Why part 2? Because I loved Pretty in Pink! Actually I loved all those 80’s movies that involved Molly Ringwald and a good soundtrack. My previous Pretty in Pink post was on Himalayan salt…read it here: Pretty in Pink.
But when I saw this smoothie, the same title came to mind. And of course, I have “If You Leave” by OMD running through my head now!
So what makes this smoothie so pretty?
Cherries and beets! Yes, beets! It is so great to get a variety of veggies into your body. I tend to focus a lot on greens, but beets are another favorite. I usually roast them and use them in salads, but thought this would be a fun way to get the benefits of beets if you don’t really like the taste.
And what are the benefits of beets, you ask? They help fight inflammation, thanks to the nutrient betaine, that protects our cells from environmental stress. Beet juice has been shown in studies to lower blood pressure and boost stamina, most likely due to their naturally occurring nitrates. They contain vitamin C, folate, potassium, and manganese, and they’re a good source of fiber. They are also said to support your body’s detoxification process. So eat your beets!!!
I usually roast beets myself, but for this recipe I used the prepackaged, cooked and peeled beets that are available at the grocery store.
The other ingredients are awesome too!
Sweet cherries contain powerful anti-oxidants, including quercetin and cyanidin. Also vitamin C and fiber. And they taste amazing. But they’re in season in the summer. Since it’s April (but feels like January here in Central PA!) I used frozen cherries. I let them thaw, but you could use them frozen for a thicker, icier smoothie.
In this particular smoothie, I used liquid coconut oil, also called MCT oil, to provide some healthy fats. (The MCT stands for medium chain triglycerides.) This oil has some unique properties, and has much less of a coconut taste than the Nutiva coconut oil
I usually use. You could also throw in chia or hemp seeds for some healthy fat.
Oh, and of course I added collagen. Because why not make a smoothie that helps firm my skin and reduce wrinkles? My favorite brand is Vital Proteins. I use the Collagen Peptides, with the blue lid. Here’s a link to order directly from the company with free shipping:
As far as the blender goes, I love my Vitamix, and some recipes that I make really require a high powered blender. This, however, is not one of them. I think whatever blender you have will work just fine!
Here’s what I did. And remember, smoothies are extremely forgiving…you can add things in or leave things out. Adjust the amount of liquid to make it thinner or thicker. Just make sure there is some healthy fat to keep you from getting a sugar rush!
Pretty in Pink Smoothie
1 small to medium sized cooked beet, cut in chunks
1 cup pitted sweet cherries, fresh or frozen
1 cup liquid of choice (I used unsweetened almond milk, but you could use any non-dairy “milk,” grass-fed milk if you don’t have a problem with dairy, or even coconut water.)
1 tablespoon healthy fat (I used MCT oil, but chia or hemp seeds would be great)
2 tablespoons collagen peptides (I used Vital Proteins brand)
Put all ingredients except the collagen in your blender and blend on high speed until well blended with no chunks. Turn speed to low and add your collagen. Taste…you can sweeten with a little stevia or sweetener of your choice if you need it. I thought it was good on its own. Enjoy!
So, can this Pretty in Pink smoothie help you feel happy, healthy and hot? Well, the color and taste will make you happy. The ingredients are loaded with nutrients that are supporting your health on a cellular level. Vitamin C, healthy fats and collagen support healthy skin, hair and nails. So of course you’ll be hot! Enjoy!
I’d love to hear from you! What are your favorite smoothies? Or John Hughes movies?! Let me know!
[…] I’ve been known to throw beets in a smoothie for a nutrient boost. Here’s one I made last spring: Pretty in Pink (part 2) […]