Saturday, March 3, 2012

Mixed Berry and Beet Smoothie


The color alone is enough to make me crave this smoothie. The color also tells me that it’s high in anthocyanins, flavonoids that are believed to have strong antioxidant properties. You can use raw or roasted beets.

1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice

1 cup mixed frozen berries or blueberries

2 tablespoons granola

1/3 cup diced beet, either raw or roasted (50 grams)

1/4 cup plain low-fat yogurt or low-fat coconut milk

1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup

2 or 3 ice cubes

Sliced orange for garnish (optional)

Place all of the ingredients in a blender and blend for 1 full minute. Pour into a glass, garnish with an orange slice and enjoy.

Yield: 1 generous serving.

Advance preparation: This is best enjoyed right away.

Nutritional information per serving: 269 calories; 5 grams fat; 1 gram saturated fat; 1 gram polyunsaturated fat; 2 grams monounsaturated fat; 4 milligrams cholesterol; 52 grams carbohydrates; 6 grams dietary fiber; 82 milligrams sodium; 8 grams protein