Can’t Beet It: Cranberry Beet Smoothie

After my Eco At Heart Reusable Stainless Steel Straws post and giveaway I had to come up with a new smoothie recipe that is worthy of these fantastic and fun straws.  If you know me you are well aware of my love affair with smoothies.  I try to vary the ingredients that I use so that get a variety of nutrients.  I only stare my favorites with you on the blog.  My Strawberry Lemonade, Green Monster Mojito, and Sunshine Gold Smoothies are always in my rotation.  The more you blend, the more adventurous you get which I think is part of the fun.

I love smoothies in general, especially as a breakfast, because they are so easy for digestion.  The blender practically chews all of the food for you making it more gentle for your system.  A healthy gut is a happy gut.  I often recommend them to my clients.

Beets are an inexpensive super food.  Not only the root but the greens too, so I added them both to this cranberry beet smoothie.  They have been shown to provide antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and detoxification support.  The green tops of the beets are something that I never really ever ate.  In fact I would often buy the beets in the store with the greens already removed so that I didn’t have to throw them away myself.  Little did I know I was depriving myself of precious nutrients.  Shame on me!

Beets greens can be argued as one of the healthiest part of the beet.  These greens contain important nutrients like protein, phosphorus, zinc, and fiber.  They also supply a significant amount of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.  They even have more iron than spinach.

Beets can lose a lot of nutrients the longer they are cooked.  I read that they can lose more than 25% of their folate when cooked.  I like to incorporate both raw and cooked beets into my diet to make sure I am getting the full nutrient benefits.  This smoothie is a great way to get them raw!

I added cranberries to this smoothie for a few reasons.  No. 1| This time of year you tend to have some leftover cranberries lying around after your holiday dinners are over.  No. 2| I love the slightly tart flavor they provide to help balance the earthy flavor of the beets.  No. 3| They are full of antioxidants, vitamin C, fiber, vitamin E, copper, and manganese.  Now what would be a smoothie without the perfect way to drink up its precious nutrients?

I so appreciate everyone that entered the Eco At Heart giveaway over on my Instagram account!  For those of you that didn’t win please do not be discouraged.  Eco at Heart has generously offered to give everyone 40% OFF their reusable stainless steel straws until Sunday, December 6, 2015 at midnight PST.  That is only $8.95 for a set of 5 stainless steel straws!!!  Perfect for yourself or to give away as gifts.  A great stocking stuffer perhaps.  Use the link below to get your set of straws today!  This is an incredible deal!!!

USE THIS LINK→ Eco at Heart 40% Off Link Coupon Code  (only $8.95 for a set of 5 premium stainless steel straws)

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Cranberry Beet Smoothie

An easy smoothie with lots of nutrients and fiber for the perfect breakfast or snack. A great way to boost your fruit and vegetable intake.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Total Time 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 small-medium beet washed with top and bottom cut off
• 1/2 cup of the beet greens cut off from the beet washed
• 1 cup frozen or fresh cranberries
• 1/2 cup frozen peaches
• 2 inches cucumber diced
• 1/4-1/2 avocado
• juice and zest of 1 lime
• 3/4 cup water + more as needed

Optional Add Ins

• 1 small banana peeled if you need more sweetness
• 1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries to boost up the antioxidant content

Instructions

1. Add all of the ingredients to a high speed blender and blend until smooth.
2. Add more water as needed for desired consistency.
3. If you don't have a high speed blender add the beet, greens, and water to the blender first and blend until chopped.
4. Then add the additional ingredients and puree until smooth.
5. Serve immediately or up to 3 days covered tightly in the fridge.

Recipe Notes

*choose organic ingredients when possible.