Natural Always

Cheer with me to my new blog Natural Always with this Straight-to-Heaven Blueberry and Raspberry Smoothie which can be enjoyed either for breakfast as a protein kick into the day or also as a light dessert on a late summer night. That's the secret drink I sipped on which kept me going while working days and nights on the production of this blog. This wonderful creamy smoothies not only delivered me with a lot of creativity, they literally taste like heaven.

At the time my taste buds were spoiled, they provided me with lots of valuable superfoods. This smoothies burst full of antioxidants provided through the chia seeds and either the raspberries or the blueberries. Superfoods have lots of health benefits and one of my absolute favourite are chia seeds. Hands down this powerful seeds are amazing due to its great range of use in the kitchen and their ability to transform your daily breakfast into a great health booster. How my mom used to say with apples, I say: "1 tbsp chia seeds a day keeps the doctor away!". Seriously, 1 tbsp chia seeds treats your body with more calcium than a cup of milk, more omega-3-fats than a piece of salmon, and more antioxidants than a handful of blueberries. In fact, chia is the richest plant source of omega-3 fats containing around 32% omega-3-fats, which are essential for cardiovascular health, needed for healthy brain and nervous system function, and for soft, supple and youthful looking skin. With chia seeds you will glow from the inside out!
Chia seeds are also a good source of dietary fibre, which is needed for bowel health and protein providing the body with essential amino acids for growth and repair. Chia seeds contain calcium – beneficial for bone health, and provide other minerals such as iron. magnesium, zinc and B vitamins, which will naturally boost energy levels and health. Also known as a cancer prevention chia seeds are real superfoods. Start today, the best way to add chia seeds to your diet is to sprinkle a tablespoon over muesli and porridge, or as I did here add this goodness to your smoothies or salads. You can even bake and do other wonderful things with them as I will show you in future posts. I simply love chia seeds.

Beautiful berries such as blueberries and raspberries bursting with colour and flavour, not only taste delicious they're also considered as superfoods. Of all fruit and vegetables they contain the highest levels of antioxidants. Blueberries and raspberries are also an excellent source of vitamin C, which is needed for healthy immune function, collagen production, and to promote healing.

Coconut milk as an amazingly nutritious dairy alternative contains lots of vitamins such as B, C and E, whereas it is rich in iron, phosphorus, potassium and magnesium.

Moreover I always try to use local and organic ingredients in order to eat the best quality, nutrient dense food for optimum health without any chemicals, preservatives and additives. The best way to remove toxins from your diet is to eat organic foods whenever possible. If you only buy some organic products, in this recipe you should buy organic (frozen) blueberries. In this recipe I prefer frozen berries to enjoy it cold, which is extra refreshing.

This recipe needs some preparation in advance, though doesn't require any effort at all. Just mix the chia seeds with the coconut milk, stir and put it in the fridge overnight. Next morning you'll be so cheered to wake up to this nearly prepared deliciousness, nevertheless how late you went to bed the other night. It doesn't only cheer you up, it will definitely help you to perfectly start your day with lots of nutrients, proteins, fibre and omega-3-fats. Just grab your blender and be happy!

Straight-to-Heaven Blueberry (and Raspberry* ) Smoothie

Ingredients:
1 tbsp chia seeds
3 tbsp coconut milk
40-50g frozen blueberries (raspberries*)
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp raw date syrup (or: agave nectar, maple syrup)
pinch of ground cardamom (natural grounded bourbon vanilla*)
for decoration: mint leaves, blueberries, (raspberries*)

(Serves 1; Preparation time: 1h/overnight, making: 10 min)

*The Raspberry Straight-to-Heaven Smoothie follows the same recipe as the version with blueberries, and is only substituted by raspberries and natural grounded bourbon vanilla.

In advance: mix chia seeds with coconut milk, stir well and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (better: overnight) until mixture is gooey.

In a food processor combine the chia-cocconut mixture together with the frozen blueberries (*raspberries), lemon juice, agave nectar and cardamom (*natural grounded vanilla). Blast on high until everything is smooth. Decorate and serve immediately.

Note: the consistency of the smoothie should be more like a pudding, so usually I spoon out everything and use a beautiful straw for decoration.

I hope you enjoy your trip to heaven and of course my new blog!

Cheers to you with lots of love, Fabienne.