I try to do a good job with getting a variety of fruits and veg into my diet.  Sometimes, I can get into a rut.  I’ll admit it.  (Especially after our raw foods chef resigned!  Boo hoo!)  Fortunately, we have this great service that delivers fresh, organic produce to our home every week.  Sometimes we get things that are no brainers–bananas, spinach, strawberries, potatoes, etc.  Other times, we have to email the owner and ask just what the hell we were looking at and how we can use it!

Aside from the convenience, getting a weekly tote keeps me on my toes.  I hate to waste food, so I try to use at least three different fruits and/or veg in each recipe I create.  I’ve become a master at making delicious vegetable soups from scratch.  Creamy and delicious vegan bowls of love, for sure.  I’ve also been known to whip up one hell of a smoothie.  One of my favorites involves kale, blueberries, banana, flax seed, a little almond milk and (maybe) a scoop of protein powder.  The other is a killer “chocolate” shake that is loaded with antioxidants from superfoods like maca and cacao.  Oh, and spinach.  😉  I got the recipe from Stacy Stowers.  She calls it the “Happy Shake.”  The ingredients may have you wonder, but get a look at that photo!  (Yes, it really does look–and taste!–that good.)

HAPPY SHAKE

The BASE:   3-4 cups fresh spinach.  GREEN is Glorious!  1/2 cup liquid–water, juice, nut milk, coconut water.  You pick!   (Start with less liquid and add more as needed)

A GOOD FAT is essential for keeping you satisfied and metabolizing the spinach:  1Tbs. coconut oil (good fat won’t make you fat) or 1-2 Tbs. Hemp Seed (a complete protein).  You can also use a raw egg if you want.

The “HAPPY” Part:  1/2-1Tbs. Maca (for stamina, endurance, mental clarity and peak sexual performance for both men and women); 1Tbs. Raw Cacao (In its raw state, raw chocolate is actually a valuable potent super food loaded with nutrients and neuro-peptides very similar to the ones our bodies create when we are in LOVE!)  1Tbs. a super GREEN RAW powder. GREEN is highly alkalizing. This is crucial! Very important for weight management and longevity!

THIS IS MOST IMPORTANT.  DO NOT ADD FRUIT HERE–BLEND into a SLUDGE!

This is a crucial step for a Happy Shake!

Now you can add your favorite FROZEN fruit–frozen banana, frozen blueberries and/or frozen raspberries.  Blend.

Topping this with cacao nibs or coconut adds a little extra texture and flavor.  You can also add goji berries for an additional antioxidant kick!