When you are a Health Coach, some of the most unusual things can make you giddy. Like finding zucchini blossoms at the farmer’s market…or finding a place that makes a smoothie with hemp seeds and maca…or, as was the case for me this weekend, coming across a Vitamix demonstration at my Whole Foods Market. I love to see what the demonstrator is going to make (it’s always delicious!) and get new ideas of what I can buy and blend. There is just something about a Vitamix that one does not quite understand or appreciate until there is one in your kitchen and you witness, first-hand, its amazing abilities. Want to pulverize kale? Make dairy free ‘ice cream’? Make hot soups and nut milks? I can tell you, the one Cuisinart and two Ninja blenders I’ve gone through couldn’t compare to what my Vitamix can do. (I am told that the BlendTec is a highly regarded competitor, and that may be the case, I’d love to hear if you have compared the two.) I could go on and on about how much I love my Vitamix, but I will skip to the fun stuff and share a few great recipes for you to try. If you don’t have a powerful blender, you might find that the kale and spinach don’t break down quite as much, but the taste will not be affected. Happy Blending!

Dairy Free Chocolate Banana Ice Cream

1 Frozen Banana (cut in half)

1 TBSP raw cacao powder

dash of cinnamon

¼ cup vanilla almond milk

Put all items in blender and blend until smooth.

Drink Your Greens *

1 cup (or more) spinach

1/3 bunch of parsley

1 banana

1 kiwi

1 cup almond milk

Put all items in the blender and blend until smooth. Option: add 4-5 ice cubes for a frothier, colder smoothie.

Can’t See the Green Smoothie *

1 cup spinach or kale

1 cup frozen blueberries

1 banana

1cup coconut water (more or less, to desired consistency)

Put all items in the blender and blend until smooth. Adjust coconut water to your desired consistency.

*add a scoop of non-soy protein powder to make this a great breakfast drink.