Add, Blend, Pour...Smoothie Time

Being a vegetarian in a meat-lover's world is...difficult. At times anyway. But as a non-meat eating individual since birth I've had plenty of time to cook or create meals that cater to vegetarians. Now, what I personally enjoy having as a meal, usually for lunch, is a smoothie. A cold, refreshing, healthy and organic/natural as possible smoothie is not only, given the right ingredients, yummy, but a perfect way of combining many of your daily needed fruits, veggies, nuts, ect. into a simple drink that's oh-so delish.

Below I've wrote down my own smoothie recipe.  Now, what I use for a base in my smoothie is Greek yogurt; why?

1. Greek or "strained" yogurt is healthier then other yogurts. Strained yogurt not only is much richer in texture, but low in fat. It's also lower in sugar and carbohydrates.
2. Due to the straining, the yogurt is much higher in protein. This is important since, as vegetarians, we aren't getting as much protein as we probably need.
    
3. Because it's good.

Smoothie Recipe

• One 5.3 oz. Voskos Greek Yogurt (any flavor you wish)
• Ice
• Frozen strawberries
• 1 c. Almond milk (optional; you can use water or organic milk, which ever you prefer)
• 1/2 c. Oats
• 1/4 c. Sliced almonds
• 1/4 c. Pecans
• 1 tbls. Skippy's natural peanut butter
• 1/4 tsp. Spirulina powder *see below
• 1 tbls. Honey

*About spirulina

In a blender, add: about 6 ice cubes, 5 frozen strawberries, oats, the yogurt, both pecans and almonds, peanut butter, Spirulina powder, honey, and last but not least, the almond milk (or whatever liquid you've chosen). Blend all together until desired smoothness. Grab your favorite glass, pour and enjoy.

*The smoothness and consistency depends on you. For me, I prefer my smoothie very thick and smooth, so I usually end up throwing in several extra berries-of-straw to get the consistency just where I want it. Also, if you feel the smoothie may not be quite as sweet as you'd like, cut the amount of almond milk in half and with the other half use juice, but be sure it's %100 juice/no sugar added. Or you can always just add extra honey.

DISCLAIMER: Just FYI, I never measure when I make my smoothies, I eyeball it. Those measurements above? They're all a big guess. So, consider yourself warned...you're basically winging it.