Now, most of us have grown up around the idea of celebrating ValentineÕs Day with chocolates. But how about trying something different this year? Try a sweet, satisfying smoothie as a treat over the traditional sugar-saturated alternatives. YouÕd be surprised to know how many delightfully healthy recipes there are that can help you celebrate ValentineÕs Day the healthy way. Here are 5 smoothies that are sure to help you make your special day even more so!
SEE ALSO: Beat The Winter Blues: 4 Revitalizing Smoothie Recipes You Need To Try
Pomegranate Pinky Smooth Smoothie
Pomegranate is rich in antioxidants, vitamin K, fiber and potassium, which makes it one of the healthiest fruits out there! And to top that, its pinkish purple color is sure to set the tone of the evening!
Ingredients
- 1 cup frozen pomegranate seeds + 1 Tbsp for garnish
- 1 2/3 cups silken tofu (1 package) + 3 Tbsp soy milk
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
- 1 avocado, de-pitted
- 1 package Dr Oetker’s chocolate pudding mix
- a pinch of salt
- 1 graham cracker crust
Directions
Start by adding the tofu, soy milk, pudding mix, sugar, salt and vanilla extract into a soup pot. Stir it properly and bring it to a boil. Add the frozen pomegranate seeds when the mixture begins to thicken.
Now take the mixture out of the pot and add it to a blender, add some avocado in it as well. Blend the mixture until it is smooth and creamy.
Top with a few pomegranate seeds and enjoy!
Chocolate Strawberry Banana Shake
HereÕs a perfectly vegan recipe to try this ValentineÕs Day! This refreshing and healthy smoothie will help you get your vitamins, minerals and fiber, while also helping you out with that sweet tooth!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2-2 cups frozen banana
- 2 cups frozen strawberries
- 2 cups vanilla soy or hemp milk
- 1 Tbsp agave or maple syrup
- 1 1/2 Tbsp vegan chocolate spread
*Try Dark Choco Dream Fair-Trade Chocolate Spread by Natural Nectar - 1 1/2 cups ice
- garnish: fresh strawberries and chocolate spread
- optional: substitute 1/2 cup of the frozen berries with fresh berries
Description
Simply blend all the ingredients in a blender until smooth, pour, serve and enjoy!
ValentineÕs Day Smoothie
Ever noticed how strawberries are so perfectly shaped in the shape of a heart? Nothing can compete with the sweet fragrance and taste of strawberries and hereÕs your chance to put them to good use this Feb 14th!
Ingredients
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1/2 cup chopped banana
- 1/2 cup fresh blueberries
- cup frozen strawberries
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal
- 1 tablespoon honey
- fresh strawberries for garnishing
Directions
Put everything into the blender and puree until smooth. Take the cores out of the strawberries, slice them vertically, and fan them out on top of each smoothie.
Very Berry Smoothie
Berries are another popular ValentineÕs Day eatable and now you can snack on them using this delightfully delicious smoothie!
Ingredients
- 3-4 large, fresh strawberries
- 1/2 cup fresh blueberries
- 1/2 cup fresh blackberries
- 1/2 cup fresh raspberries
- 1 cup almond milk
- 1 teaspoon flax seeds
- 1/2 cup ice
Directions
Mix all ingredients in a blender and blend until you have a nice puree. Serve and enjoy!
Cherry Mango Love Smoothie
HereÕs the perfect recipe to get cheery with! A cherry-mango smoothie full of nutritional goodness to spread the love with this ValentineÕs Day! Top it with a heart-shaped slice of mango, and youÕre all set to impress your Valentine!
Ingredients
- 2-3 ripe bananas (spotted all over)
- 2 ripe mangoes (very soft and wrinkly all over)
- 1-2 cups frozen black cherries
Directions
Start by placing the mangoes at the bottom of your blender, followed by the bananas and then frozen cherries. You can also add some water so that it blends easier. Blend until you get a nice smooth puree, serve chilled!
Ready to make your special someone feel special this ValentineÕs Day? Stop by the Co-op for gluten-free, vegan, healthy dessert to treat yourself with! Feeling more adventurous? Come to the Sweet Treats Cooking Class on Saturday Feb, 14th to learn from the pros at GRUB how to create delectable and nourishing alternatives to your favorite V-Day splurges!
Need a smoothie fix, but donÕt have time to make any of these recipes? The Co-op Caf serves some of the finest smoothies in Wilmington made from farm fresh organic produce. They are a treat within themselves – Click here to check out our smoothie menu!
Download the Smoothie & Juice Menu with Prices!
Sources: http://www.bodyenlightenment.me/blog/2013/02/raw-food-recipe-cherry-mango-love-smoothie-for-valentines-day/, http://www.scjohnson.com/en/green-choices/Everyday-Alternatives/Articles/Article-Details.aspx?date=13-02-08&title=Three-Healthy-Valentine-s-Day-Smoothies, http://www.momtastic.com/food/114090-valentines-day-smoothie/, http://kblog.lunchboxbunch.com/2010/06/chocolate-strawberry-banana-shake.html, http://marionateovernight.ca/smoothie-addiction/