Ashley's FIT KITCHEN RECIPES

There’s something incredibly refreshing about a cool treat on a hot day. However, many of them can undo your hard-work and otherwise healthy lifestyle. It’s healthy to practice moderation and balance, but what if I told you that you that you could indulge in a cool treat everyday and it’s actually good for you? Well, I’m giving you three ways to enjoy something refreshing, delicious and nutritious this summer. These are all versions of recipes that I enjoy at least once a week, if not once a day. I hope these recipes will inspire you to get creative and create your own healthy combinations!

This perfect on-the-go refreshing breakfast or snack will nourish your body. My recipe contains bananas and mangos which provide a healthy dose of fiber and an abundance of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. I added just a dash of turmeric, which has anti-inflammatory properties, and some healthy fats and fiber from avocado, which make it extra creamy. In addition, a smoothie is great way to get in more greens (spinach) and some superfoods like spirulina. Spirulina powder is a blue-green algae which is an excellent source of protein and iron. Your body will appreciate the addition of minerals and plant protein. Speaking of protein, I typically add a scoop of plant based protein powder to my smoothie, so go ahead and add a scoop for some additional protein and enjoy this even as a pre-workout snack.

Midwest Unicorn SUPERFOOD SMOOTHIE

(You heard it first here, folks. Go Bison!)

Makes 1 serving

1 frozen banana, cut into chunks

½ - 1 cup frozen mango, chopped

¼ avocado, chopped

1 scoop vanilla protein powder (optional – I use a vanilla plant based protein)

1 cup coconut milk (or other non-dairy milk)

Handful ice

Pinch monk fruit or stevia (to taste)

Blend all ingredients, separate half into separate container.

ADD ½ teaspoon spirulina powder

½ cup packed spinach to other half remaining in blender, blend.

Layer Green and Gold smoothie into glass to create your very own Midwest Unicorn Smoothie!

2smoothie Bowl

The smoothie just got upgraded! This is my preferred way to make any smoothie. A smoothie bowl is essentially a smoothie that’s thick enough to eat with a spoon with the texture and consistency closer to ice cream. This is perfect for breakfast when you can sit down and relax for a few minutes, great as a post-workout meal or lunch, and even for dessert. It’s filling, delicious and nutritious, with endless of combinations of toppings — setting a smoothie bowl apart from a smoothie. I’ve chosen to add cauliflower (you read that right) to the base of my smoothie, giving it a super creamy texture and a ton of health benefits. I’ve also topped it with some healthy fresh fruit and some healthy fats and protein from the almonds and coconut. Again, our goal is to nourish our bodies while indulging in a refreshing summer treat!

Patriotic SMOOTHIE BOWL

Makes 1 serving

1 frozen banana

1 cup frozen strawberries

½ cup frozen cauliflower (or ½ avocado – either will make it creamy)

½ cup coconut milk (or other non-dairy milk) optional – add 1 scoop vanilla protein powder

Handful ice

Blend ingredients and pour into bowl. Next is the fun part, the toppings!

TOPPINGS:

Fresh blackberries, blueberries and raspberries

Goji berries

Unsweetened dried cranberries

Unsweetened shredded coconut

Slivered almonds

NICE CREAM (aka Banana Ice Cream)

If you haven’t tried this already, prepare for your life to change! Ok, maybe that’s a bold statement, but you just may be a bit happier knowing you can indulge with this healthy nice cream recipe every night this summer. Now this is my kind of ice cream as it’s refreshing, delicious, nutritious, ultra creamy and naturally sweet. It’s also extremely easy and quick to make. The flavor combinations are endless, so any flavor you might be craving can be made into a healthy treat. Just combine the ingredients with my recipe and you’ll be impressed with your new found love of Nice Cream.

Fargo NICE CREAM

Makes 1 serving

2 frozen bananas, cut into chunks

½ tablespoon coconut milk

½ teaspoon vanilla

Add all ingredients into food processor. You may need to stop it a few times to scrape down the sides. Process until smooth, creamy and light texture. You can enjoy immediately as soft serve or place in freezer safe container and freeze for 1-2 days.

TOPPINGS:

Fruit, nuts, nut or seed butter drizzled, sprinkles, or any combination you can dream up. (I added 1 teaspoon of sprinkles)