That's right, the sweet, slightly tart, crisp, burst-in-your-mouth explosion of flavor that is the Pomegranate has founds its way into my petite kitchen; making a home for itself in my daily breakfast Green Smoothie. It's juicy, blood-red goodness spewing all over my cutting board and stove-- staining my clothes as I break apart the neatly backed bundles of seeds into my bowl. Yet, I don't mind. It's a labor of love, as far as I am concerned. I know, I know, I am a little late jumping on the Pom bandwagon -- don't judge! I have only had this antioxident-rich fruit twice in the past: A girl I used to babysit for let me try some and at the farmers market. I thought it was o.k., but certainly nothing to write home about. I couldn't imagine doing all that work just to eat some seeds. (I can be very lazy at times.) However, while Kevin and I were doing our daily Sunday shopping at TJ's I noticed that they were on sale, and thought, "Why not?!" My smoothies were in dire need of a change anyway as I had been topping them with raisins and chopped up dates; not that this isn't good, but after a while it started to give me a stomachache. I think it had something to do with the smoothie digesting much faster than the dried fruit, a la bad food combining.
(I am not of the 'chugging' variety when it comes to Green Smoothies. I like to enjoy mine in a big ol'bowl topped with all sorts of goodies. My smoothies often have a yogurt consistancy making it more like a meal than a quick drink. Needless to say, the Pom provided just the right texture and crunch I desired. )
What's so good about poms other than their flava? Well, just in case you were interested, Poms are a powerhouse of nutrients. They are proven cancer fighters, have three times the amount of heart-healthy antioxidents than green tea and wine, high in dietary fiber, folate, Vitamin C, and Vitamin K. They are an excellent post-workout snack as they contain a lot of water and GOOD sugar (complex carbs). I love these little ruby red gems!
As mentioned, these have been the featured item in my latest Green Smoothie:
Green Smoothie Magic:
2 ripe bananas1/2 cup Chia Goodness (more on this later!)
2 ripe baby bananas (for extra creaminess!)
3 satsumas
4 cups Organic spinach
1 cup frozen pineapple
1 cup frozen mango
1/3 cup filtered water or nut milk
Blend all ingredients together until creamy and smoothie. I add the frozen fruit last, because I like to keep my smoothies slightly chilled and thick.
In a separate bowl de-seed your pom and combine with 1 cup of Wild Blueberries. (I get mine from Trader Joes because they are the most affordable, organic, wild blueberries I can find. Sorry, refuse to pay $5.99 a pint for blueberries; that's crazy talk!) Mix and then top with Green Smoothie Magic. Stir that baby together!
Mmmm, thick, creamy, and a perfect balance of flavors; the juice from the blueberries and poms mixes together to create this awesome deep purple that just swirls together with the green of the smoothie. Love it; looks like a cheese cake!
I have been eating this TWICE a day for the past TWO WEEKS! ...so you know it must be good.... Once for breakfast and then as my after dinner snack. It's an exellent way to double up on the blended greens and to refuel after workouts.
Food (All Organic):
-16 oz. water w/lime & msm
-2 liters water
-8 satsumas/clemintines
-2 Green Magic Smoothies + 2 additional kiwis add with Poms and W.Blueberries
-3 zucs spirialized into pasta w/ my Smoked Gouda Cheeze Sauce & Tomato/Parsley/Basil Sauce
-2 stalks celery
-8 dates
-1 apple
-16 oz. water with lime
Exercise (spaced throughout the day/night)
- 90 minute Bikram
- 4 mile run outside
- 35 minute walk
In keeping with the spirit of the upcoming holiday, it being Valentine's Day, I am collaborating with the ENC and a few SoCal meetup groups to host a Valentine's Day Potluck at the Environmental Nature Center in Newport Beach, CA. It will be held on Feb.12, 2010 from 6pm-8pm. As typically goes with potlucks, bring a dish that serves at least 10 people, all organic, raw, vegan. As well as a list of ingredients/recipe, serving utensils, and a place setting for yourself. This is going to be an awesome event! For more information please email me at maioa827@gmail.com to sign up.
Sounds SOOOOOOOO AWESOME!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThat sounds really good... is there something you can replace the spinach with? I am not a huge fan on spinach, or do you not taste it all since it is mixed up with delicious fruits
ReplyDeleteLaura,
ReplyDeleteYou totally CANNOT taste the spinach AT ALL. The fruit over powers the taste and spinch, at least to me is pretty mild. However, you can use Kale or Swiss Chard as a recplacement that will work just as well. Be careful, because swiss chard and kale have a stronger taste so you may need to add more bananas or frozen fruit to mask the taste!