REFRESHING VEG-TASTIC GREEN SMOOTHIE!

Even though I don't have kids of my own, I feel like this would be a great recipe to offer little ones because it tastes really yummy and secretly has a bunch of green veggies in it. I'm talking peas, zucchini and basil, plus some spirulina powder (which is basically concentrated sea greens). This might not sound that sexy to some of you out there. But the trick is to balance those flavours with light, sweet, bright ones; so I added lemon juice, pineapple and stevia. There's a banana and Brazil nuts in here for creaminess, plus Brazil nuts have a whack load of selenium (you only need a few to get your recommended daily intake filled). Finally, for protein and healthy fats, there's some ground hemp seeds in the recipe. I try to eat nuts and seeds - especially walnuts, almonds, Brazil nuts, flax seeds and hemp seeds - everyday because of their superfood qualities. They're on pretty much all "Healthiest Foods of yada yada" lists across the web and real world. My fave company for hemp products is Mettrum Originals. They know what they're doing. And for the last time, no, hemp will not get you high. At all.

Consuming nutritionally-dense ingredients, primarily from whole food plant sources like in this smoothie, is how I give my body all it needs to thrive. Of course, I take some supplements as well, because I feel best knowing I have all my bases covered, and because I don't eat a perfect amount of nutrients everyday. And I don't really eat enough vegetables most of the time. I prefer fruit smoothies, oatmeal, dark chocolate, and that kinda thing. So, for me, throwing in a bunch of green vegetables to my drinks is an easy and delicious way for me to eat (or drink) 'em without having to think a whole lot about it. Keeping the veggies chopped, bagged and in the freezer take it to Easy Level 1000. Highly recommend. 

I hope everyone is doing ok! I am finally getting back into what I love now that school is done for the term. I have been spending the past few school-free days cooking and photographing recipes, editing photos and brainstorming more recipe ideas. I am in heaven. Just some announcements y'all might find useful:

- Mettrum Originals (they're my fave company for hemp products) is having a 50% OFF SALE right now. That is pretty epic. Get yer hemp here, folks. The sale will only last until December 17th!

- I am hosting a vegan winter potluck and book drive on December 17th, at Eternal Abundance! Here's the event page with more info. Hope to see ya there. *winky face*

- I will be putting together a holiday gift guide for my blog, so stay tuned for that! Hints: it will include products (and less-capitalist gift ideas) themed around care, nourishment, peace, and love. Wow, that sounds so cheesy. Sorry not sorry?

That's it for the moment. Now enjoy this recipe and live your life! Love ya. 

REFRESHING VEG-TASTIC GREEN SMOOTHIE
Serves 1 or 2

1 banana
1 cup frozen, 1-inch pineapple chunks
1/2 cup frozen peas
1/2 cup zucchini, chopped into 1-inch cubes
1-2 tablespoons lemon juice, as desired
3 Brazil nuts
1-2 tablespoons hemp seed flour (I like Mettrum Originals) 
1 teaspoon spirulina powder
1 cup water or vegan milk
Scant 1/8 teaspoon stevia powder, as desired
Handful fresh basil leaves

Blend it all up and enjoy!

Notes: If you'd like it sweeter, add a date or some coconut sugar or maple syrup. If you'd like it lighter, add some ice. If you'd like it creamier, add some coconut milk.