Raw Sprouted Almonds: Sprouting almonds will release the natural enzymes and be easier for digestion and can also provide you with more nutrition and energy. Buy raw almonds from a farmer’s market or directly from the grower. Be sure to ask if they have been pasteurized. The raw almonds from the grocery store have been pasteurized. In a mason jar, fill half way with almonds. Then fill the jar with filtered water. In a 24 hour period, drain, rinse, and refill 3 times. The almonds will have expanded and will fill up the jar. On the 4th time, drain and rinse, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Eat or use in smoothies, protein balls, puddings, overnight oats or other recipes that call for raw almonds.

Baby Spinach: If you are not used to vegetables in your smoothies, start out with a small amount and gradually add more each time.

Spice Blend: In a spice jar, fill about half way with ground cinnamon. Then add about 1/4 ground ginger. Then add about 1 tsp of turmeric, and 1/8 tsp of ground cloves. Cover jar and shake well, making sure the entire contents are well mixed. You can also place all ingredients in a jar and stir with a spoon to mix well, then place back into the jar using a small funnel.

Juice Plus+ Vanilla Complete is one of my favorite protein powders to use in smoothies. It’s also delicious in so many homemade desserts I have made.

PuraDyme Natural is another protein powder I add to our smoothies. Since we are 4 people in our family, I want to make sure there is enough protein and I like that this one has no added sugar, and in addition, it is made with no fillers or synthetic ingredients. PuraDyme is a company with quality products that never compromises on integrity.