Monday, January 6, 2014

Avocado Grapefruit Hemp Smoothie (full of protein and nutrients)

I feel so fortunate to have such great friends in my life.  I was thrilled to receive so many homemade treats this holiday.  Me, Scott and the kiddos spent time with our friends, visiting each family with homemade goodies in hand - chatting, laughing, and catching up.  And to my delight, we always left with a little something special: homemade applesauce, homemade beer, homemade fig & honey jelly, homemade chocolate, spiced nuts, homemade chap stick, organic pears, fresh picked plump grapefruits.  It was very special.  I was particularly intrigued by all the grapefruits.  I have been juicing and enjoying them in a variety of ways.  Most notably in my morning smoothie.  I wanted to share my concoction with you, as I think it's quite delicious.  It's a smoothie just the way I like it - thick and creamy (not icy or too sweet).  This is a nice pick-me-up first thing in the morning (as I'm not a coffee drinker) but love to make a little something to sip on.  If you get your hands on some grapefruits, try them in a smoothie.  I'm hooked.  See HERE for a list and description of the most common grapefruits.  My favorite for smoothies (hands down) is Pomelo.  
Avocado Grapefruit Hemp Smoothie

(click the links provided below for where to purchase)

Ingredients:
-1 cup fresh squeezed grapefruit juice
-1/2 cup full fat coconut milk
-1/2 ripe avocado
-1 medium ripe banana
-1 tablespoon raw hemp seeds*
-1 tablespoon grass fed gelatin or vegan pea protein powder 
-1 tablespoon sweetener of choice* (or 15 drops stevia)
-4 ice cubes (made from this silicone tray) 
-Handful of spinach (optional) 

How To:
1.  Add all of the above ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth and creamy.  Drink immediately or save in the fridge.  

Notes:
*Hemp is Paleo, I referenced a trusted site, The Paleo List, (yes it's permitted).  
*AIP & SCD, omit hemp seeds - they are not permitted.  
*For sweetener I like raw local honey or coconut nectar.
{affiliate links in post - thank you for supporting The Tasty Alternative} 
Shared on: Whole Food Fridays, Wellness Weekend 
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13 comments:

  1. This sounds delicious. One question. I can't have hemp seeds because I am on Specific Carbohydrate Diet. Any suggestions for a substitution or could it be omitted altogether without changing the taste.
    Thanks,

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    1. Good question. I also loosely follow SCD, and luckily hemp seeds do not bother me. But for those on a strict SCD, just leave them out. They are just in there for some extra nutrients. You could use the pea protein though, as peas are legal on SCD and there is nothing else added to the brand I have linked. I've read that those with IBD need about 30% more protein than the average person...that's why I like to start my day with a protein kick.

      Hope this helps. :-)

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  • Sounds like you had a wonderful holiday Amber :) I love homemade gifts, they are the best! This year, my resolution is to have at least 50% of all gifts I give homemade. I have so much fun doing it and people always seem to love them more!

    Love the sound of this smoothie. I'm not a big grapefruit person but I bet I could get behind the grapefruit-banana-avocado combinaton :)

    Happy New Year my dear!

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    1. Thanks Gabby! And Happy New Year. I agree, homemade gifts are the best. And I think you would enjoy the mild flavor of grapefruit in this smoothie. It's a nice one.

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  • Megan | Allergy Free AlaskaJanuary 6, 2014 at 10:47 PM

    This sounds lovely, Amber! I'm looking forward to trying it... I love hemp seeds! And they are so good for you.

    What an amazing bunch of friends you have! Homemade goodies are so special... and it sounds like you made out like a bandit! ;)

    Our Christmas was good, just a little unusual this year. I ended up getting sick and so did the girls. We cancelled our Christmas plans and just hung out at home. It was incredibly relaxing and we watched a ton of Christmas movies we've never seen. It was fun (besides the sick part).

    Been thinking of you lately... I hope you are feeling well and in good health. Lots of love from Alaska!
    M

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    Replies

    1. So many of our friends and family caught that flu going around! I'm so sorry. But I'm glad you made the best of it - sounds super cozy. I too hope you're feeling well (besides that virus) and your health is keeping up. I hope the winter months aren't too difficult for you. I

      Big Hug , --Am

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  • Hey Amber. This sounds WONDERFUL and I plan to make it tomorrow (as I'm out of coconut milk). Quick q. Is this recipe for one serving or two? (I'm thinking one). Just wanted to make sure. Thanks. :)

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    1. Hi Dana,

      I would try it with the coconut milk for sure. I have no idea how another milk would taste. But let me know if you try it with a another milk. This recipe makes 16 to 18 ounces.

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  • Oh no, I definitely plan to make it WITH the coconut milk—I was just out of coconut milk and had planned to go grocery shopping this evening (hence my needing to wait until tomorrow to make the smoothie). :) I'm sure it would be wonderful with other nut milks as well, but I have a feeling the coconut will make it extra yummy (along with adding some healthy fats). THANKS so much for this recipe ... I just know we're going to love it as were pretty big green smoothie drinkers. :)

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  • Oh good! It's just delightful with the coconut milk. Enjoy!! Oh, and my favorite grapefruit to use (if you can find it) is the Pomelo. :-) Have a great rest of your Sunday.

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  • I had to tell you ... WE ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT! It is HEAVENLY and is now our new favorite!!! :) Wow. What a combination of flavors! Thanks so much Amber and thanks for the tip on the grapefruit. :)

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