cup frozen raspberries (actually any frozen berries will do)

 In your blender puree the juice/water and greens first.  Then add the frozen fruit and blend together with greens until creamy.  If a thinner smoothie is desired, add more water until desired consistency.  Can also add ice for a thicker, colder smoothie.  For a sweeter smoothie add more berries.

 Note: I have no children, but I have heard that this can be a good way to sneak some veggies to picky kids.

Recipe: Texas Chili

  A couple of months ago my gym hosted a talk from a nutritionist.  In addition to all the helpful information she provided, she also gave us several recipes.  This is one of my favorites.  It is different from most other chili recipes I've tried, but I love it.  It's not spicy but very flavorful.  I added a couple of notes of my own to the recipe below.  It has quickly become a favorite in our house.  I hope you enjoy it as much as we do.

1/2 lb ground turkey (omit for vegetarian)
1 small onion chopped
2 cloves of garlic
1 can of diced fire roasted tomatoes (I use 1 cup fresh diced tomato)
1 can sauce
1 can of black beans (drained and rinsed)  (If you cook your own 1 1/2 cup = 1can)
1/2-1 cup water
1 cup frozen corn
1/2 green bell pepper (chopped or chunks)
1/2 red bell pepper
1/2 yellow bell pepper
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. fresh ground pepper
1 tsp. cumin
1 tsp. chili powder

In a large soup pot cook meat, onions, and garlic together.  If not using meat, add some olive oil to cook the onion and garlic.  Cook until onions are tender, add the rest of ingredients, stir and bring to a boil on medium heat.   Turn down to simmer for 30 min.

1/2 cup serving w/ meat and beans is 19g protein, without is 9g protein.
1/2 cup serving w/ meat 225 calories, without meat is 125 calories.