This nutritious whey protein smoothie is blended with a scoop of yogurt and a few strawberries that make it deliciously pink! It’s simple to make and so tasty. 

There’s no added sugar, and it’s gluten-free and low-carb. 

I love to garnish my drink with a strawberry and a sprig of mint from the garden. It adds a bright fresh aroma while sipping. 

(Please note that this post includes affiliate links which means I’ll earn a small commission if you buy through the link with no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!)

On the blog, we talk a lot about the importance of getting enough protein in our diets. Sufficient protein is a key ingredient for aging well.

Thirty grams of protein spread out over three meals is recommended for older adults who do resistance training.

If you’re like me and have a hard time consuming a lot of protein, consider whey protein powder. Whey is one of the best sources of protein available.

Protein powder is an easy way to add protein to your smoothie. I use Muscle Feast whey protein. It has 21.5g of protein, 2.3g leucine (important for building muscle), and a bunch of branch chain amino acids. It’s also low calorie and low carb.

Adding it into a smoothie of non-fat yogurt and berries, brings the protein count up to 30 grams. Perfect.

Lately, I’ve been enjoying this smoothie as a lunchtime meal replacement. It’s quick and portable. You can take it with you when you have a busy day. Pour it into a travel cup, grab a straw, and you’re good to go.

Is protein in smoothies good for you?

You bet it is. Adding protein to your smoothie as a meal replacement helps you stay full and energized.

And since protein is necessary for muscle repair and growth, some say pre-workout or after exercise is a good time to drink it.

What? You don’t strength train?

Do you know that if you’re over the age of 35, you’ll lose about 3% – 5% of muscle every decade? Even worse, you could lose 4% of your strength per year.

Here’s the danger. Muscle is the organ of longevity. Without good muscle, your odds of early frailty and the chronic diseases of aging increase greatly.

So that’s why I prioritize resistance training to build muscle.

All right. I’ll show you how to make this drink in a minute, but I want to tell you one more thing about my method for the perfect smoothie.

Do you prefer a foamy or smooth protein smoothie?

I enjoy a light foamy smoothie. But some folks don’t care for the bubbles. Without getting really sciency, when pure protein isolate is vigorously shaken the proteins coagulate in a structure that holds onto air bubbles. 

If you’d rather have a smooth drink, mix your water, yogurt, and strawberries in your blender first and pour into a tall glass. Then add your protein powder and stir with a spoon until dissolved. It mixes in pretty quickly.

Okay, ready to make it? Here is the order for your ingredients. Keep heavier frozen ingredients to add last so that they’re on top of the mixture. This will get the blender moving faster and prevent stalling. 

Instructions

*Free printable recipe card is available at the end of the post.

First, add water and yogurt to your super blender. Today, I have Chobani non-fat greek yogurt. You can go with homemade yogurt or your favorite yogurt.

Then add protein powder.

And, finally, frozen strawberries. I use my Vitamix because the blade is powerful enough to pulverize the whole frozen ingredient including the fiber.

Secure the top and give it a whirl. This will yield a light foamy smoothie.

See my note above if you’d rather have a smooth fruity drink.

Pro tips and recipe notes

• The best way to make this smoothie is in a super blender. I have the Vitamix Professional Series 500. It’s over 9 years old and still going strong. It has an easy smoothie preset button so it only takes seconds to make.

• Don’t have a super blender like Vitamix? Go with soft fresh strawberries instead of icy frozen ones.

• When I buy fresh strawberries, I keep them in the freezer if I’m not going to eat them right away. Frozen strawberries make the smoothie thicker.

• I always recommend organic strawberries whenever possible.

• There are tons of ways that you can customize this smoothie. Will you swap out the strawberries for blueberries or raspberries? Or go ahead and add a variety of berries. Nuts or seeds make a nice addition, too.

• If you need to make this ahead, you can keep it in the fridge. However, it may separate so give it a stir. It’s best to drink right away.

Now, when you’re in the mood for something frozen try my Frozen Strawberry Protein Popsicles Recipe or grab a spoon for this Thick Smoothie Bowl.

I hope you love this smoothie as much as I do.

If you have any questions, please reach out to me in the comments or shoot me an email. I’ll respond ASAP.

Before you go, I have one more resource you might enjoy.

On those nights when you’re staring at plain chicken or fish and wondering how to make dinner a little more exciting, my Sauce Method for Easy Dinners gives you a simple system for turning everyday proteins into meals you’ll look forward to. You’ll spend less time figuring out what to cook and more time enjoying what’s on your plate.

More nutritious smoothie ideas

My Healing Green Smoothie – Discover many important green smoothie benefits and a step-by-step tutorial with beautiful photos showing how to make a healing green smoothie. You’re going to love this smoothie.

Radiant Skin Smoothie (With Chia Seeds) – You’ll love this green smoothie. It’s made in your super blender including berries, greens, celery, apple and chia seeds which promote radiant skin.

Strawberry And Yogurt Smoothie – This smoothie is a nutritious treat rather than treats with empty calories.

Nourishing Brain Power Smoothie – Tasty smoothie crafted to boost your brainpower and keep your cognitive gears turning like a well-oiled machine. 

Garden-Fresh Cucumber Smoothie – Packed with nutrients, this delicious blend of fresh cucumbers, kale, apple, carrot, and creamy yogurt is a delicious treat. Taste the garden-fresh goodness!

Print

High-Protein Smoothie With Strawberries

This delicious smoothie has a massive amount of protein so it's really good for you. It's low carb, gluten free and super easy to make.

Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 1

Calories 142kcal

Author Barbara Bianchi

Equipment

• Vitamix

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup yogurt
• 1 scoop (24 grams) whey protein
• 3 strawberries frozen

Instructions

• Place all ingredients into Vitamix container in order listed and secure lid.
• Set Vitamix to pre-programmed Smoothie setting and start machine. It will automatically shut off once cycle is complete.

Video

Notes

GET THE FULL VIDEO SO YOU CAN SEE HOW TO MAKE THIS SMOOTHIE HERE 

• The best way to make this smoothie is in a super blender.

• Don't have a super blender like Vitamix? Go with soft fresh strawberries instead of icy frozen ones.

• When I buy fresh strawberries, I keep them in the freezer if I'm not going to eat them right away. Frozen strawberries make the smoothie thicker.

• I always recommend organic strawberries whenever possible.

• I enjoy a light foamy smoothie. But some folks don't care for the bubbles. Without getting really sciency, when pure protein isolate is vigorously shaken the proteins coagulate in a structure that holds onto air bubbles. 

 If you'd rather have a smooth drink, mix your water, yogurt, and strawberries in your blender first and pour into a tall glass. Then add your protein powder and stir with a spoon until dissolved. It mixes in pretty quickly.

• There are tons of ways that you can customize this smoothie. Will you swap out the strawberries for blueberries or raspberries? Or go ahead and add a variety of berries. Nuts or seeds make a nice addition, too.

• If you need to make this ahead you can keep it in the fridge. However, it may separate so give it a stir. It's best to drink right away.

Nutrition

Calories: 142kcal | Carbohydrates: 5.9g | Protein: 30g

The post High-Protein Smoothie With Strawberries appeared first on Gluten Free Homestead.

You know that feeling? It’s 3 o’clock in the afternoon. Your batteries are running a little low.

You then start thinking about having just one more cup of coffee
to give you the push you need to get you through the remaining hours of a hectic day.

You hesitate, though, because you know the extra caffeine might make you too jittery.

Or maybe you need an afternoon boost but you struggle with adrenal fatigue issues. So you avoid coffee because you know that caffeine will play havoc with your cortisol levels.

Is there a healthy option you can turn to for that needed lift instead of coffee?

Maybe you should try tea as your go to afternoon beverage. I know it doesn’t sound as sexy as having a double cafe mocha or a holiday spice flat white coffee. But consider this.

It has less caffeine than coffee, so it won’t increase those caffeine jitters.

But tea has just enough caffeine that, in combination with its other ingredients, it will keep you alert, attentive, relaxed and possibly more creative.

I don’t want to convince anyone to forgo their morning java. I know how important it is to you. Barbara reminds me of this every day.

However, as a busy person, you know how important it is to stay productive throughout the afternoon while not getting stressed.

To achieve that, tea might be the better beverage for you.

Let’s take a look and see why tea might be the perfect afternoon beverage.

What Is tea?

All tea, regardless of the variety, is derived from the Camellia sinensis plant. Thedifferences lie in the processing of the leaves.

The leaves of black tea are dried, then crushed or torn, and then allowed to oxidize before being dried.

After harvesting, green tea leaves are dried and then immediately heated. This process limits the amount of oxidation that takes place.

Oolong teas are semi-oxidized which places them between black and green teas.

White tea is the least processed of the four and may include tea buds and very young leaves.

While my intention in this post is not to dwell on the health benefits of tea it would be remiss of me if I did not at least mention them.

The health benefits of tea

Tea began as a medicine and grew into a beverage. ~Okakura Kakuzō

For almost 5000 years, tea has been consumed as a health tonic.

Today researchers believe that tea might be beneficial in the prevention of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. You can read about them here, here and here.

Some studies have even shown that green tea may even increase longevity. See here and here.

The health benefits of tea are usually attributed to compounds called polyphenols. These are potent antioxidants that are important for keeping your body healthy. See my antioxidant post here.

While researchers are not exactly sure how these compounds work in the body to prevent disease laboratory studies have shown that they do have potent beneficial effects.

For example epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) an antioxidant in green tea has been shown to have profound anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-infective, anticancer, antiangiogenetic, and chemopreventive effects.

Of all the teas, Japanese matcha green tea contains the highest levels of EGCG.

Because of the oxidation process, black tea contains lower amounts of EGCG. However, it does contain other antioxidants such as theaflavins and thearubigins.

Those tea drinkers who like milk in their tea should be aware that adding milk to tea could blunt some of the antioxidant benefits.

Okay, it’s been fairly well established that tea is a healthy drink. But how can it keep you relaxed and make you more creative? Let’s start with caffeine.

Tea has a moderate amount of caffeine

Tea doesn’t contain as much caffeine as coffee but it does contain a moderate amount.

Green tea has about 24-45 mg. of caffeine in an 8 oz cup while black tea has about 14-70 mg. Coffee has about 95 -200 mg. of caffeine in an 8 oz. serving.

The lower caffeine content in green tea might make it a better option for those who have adrenal fatigue and those who experience caffeine jitters.

However, there is still enough caffeine present in tea for you to get some of its positive effects.

These include improvements in physical endurance, cognitive function, alertness and vigilance, mood, and perception of fatigue.

However,  antioxidants and caffeine are not the only important ingredients in tea. There is another ingredient that takes tea to another level.

It allows your body to experience the benefits of caffeine while at the same time producing in you a sense of relaxation

L-theanine: an amino acid in tea that may enhance your mind and mood

For centuries, cultures have extolled the virtues of tea not only for its ability to heal the body but also because of its ability to transcend the physical and bring peace and calmness to the mind.

Is there evidence, though, that drinking tea can change your mental state? Well, there just might be.

One of the major biologically active compounds in tea is L-theanine. It is a naturally occurring amino acid found almost uniquely in tea and makes up about 1% of its dry weight.

A 7 oz. cup of black tea will contain about 24 mg. of L-theanine while green tea has about 8 mg.

What is interesting about this compound is that it appears to be psychoactive. That means it can pass the blood-brain barrier and cause a direct effect on the brain.

While much of L-theanine’s effect on the brain is unclear, some researchers believe that it’s capable of increasing alpha brain wave activity.

Let’s briefly take a look at brain waves.

Alpha brain waves

The human brain produces electrical activity which is displayed in the form of waves.
These waves correspond to different activities of the brain.

For example, beta waves are characteristic of a strongly engaged mind. A person teaching or debating would exhibit strong brain beta waves.

Alpha waves, on the other hand, are believed to be associated with a relaxed but attentive conscious mental state. There is no drowsiness associated with these brain waves.

During alpha wave activity, sensory inputs are diminished and distracting information is closed to the mind.

A person who takes time out of their day to reflect or meditate will exhibit strong brain alpha waves.

Some researchers now believe that this phase of brain activity is important for creative thinking. See also here.

This would make sense in that alpha brain waves indicate a relaxed, alert mental state with a minimum of distracting incoming information.

Because alpha waves are associated with a relaxed mental state, some researchers believe that biofeedback training can occur during this phase of brain activity.

However, some researchers have found the evidence for this to be inconclusive.

Is there evidence that L-theanine can increase alpha brain waves, and if so, what effects does it promote?

L-theanine’s effect on alpha brain waves and brain 

Several studies have been performed showing L-theanine’s ability to increase alpha brain wave activity. See here and here.

Some of the behavioral effects recorded by researchers after L-theanine supplementation are:

• Increased attention. See also here and here.
• Increased mental relaxation and concentration. Also here.
• Increased mental alertness.
• Anti-stress effects. Also here and here.

These studies on L-theanine seem to prove that it does have an effect in promoting brain alpha wave activity, and thus the ability to induce a relaxed, attentive mental state without drowsiness.

It should be noted that the above studies were performed with a high amount of L-theanine supplement.

However, there is some evidence to suggest that L-theanine found in tea is also able to induce positive mental effects at realistic dietary levels. This may be as little as 2 – 3 cups.

What about L-theanine supplementation?

Some people report anxiety reduction success with L-theanine supplementation. I personally haven’t had any experience with it.

I always remain a little skeptical of supplements. I believe that nutrients in foods were meant to work synergistically. See here.

When one compound from a food is isolated and consumed, it is very difficult to know what other reactions it may cause in the body.

However, to date, there doesn’t seem to be any reported adverse findings with L-theanine supplements.

So if it works for you, that’s great.

Obviously, tea does not contain as potent a form of L-theanine as a supplement does.

However, researchers have found something interesting about the synergy of L-theanine and caffeine in tea.

L-theanine and caffeine: a potent combination

What is interesting about L-theanine in tea is that’s its combination with caffeine appears to improve its positive effects. Studies on this have found:

Gollum: “We’re not *in* decent places.”(From the movie, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King )

Mordor was definitely not a decent place. But Sam didn’t forget the decent places where tea-time was still observed.

There is something about tea that has a civilizing effect on people. It may also have the ability to affect how we relate to other people?

Studies have shown that a person holding a warm drink as opposed to a cold one were more likely to view others as warmer or more caring.

Also, researchers found that a person holding a warm beverage demonstrated increased feelings of generosity toward others. See here and here.

So a warm cup of tea in a sense may help us to be more civil to one another. And heaven knows we could use more of that in our society today.

So there you have it. Tea. It can make you healthier, it can make you calmer and more attentive, it can increase your creative skills and it can make you a friendlier person.

Do you drink tea? Let us know what kind. What are your experiences with it? We’d love to hear from you in the comments.

Read this next

Get a good grip: how hand grip strength predicts longevity – Let’s look at how to determine how strong you are and improve your chances of living longer.

Stay healthy: 8 practical and easy ways – In the midst of flu season, I want to be proactive in supporting my immune system. Here’s some of what my family and I are doing to try to stay healthy.

How my morning routine gives me a healthy start to the day – A gentle morning routine can set you up for the day without feeling rushed. I hope to inspire you to create a routine that will work for you.

The post Want To Be More Relaxed And Creative In The Afternoon? Drink Tea appeared first on Gluten Free Homestead.

The last few weeks after our workout sessions, I’ve loved whipping up this nutritious smoothie for Barbara and me. It really seems to give us the boost of energy we need after working our muscles hard. I’m excited to share the recipe with you.

Whether you’re recovering from a hard training session, from an illness, or you just need to recover from the stress of daily life, a nourishing diet is essential to support that process.

Whole foods are at the center of a nourishing diet. They’re packed with the minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, and other nutrients that you need to heal.

These foods include grass-fed lean meat, wild caught seafood, high-quality eggs, organic or locally grown vegetables, using the healthiest cooking fats, a moderation of fruit, starchy tubers, rice, nuts, and gluten-free grains.

The smoothie we have for you today fits into that diet and is super tasty too. It brings a delightful new option to my Smoothies and Drinks collection.

Key ingredients

Kale is the green leafy vegetable that anchors this smoothie. It’s one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet. Just 3 1/2 ounces of kale contains:

• 200% of the RDA for Vitamin C
• 300% of the RDA for Vitamin A
• 1000% of the RDA for Vitamin K
• 3 grams of protein

It also contains significant amounts of Vitamin B6, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Copper, and Manganese. At 2 grams, it’s fiber content is generous, and it only contains 50 calories.

Kale also is lower in oxalates than spinach which would make it a better option for people who are prone to kidney stones.

A Granny Smith apple, pomegranate seeds, blueberries, and strawberries make up the rest of this drink. Read about the Health Benefits Of Pomegranate Seeds Here.

And to see how to seed your pomegranate, watch this video for a step-by-step guide: How To Cut And Seed Your Pomegranate Safely And Effortlessly.

Generally, you should limit your fruit intake because of the fructose content. However, the glycemic indexes of these fruits are not exceedingly high.

Also, they offer numerous health benefits. Their higher fiber and antioxidant (polyphenols) content may be responsible for slowing down carbohydrate digestion.

Where they really shine, though, is in their antioxidant content.

All of these fruits score very high on the list of antioxidant-containing food with blueberries always scoring at or near the top. See here.

You’ll definitely want to try our Refreshing And Nourishing Berry Good Smoothie for another delicious way to pack in those powerful nutrients.

Watch this is interesting Ted talk on strawberries.

There is some controversy on whether antioxidants from our diets actually neutralize free radicals or support the process through some other means. See here and here.

However, what we do know is that people who consume diets of high antioxidant foods are healthier individuals overall. Also see here.

I recommend organic produce whenever possible. It ensures that you’re getting the best quality ingredients without any unnecessary chemicals or pesticides.

Instructions

*Free printable recipe card is available at the end of the post.

Links are affiliate links which means I will earn a small commission if you buy the item at no extra cost to you.

Wash the kale, berries and apple thoroughly. Then core the apple and cut it into chunks.

Place all ingredients into the Vitamix container. 

Keep heavier ingredients to add last so that they’re on top of the mixture. This will get the blender moving faster and prevent stalling. 

Then secure the lid. 

Set the Vitamix to the pre-programmed Smoothie setting and start the machine. It will automatically shut off once the cycle is complete.

I am using my Vitamix Professional series 500 to blend this smoothie. If your blender doesn’t have a pre-programmed setting, Select Variable 1.Turn the machine on and slowly increase speed to Variable 10, then to High. Blend for 1 minute.

Wondering what to do with the rest of your blueberries? My friend Cyn’s Blueberry Cream Cheese Flatbread sounds like a delicious way to enjoy them, especially with my homemade low-carb Cauliflower Flatbread recipe for a delicious grain-free twist. 

Serving suggestions

Enjoy this pomegranate and berry green smoothie freshly blended for breakfast or a refreshing after workout pick-me-up.

Pro tips and recipe notes

1. Can you taste the kale in this green smoothie?

The berries, pomegranate seeds, and Granny Smith apple give this smoothie a bright, fruity flavor that balances the earthy taste of kale. If you’re new to green smoothies, this is a delicious way to start enjoying leafy greens in your daily routine.

2. Can I use frozen fruit instead of fresh fruit?

Yes! Frozen strawberries and blueberries work well in this pomegranate berry smoothie. They’ll give it a colder, thicker texture without needing ice. 

3. Can I make this pomegranate smoothie ahead of time?

For the freshest flavor and color, enjoy your smoothie soon after blending. If you need to prepare it ahead, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and drink it within 24 hours. Shake or blend it again before serving, as some separation is natural.

These five ingredients all add up to an incredibly nutritious smoothie, and just wait until you taste how delicious it is too. It’s the perfect refreshing drink after an intense workout.

Before you go, I have one more resource you might enjoy.

No more rushing around at 5:30 wondering what to make or second-guessing your choices. My Sauce Method for Easy Dinners gives you a simple system for turning everyday proteins into flavorful meals you’ll look forward to. Spend less time figuring out what to cook and more time enjoying what’s on your plate.

More nutritious smoothies

My Healing Green Smoothie – Discover many important green smoothie benefits and a step-by-step tutorial with beautiful photos showing how to make a healing green smoothie. You’re going to love this smoothie.

Radiant Skin Smoothie (With Chia Seeds) – You’ll love this green smoothie. It’s made in your super blender including berries, greens, celery, apple and chia seeds which promote radiant skin.

Strawberry And Yogurt Smoothie – This smoothie is a nutritious treat rather than treats with empty calories.

Want to save this recipe? Pin it!

Print

Pomegranate And Berry Blast Green Smoothie (Weekly Workouts)

Five ingredients all add up to an incredibly nutritious smoothie, and just wait until you taste how delicious it is too.

Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 10 minutes minutes

Servings 3 cups

Calories 130kcal

Author Barbara Bianchi

Equipment

• Vitamix

Ingredients

• 2 cups filtered water
• 2 large Kale leaves
• 6-7 medium strawberries
• 1 cup pomegranate seeds
• 10-20 blueberries
• 1 Granny Smith apple

Instructions

• Place all ingredients into Vitamix container in order: water, kale, strawberries, pom seeds, blueberries, and apple and secure lid.
  2 large Kale leaves, 6-7 medium strawberries, 1 cup pomegranate seeds, 10-20 blueberries, 1 Granny Smith apple, 2 cups filtered water
• Set Vitamix to pre-programmed Smoothie setting and start the machine. It will automatically shut off once the cycle is complete.

  I am using my Vitamix Professional series 500 to blend this smoothie. If your blender doesn't have a pre-programmed setting, Select Variable 1. Turn the machine on and slowly increase speed to Variable 10, then to High. Blend for 1 minute. Yields 3 cups

Notes

1. Can you taste the kale in this green smoothie?

The berries, pomegranate seeds, and Granny Smith apple give this smoothie a bright, fruity flavor that balances the earthy taste of kale. If you're new to green smoothies, this is a delicious way to start enjoying leafy greens in your daily routine.

2. Can I use frozen fruit instead of fresh fruit?

Yes! Frozen strawberries and blueberries work well in this pomegranate berry smoothie. They'll give it a colder, thicker texture without needing ice. 

3. Can I make this pomegranate smoothie ahead of time?

For the freshest flavor and color, enjoy your smoothie soon after blending. If you need to prepare it ahead, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and drink it within 24 hours. Shake or blend it again before serving, as some separation is natural.

Nutrition

Calories: 130kcal

Weekly Workouts

John’s Workout

Height: 5’11”
Weight: 180.0#

Sunday
Rest Day

Monday
Barbell Bench Press
45.0# 1 x 5 (warm up)
65.0# 1 x 5 (warm up)
85.0# 1 x 5 (warm up)
100.0# 1 x 2 (warm up)
130.0# 1 x 5
147.5# 1 x 3
165.0# 1 x 1 + 6 = 7

Dumbbell Rows
20.0# 1 x 8
30.0# 1 x 15 x 3

No Cardio

Tuesday
Barbell Back Squats
45.0# 1 x 5 (warm up)
85.0# 1 x 5 (warm up)
90.0# 1 x 3 (warm up)
135.0# 1 x 5 x 3

Cardio: 30 min. outside walk

Wednesday

Cardio: 2-mile hike steep hills

Thursday
Over Head Dumbbell Press
20.0# 1 x 8 (warm up)
30.0# 1 x 12 x 3

Narrow Grip Bench Press
45.0# 1 x 8 (warm up)
70.0# 1 x 3
90.0# 1 x 8 x 3

No Cardio

Friday
Deadlift
100.0# 1 x 5
145.0# 1 x 5
195.0# 1 x 2
250.0# 1 x 5

Cardio: 30 min. treadmill 3.5 mph

Saturday
Cardio: 30 min. walk outside

Barbara’s Workout

Sunday
Cardio: 33 min. walk outside

Monday
Barbell Bench Press
45.0# 1 x 3 (warm up)
65.0# 1 x 3 x 3

Dumbbell Rows
10.0# 1 x 8 (warm up)
20.0# 1 x 8 x 3

No cardio

Tuesday
Barbell Back Squats
45.0# 1 x 5 (warm up)
67.5# 1 x 5 x 3

Cardio: 30 min walk outside

Wednesday
Cardio: 2-mile hike steep hills

Thursday
Over Head Dumbbell Press
10.0# 1 x 8 (warm up)
15.0# 1 x 8 x 3

No Cardio

Friday
Deadlift
65.0# 1 x 5
75.0# 1 x 5
90.0# 1 x 2
115.0# 1 x 5

Cardio: 30 min. treadmill 3.0 mph

Saturday

Cardio: 30 min. walk outside

The post Pomegranate And Berry Blast Green Smoothie (Weekly Workouts) appeared first on Gluten Free Homestead.

Featured comment

Here’s what one Pinterest fan had to say after trying this method:

Easy […] Always dreaded the struggle so I never bought pomegranates. Thank you for posting this! It makes me wanna buy them on the regular. Plus, no pink fingers! #winning”

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I’m excited to share my latest YouTube video: How to Cut Open a Pomegranate! You can watch it right here or head over to YouTube.

If you’ve ever struggled with getting those jewel-like seeds out of a pomegranate without making a mess, this video is just for you.

You’ll see exactly how to properly cut open a pomegranate safely and efficiently, revealing the hundreds of nutritious seeds nestled within its vibrant, juicy pulp.

Pomegranates are truly remarkable fruits. Like a tiny gem, each seed is bursting with a unique, tangy-sweet flavor that can be added to so many dishes.

Try your seeds in my Pomegranate Balsamic Vinegar And Honey Glazed Carrots or toss some into this Christmas Mojito Recipe for a seasonal spin.

Plus, these little gems aren’t just delicious. They’re packed with nutritious benefits. Pomegranates have been revered across cultures for centuries, not only for their taste but also for their impressive nutritional profile.

Why Pomegranates Are Worth the Effort

Pomegranates are considered one of the healthiest fruits in the world. They’re loaded with powerful antioxidants, such as polyphenols and flavonoids, which help fight free radicals in the body and reduce inflammation.

Additionally, pomegranates are rich in vitamins like vitamin C and vitamin K, and minerals such as potassium.

As a result, these nutrients contribute to a variety of benefits, including improved heart health, reduced risk of certain cancers, and better cognitive function.

I invite you to delve deeper into incredible pomegranates in our guide, “Amazing Pomegranates: One Of The Healthiest Foods In The World” packed with fascinating facts about pomegranates.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cutting and Seeding a Pomegranate

Here is a summary of the video breaking down the process into simple steps, complete with pictures to guide you through:

1. Cut Off the Flower: Start by washing and drying your pomegranate. Then cut off the flower (also known as the crown) from the top of the pomegranate. This will expose the segments within.

2. Score the Skin: Hold the pomegranate with one hand and use a knife to score the skin down one side. Make sure to only cut through the skin and not too deeply into the seeds. Rotate the pomegranate and make another score down the opposite side.

3. Twist and Break Apart: Gently twist and pull apart the pomegranate into sections. You should be able to break it into segments with ease.

4. Soak in Water: Fill a bowl with water and place a strainer in it. Soak the pomegranate segments in the water for about 5 minutes. This helps loosen the seeds from the membrane and makes the process much easier.

5. Remove the Seeds: After soaking, gently pry the seeds out from the spongy pulp. The seeds will sink to the bottom of the bowl, while the lighter pieces of pith will float to the top.

6. Clean Up: Use a slotted spoon to scoop out the pith and discard it. 

What you’re left with are those beautiful, edible pomegranate seeds!

This method is not only effective but also minimizes mess. By soaking the pomegranate in water, you prevent the juice from splattering, and the water helps in separating the seeds from the pith. This technique ensures you get the most out of your pomegranate while keeping your kitchen clean.

Creative Ways to Enjoy Pomegranate Seeds

Once you’ve mastered cutting and seeding a pomegranate, you’ll want to make the most of these delicious seeds. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Salad recipes: Sprinkle pomegranate seeds over salads for a burst of color and flavor. They pair exceptionally well with spinach, feta, goat cheese, and walnuts.
• Smoothie recipes: Add a handful of pomegranate seeds to your smoothies for a refreshing twist and extra antioxidants.
• Dessert recipes: Top yogurt, ice cream, or gluten free baked goods with pomegranate seeds for a vibrant and tangy touch. Or simply enjoy them by the handful!
• Salsas and Sauces: Incorporate seeds into salsas or sauces for a unique, fruity flavor.

Pro tips And Recipe Notes

Storing pomegranate seeds properly helps maintain their freshness and flavor. Here’s how to do it:

1. Refrigeration: Place the seeds in an airtight container to keep them fresh in the refrigerator, pomegranate seeds can last for about 1 to 2 weeks.<br>Tip: If you notice any moisture inside the container, consider adding a paper towel to absorb excess moisture.

2. Freezing: Spread the seeds in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for a few hours. This prevents them from sticking together. Once frozen, transfer the seeds to an airtight freezer bag or container. Frozen pomegranate seeds can last for up to 6 months. They are best used within this time frame for optimal flavor and texture.<br>Tip: Label the container with the date so you can keep track of how long they’ve been stored.

3. Thawing: To thaw, simply remove the seeds from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes. You can also use them directly from frozen in smoothies or recipes where they will be blended.

By following these storage methods, you can enjoy the vibrant taste of pomegranate seeds anytime you like!

I hope you find this video and guide helpful in making your pomegranate experience enjoyable and rewarding. Don’t forget to check out the video for a visual demonstration of each step, and if you haven’t already, explore our detailed article on amazing pomegranates.

Enjoy your pomegranate, and happy seeding!

And if you have any questions, please reach out to me in the comments or shoot me an email, and I’ll respond ASAP.

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Before you go, I have one more resource you might enjoy.

On those nights when you’re staring at plain meat or fish and wondering how to make dinner a little more exciting, my Sauce Method for Easy Dinners gives you a simple system for turning everyday proteins into meals you’ll look forward to. You’ll spend less time figuring out what to cook and more time enjoying what’s on your plate.

Love pomegranates? Try these recipes.

Festive Autumn Salad with Apples, Pomegranate, Pistachios, and Goat Cheese This pretty autumn salad is so nutritious and delicious.

Pomegranate Spinach Salad Bid goodbye to the boring side salad with this bowl of crisp, baby spinach, juicy pear slices, sweet pomegranate seeds, and tangy goat cheese.

Pomegranate And Berry Blast Green Smoothie This is an incredibly nutritious smoothie, and just wait until you taste how delicious it is too.

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