Matcha Chia Pudding Green Smoothie

This thick & creamy Matcha Chia Pudding Green Smoothie is protein-packed and loaded with antioxidants, Vitamin A,  & Omega-3 fatty acids. The perfect pre-workout meal!

Not that this should be a shocker to anyone who has ever read a game day recipe post of mine, but I did not watch the Super Bowl on Sunday evening. Honestly, I could have cared less who won or lost. And if I had attended a party to watch the game (which I didn't), then I would have only been there for the snacks, my friends. ;)

But there is one thing about the Super Bowl that I do like hearing about and watching the next day, and that is the halftime show. The halftime show the past couple of years didn't really impress me much even though I have always been a big fan of both Justin Timberlake and Maroon 5. 

But when I heard that both Jennifer Lopez and Shakira would be performing at this year's show, I was actually kind of sad that I had cut the cord on cable last year and would have to wait to watch it until later on my laptop. 

I have been a longtime fan of both of these ladies for many years. WAY back in the day, JLo and Shakira were some of my favorites to hear played when I went out to the dance clubs with my friends. Their upbeat, high energy music pretty much made up half of the soundtrack for my early to late twenties. 

Strawberry-White Beet Green Smoothie

Packed with vitamins, nutrients, & antioxidants, this thick & creamy Strawberry-White Beet Green Smoothie is the perfect way to get in those leafy greens...

This recipe first appeared on the Bridgeport Farmers Market Let's Get Fresh site.

I am on a mission once again this outdoor farmers market season to show you all how you can create a delicious recipe purchasing mostly locally grown & raised produce and meats at your local farmers market. I started this locally inspired recipe series in the summer of 2017, and I am thrilled to be continuing the series this year as well. Each month I will be sharing a recipe here to the blog inspired by and featuring some of my own personal favorite fresh & local finds from my local market. 

For the month of June, I am sharing the recipe for this vitamin & nutrient packed Strawberry-White Beet Green Smoothie. Since I started on my journey to a healthier lifestyle a few months ago, smoothies- especially green smoothies - have become an integral part of my diet. I start out most days with a creamy smoothie blended with lots of the good stuff- frozen fruit, leafy greens, green tea, & chia seeds. 

Almond Joy Green Smoothie

I would venture to say that it is no secret to my regular readers and followers that I have a crazy mad sweet tooth.  I have been making strides to eat healthier more often, but I do try to live by a moderation and not deprivation rule as far as my daily diet goes. To curb and satisfy those frequent sweet tooth cravings, I like to create a few lower calorie and lower fat versions of some of my dessert favorites. 

And one of my fave ways to do this is with simple & creamy green smoothies. 

While there are a handful of candy bars that I crave, Almond Joys often top my list.  Creamy coconut & crunchy almonds coated in sweet milk chocolate...

I am pretty happy to report to you all that my Almond Joy Green Smoothie comes pretty close to the real deal. ;)

Perfect for when you need a sweet treat without overindulging...

Blackberry Lemonade Green Smoothie

Juicy blackberries & freshly squeezed lemon come together perfectly in this creamy, delicious, & good-for-you Blackberry Lemonade Green Smoothie...

Post updated 3/21/18- This tart & sweet Blackberry Lemonade Green Smoothie deserved some updated photos. I did leave one of the originals down below just so you all can see for yourself why this recipe so desperately needed a little face lift. ;)

In case you all are curious, I am still on my green smoothie kick.  It did not end with my Green Smoothie Week.

Although I do have to admit that I am not having one every afternoon like I used to. 

But they are still my absolute favorite way to sneak in some extra leafy greens for myself and for baby girl.  Seriously you all- she sucks them down like they are the best thing ever.

Like she would have a green smoothie over an Oreo almost any afternoon.

I will take that any day. ;)

Afternoon Pick-Me-Up Green Smoothie

I know some of you all may be viewing the whole green smoothie craze as just that... a fad that will just fade away as soon as we roll into February.  

And for some (maybe many), that will be the case.

But I have actually found that I am loving green smoothies!  I have one just about every day for a healthy afternoon snack.

Okay, so some of you may not have heard of a green smoothie before.  Basically it a fruit smoothie with a handful or two of fresh leafy greens blended in.  Often times, it will give the smoothie a green tint (thus the name ;) ), but you really can't taste the greens at all.  People use a variety of greens in their green smoothies- from kale to swiss chard.  I personally prefer spinach- it is a softer leaf and more mild in taste so it usually just completely disappears into my smoothies.

(Pssssttt... moms! This a genius way to get your kiddos to eat more veggies and fruits without them even knowing it.  It even works with green veggie-phobic husbands. Shhhhh... ;) )