gingerbread smoothie

Gingerbread in a glass!

This smoothie uses molasses similar to classic gingerbread.  Yes, molasses is sugar, but unlike processed white sugar it contains essential vitamins and minerals.  Blackstrap molasses lends a robust, sweet flavor which is very distinct.  It is an excellent source of iron and vitamin B6.  Molasses is often recommended to vegetarian pregnant women who are deficient in iron.

I added a scoop of vegan chocolate protein powder to this smoothie, but you do not have to.  If you want a “chocolate gingerbread smoothie,” add a teaspoon of cocoa powder or raw cacao powder.

gingerbread smoothie ~vegan, dairy free~

Gingerbread Smoothie

1 cup almond or soy milk

1 frozen banana

1-2 tablespoons blackstrap molasses

1 tablespoon chia seeds

1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger root

1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon cloves

1 scoop protein powder (optional)

1 teaspoon cocoa powder or cacao powder (optional)

-Blend and Enjoy!

the wake up call ~celery chia green smoothie~

Noah is turning into quite the green smoothie connoisseur!  I let him decide what ingredients to add, he stands on the counter dumping chia seeds, spinach, dates and fruit into the vitamix.  I admit, it’s not the cleanest kitchen in the world after he’s done but, I don’t care!  Seeing him get so excited about making a green smoothie is pure bliss to me!

Ever since the time change, he has been waking up at 5 AM, sometimes before!  We are all exhausted!  He hurries downstairs to give the dog a kiss then goes straight to the refrigerator and starts pulling out smoothie ingredients!  I guess if you wake up at 5 AM, you better start the day off with a green smoothie!

This is Noah’s the flavor of the week:

the wake up call green smoothie ~celery, spinach, chia seeds, coconut water, banana and pineapple~

The Wake Up Call

2 cups coconut water

1 cup frozen pineapple

2 stalks celery

2 large (noah sized) handfuls of baby spinach

1 banana

2 tablespoons chia seeds

2 dates, pitted

-Blend and enjoy!

celery chia wake up call green smoothie ~vegan~

Is anyone else having this insanely early wake up call with their little ones?  Words of advice on how to get him to sleep in a little longer?  I can deal with 5:30, but waking up at 4:45 is just wrong!

blueberry pie overnight oats

The problem with living in a summer vacation destination is that it becomes over run with people.  That’s why I love september…less tourists and less traffic, Cape Cod is ours to enjoy again!   We spent the weekend enjoying the crisp blue skies and visiting with friends and family.

Provincetown, Cape Cod

Provincetown, Cape Cod

I also managed to sneak in a little running.  I completed my “long run” for the week, 11 miles!  I’m feeling ready for the Cape Cod Zooma Half Marathon coming up on Sept. 28!  Originally, I set a goal for myself of averaging 9:30 minute miles.  On this past run, I surprisingly broke my goal and ran an average of 9:10 minute miles!  I have a new goal now of completing the half marathon with 9 minute miles…wish me luck!

I had a Zico Chocolate Coconut water waiting for me at the end of the run, which tasted so good!  I also had a bowl of coconut yogurt with a blueberry chiapod and cashews for a recovery snack.

photo-130

This combo led me to the idea of making blueberry overnight oats…

blueberry overnight oats ~vegan, gluten free~

I used dates and vanilla to give the oats a sweet flavor without added sugar.  They tasted pretty good!  Just like my pumpkin pie overnight oats, I don’t mind having pie for breakfast :)

Blueberry Overnight Oats

1.5 cups almond milk

1/2 cup fresh blueberries

2 dates, pitted

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 cup old fashioned oats

2 tablespoons chia seeds

-Add almond milk, blueberries, dates, vanilla and cinnamon to a blender and blend until blueberries are pureed.

-In a large bowl, stir together oats, chia seeds and almond milk mixture.

-Cover and place in the refrigerator overnight and enjoy in the morning!

blueberry overnight oats ~vegan, gluten free~

Hoping you all had a great weekend too!

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