Almonds are this girl’s best friend!
From almond milk with my morning green tea to my rich and creamy almond based smoothie
to that handful of almonds I grab for healthy snacks, almonds are a big part of my day.
I love the fact that they are versatile, taste good–and are so good for you!
Nutrient-rich
More than just a rich source of dietary fiber, almonds deliver a powerful nutritional punch.
They are a good source of:
*B vitamins including Riboflavin, Niacin, Thiamine, B6, Folate
–Vitamin E Alpha-Tocopherol – one of the richest food sources of this antioxidant
*Essential minerals including:
-Calcium
-Iron
-Magnesium
-Phosphorous
-Zinc
-Potassium
*Monosaturated and polyunsaturated fats
*Phytoesterols
*Protein
Powerful Health Benefits
Almonds’ powerful nutrients contribute to your health in 4 important ways:
*Supports heart health
*Lowers cholesterol
*Reduces blood sugar levels
*Aids weight control
There are so many ways to enjoy the benefits of almonds, however, whole food smoothies
are my favorite way.
This flavorful, fiber-rich smoothie makes my day!
Almond Banana Orange Protein Smoothie
Makes 2 servings
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups raw almonds – soaked overnight
1 organic banana
1 orange
1/2 cup organic raisins – soaked overnight (include soak water in smoothie)
2 scoops Raw Protein Powder (or protein pwder of choice)
1 1/2 cups filtered water
1/2 cup ice cubes
Directions
Rinse soaked almonds and pour off soaking water.
Add all of the ingredients above to your high speed blender (I use a VitaMix)
Blend until all of the ingredients are pulverized and smooth.
Taste.
Blend a few seconds more, if necessary.
Add more ice or liquid and blend a few seconds more, for a thinner smoothie.
Pour into a glass or mason jar.
Drink up!
It’s creamy, yummy and nutritious!
Refrigerate the balance in a sealed glass jar for later.
Enjoy!
Note: If you prefer a smoother smoothie, blend the almonds and strain them
through a nut milk bag to make almond milk, then add then almond milk to
your smoothie.
Save the almond pulp to use in other almond recipes such as breakfast bowls, cakes and cookies.
Get the Big Picture!
The infographic below from Nuts.com serves up more information about the benefits of, and ways
to enjoy, almonds.
Are you nuts about almonds too!
What are your favorite ways to enjoy almonds?
Share your thoughts and comments with us.
“Featured on the Healthy Living Link Party”
“Shared on #wowlinkup Workout Wednesdays”
Love smoothies – this sounds delicious! I pinned it to my smoothies, smoothies, smoothies board! #wowlinkup
Yum! I pinned this one for later~ #wowlinkup
Wow, this smoothie looks amazing! I would never think to put all these ingredients together! I am a HUGE fan of almonds!
HI Deborah,
Sounds like a tasty and extra healthy smoothie which are always a great way to get a nutritious meal quickly. Thanks for providing all the health benefits of the ingredients and sharing on Real Food Fridays. Pinned & twitted.
What a delicious sounding smoothie! I am such an almond girl too =) I can’t get enough of them. I love that you made almond milk for your smoothie by soaking the almonds =)
And thank you for sharing this lovely recipe at Healthy Vegan Fridays – I have pinned and shared it!
Hi Kimmy,
What a delicious smoothie! It had to be featured!
Thanks for sharing on the Healthy Living Link Party.
I am nuts about nuts! But almonds are one of my favorites — I love almond butter and homemade almond milk
I used to love almonds!! Right up until I became stupidly allergic to them. But I can still eat cashews and peanuts and I love the look of your nut smoothie 🙂 Thanks so much for sharing this on Waste Not Want Not Wednesday, Deborah, I’ve pinned it.