I have changed my diet and lifestyle gradually over the last four years, to a healthier one. This smoothie recipe, was inspired by something similar I had at a health food juice bar once. I make this version everyday and I love it! I decided to do a little research to see the health benefits of each ingredient. Please try and enjoy!

SUPER SMOOTHIE
1 TBS of Udo’s 3•6•9 oil (oil blend of omega essential fatty acids)

Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) are necessary fats that the human body cannot reproduce, and must be obtained through diet.The body needs EFAs in order to maintain cellular health as well as to prevent inflammation in the body.

1 cup of frozen Organic Strawberries

Strawberries are said to contain more vitamin C than an orange. One-half cup of strawberries provides more fiber than a slice of whole-wheat bread. Strawberries also contain folate, potassium, and antioxidants. Vitamin C and antioxidants neutralize free radicals and help build strong connective tissues (like collagen which is responsible for skin strength and elasticity).

1/2 cup of frozen Organic Blueberries

Blueberries have incredibly high levels of antioxidant phytonutrients. These phytonutrients help the body neutralize free radical damage to the body’s cells and tissues that can prevent mutations at the cellular level, even prevent the production of cancer cells.

FYI: What's the heck is a free radical?

Free Radicals are "a reactive atom or group of atoms that has one or more unpaired electrons." From what I understand, these particular atoms are unstable and chemically incomplete, so they ‘steal’ electrons from other molecules, thus interfering with the cells’ ability to function normally. Free Radicals are created as a result of natural biological processes within the body and from our environment. These environmental causes are things such as, pollution, cigarettes, ozone and nitrous oxide, mercury, lead, alcohol, and chemicals (like preservatives) in food, water, & air. So basically, it sounds like free radicals can be caused by just about anything...great.

1/4 cup of Organic Frozen Sweet or Black Cherries (Good brands are Cascadian Farms, Wild Oates, or Whole Foods they have already been pitted)

Cherries are packed with antioxidants and have a high vitamin A content. The Cherry also contains a high level of melatonin, which is important in immune system function. Studies have shown that people who experience heart attack have low melatonin levels. Cherries are also effective cleansers of the liver and kidneys.

2 ripe Organic Bananas

Bananas are high in potassium, as well as, a very good source of vitamin B6, dietary fiber, and manganese. Interesting enough, bananas contain tryptophan (found in turkey as well) a type of protein the body converts into serotonin, helping you to feel more relaxed and improve your mood. Stressed out?- eat a banana!

1/4 cup (or more depends on your taste) of R.W. Kundsen Pure Juice Just Black Cherry

This brand is unsweetened, 100% juice--not diluted or from concentrate, like most bottled juice at the store. If you can't find Kundsen, Lakewood is another 100% juice only brand, they also have a black cherry too- FYI: black cherry has a naturally sweet taste that isn't cloyingly sweet. Like apple juice for example, it always tastes overly sweet (in my opinion)and can overpower the natural flavors of your fruit.

Water

Blender

1. Put all your fruit into the blender.
2. Add juice. I usually add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of juice, but if you want a little sweeter add more. It the bananas are ripe, it will be fine. Then add as much water needed to almost cover the mass of fruit, it's OK if the bananas are sticking out ---you don't need to cover them with liquid.
3. Add Udo's oil.
4. Cover and blend until smooth.
5. Check the consistency- you want it drinkable- not too thick or runny. Add more fruit or liquid, depending.

Helpful Tips:

Very IMPORTANT--make sure your blender can handle all the frozen stuff. I have a Vita-Mixer, and it pulverizes easily.

Buy a ton of ripe bananas---then peel and freeze them. You will always have ripe bananas on hand---ready to go. Also frozen, they keep the smoothie texture consistent.

I know the Udo's sounds like a weird thing to be putting in a smoothie, but it's great and it does taste good once you get used to it. I love the taste now and I can't have a smoothie without it. But if you have never tried it before, try adding a little less at first to get acclimated to the taste. The taste has been described as nutty and buttery.

Smoothie not sweet enough at first? Put in equal parts juice and water, and then add just a squirt of Agave Nectar (at your local health food store.) It will give you some sweetness without the sugar spike. Gradually, reduce the juice, replacing with more water, while adding the Agave Nectar. I don't add the agave nectar at all, unless my bananas are a little under-ripe. I used to be a sugar fiend, and this tip helped me wean off of it.

That's it...enjoy!