During the hot months of summer I crave the freshness of a Strawberry Banana smoothie, I often end up making them several times a week. Strawberries are best when they’re fresh and they’re readily available in the summertime. I’m able to pick up gorgeous ripe strawberries from the local farmer’s market, but I’ve found delicious plump organic strawberries at the grocery store too. This recipe calls for frozen bananas as they provide a distinct creaminess that can’t be achieved with fresh bananas.  Frozen bananas are always something I have on hand, just peel and halve before tossing them in a freezer safe container.

Ingredients:

2 cups fresh organic strawberries
2 frozen bananas
3/4 – 1 cup unsweetened almond milk*, George’s Aloe or water
1 pitted date, for sweetness if desired

A note on nut milk:
The unsweetened nut milk (like almond or cashew) definitely is the most delicious option, however it’s not always easy to find a ‘clean’ nut milk. If you’re able to find unsweetened nut milk at your grocery store that contains just nuts, filtered water and maybe a dash of salt- that would be a great option! Otherwise, be diligent with reading labels and pick the one with the least amount of additives and binding agents. If you can’t find anything suitable, filtered water or George’s Aloe are great alternatives.

Simple Mindful Living approved nut milks:

• MALK unsweetened plant milks
• Elmhurst 1925 unsweetened plant milks
• So Delicious organic unsweetened almond and cashew milk – simply 6 ingredients (I only recommend this product from them)

Optional Boosters:

Add in one or more boosters, as desired.

For gastrointestinal, soft tissue, hair & nail support:
1 scoop Marine Collagen (Vital Proteins is one of the cleanest brands I’ve when it comes to collagen and gelatin supplements)
2 scoops Bamboo Extract Powder

For Immune / Whole Body Support:
1/4 teaspoon Synergy Radiance Vitamin C Powder  (vitamin C is very tart so you may want to add an extra date to your smoothie)
1/2 teaspoon Hawaiian Spirulina or The Synergy Company Blue-Green Algae

Instructions:

• In a blender combine all ingredients except the optional boosters, blend until smooth.
• Add in desired boosters, continue to blend until completely incorporated.
• Drink immediately for maximum nutrient benefits.

Makes 2 smaller servings