turmeric sunrise smoothie

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More often than not, I find myself making green smoothies. I love that they make it easy & delicious to add extra handfuls of spinach or kale into your diet on a regular basis. However, it's also nice to keep experimenting and try new things. Here is a great way to get out of a smoothie rut and mix it up. This bright and refreshing drink is packed full of healthy ingredients, and will help ensure you get your day off on the right foot, or give you the afternoon pick-me-up you need later in the day.

Just take a look at some of the impressive health benefits this smoothie boasts: Turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory & is rich in antioxidants. Ginger soothes the stomach and boosts the immune system by helping to fight infection. Pineapple & lemon are both packed with vitamin C & antioxidants. Carrots supply ample amounts of beta carotene, antioxidants & vitamin A. Coconut meat boasts a high concentration of healthy fats, amino acids, fiber, folate & potassium. Maca helps to increase energy, contains many vitamins & minerals, and can help boost your mood. Dates promote digestive health, are rich in iron & potassium, and can help lower cholesterol. So as you can see, this smoothie packs a punch! I hope you enjoy it!

Turmeric Sunrise Smoothie:

  • 1 cup raw coconut meat

  • 1 cup frozen pineapple

  • 1/2 cup frozen mango

  • 1 cup carrots, peeled & chopped

  • 2 tbsp fresh turmeric, peeled & chopped

  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, peeled & chopped

  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

  • 1/2 tsp maca powder

  • 3 Medjool dates, pitted & chopped

  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk

  • Ice, if desired

Add all ingredients to a powerful blender (I use a Vitamix), and blend until well combined. You may want to scrape down the sides or use the plunger to get everything well incorporated, adding a bit more almond milk if needed. You may adjust the amount of dates (or sub raw honey or agave syrup) to your preferred level of sweetness. Makes two smoothies (or one giant one).

*You may sub ground turmeric (and/or ginger) powder if you can't find fresh. Use 1/2 tsp of powder for 1 tbsp fresh.

**For a green version of this smoothie, sub out the carrot for cucumber, and add a couple big handfuls of spinach or kale!

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superfood balls

 

If you ever need something sweet, but don't want to indulge in a full-on dessert, these are a tasty, but healthy alternative. Whether it's an afternoon pick-me-up or an after dinner treat, there are great to have on hand and contain many superfoods like maca, chia seeds & cacao! Even better, they're super easy to make- just throw everything in the food processor, and that's it! Enjoy!

Superfood Balls:

  • 1/2 cup raw walnuts

  • 1/2 cup raw almonds

  • 1/4 cup chia seeds

  • 1 cup pitted Medjool dates (about 10)

  • 1/4 cup dried unsweetened coconut

  • 1/3 cup raw cacao powder

  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

  • 1/2 tsp maca powder

  • 2 tbsp water

  • 1/4 tsp salt

Pulse all ingredients together in food processor until well combined. Roll into balls. Coat in extra coconut or cacao, if desired. Makes about 2 dozen balls. These store well in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days, or in the regrigerator for 7-10 days.

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raw chocolate raspberry tart

I love how beautiful this tart is- it looks so complicated, but in reality, it's quite simple. Just rich and creamy chocolate ganache, a coconut and nut crust, and fresh raspberries! It's full of healthy, raw ingredients, but still tastes super decadent! I get a ton of inspiration from Oh, Ladycakes. There are tons of delicious recipes on her blog, and this is one of them! I prefer to top mine with Fine & Raw Chocolate, which was started in my local neighborhood of Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and is SO addicting. You can't go wrong with any of their flavors- sea salt, coconut chunky, or lucuma & vanilla are all faves!

Raw Chocolate Raspberry Tart:

Crust:

  • 1 cup raw coconut flour

  • 1 cup raw almonds

  • 1/4 tsp sea salt

  • 1 cup medjool dates, pitted

  • 2 tbsp raw almond milk (preferably homemade)

Chocolate Ganache:

  • 1/2 cup raw cacao powder

  • 1/3 cup unrefined coconut oil

  • 1/4 cup raw honey (or maple syrup, raw agave)

Topping:

  • 1 pint fresh raspberries

  • Fine & Raw chocolate bar, chopped

Line the bottom of a 9″ tart pan with parchment paper and rub with coconut oil. Pulse the flour, almonds, and salt in a food processor until crumbly. Add the dates and pulse until combined, then add the almond milk, pulsing until the dough gets sticky. Press dough into the prepared tart pan and set aside.

In a mixing bowl, stir together cacao powder, coconut oil, and honey until well combined. Once fully incorporated, pour mixture evenly into tart shell. Top with raspberries and chocolate pieces, then transfer to the refrigerator to set for 2-3 hours. Enjoy! Makes 8-12 slices.

*Adapted from No-Bake Chocolate Raspberry Tart by Oh, Ladycakes.

Photo by Zoltan Tombor

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