This Mamma-To-Be Is Drinking Her Chia

In search of some quick energy this morning, I ran over to Nutrition Smart to get some lunch and a drink.  I have seen these fun chia infused drinks for a while but they suggested that pregnant women get advice from a doctor before consuming.  What?? For a natural drink?  Apparently it had herbs that weren’t recommended for me so I’ve been avoiding them.

Until today!  I found this wonderful “Mamma Chia” drink that just has a few ingredients and none that are harmful to me or my baby.  It’s so much fun to drink, it’s like eating watery jello (minus the animal bones) with little seeds in it.  It tastes refreshingly delicious and it is nutritious for you.  Drinking this gives you: protein, fiber, calcium and even some iron.

The next time you’re at Whole Foods, Nutrition S’mart or another local health food store, please look for these and try them out.  I am convinced this will now be my go-to treat for a pick-me-up!

For more information on this amazing drink, go to http://www.mammachia.com/.  Drink up!

Green Smoothie Sunday

By Jessica Michael

I had one of those Sundays when all you’re craving is just something healthy and green.  I had a day of eating all white pasta and processed bread the day before, which always makes me tired and run down.  I try not to eat the bad stuff but sometimes it sneaks its way in there and destroys my day.  One minute of ease can be days of unhappiness.

The great part about green smoothies is that you can be creative and make it so many different ways.  Plus, after drinking one of these you feel like you’re starting from scratch again.  Don’t we all wish we could wipe the slate clean after eating crappy?  This green monster was so refreshingly delicious, I have to go home and make another one tonight.

Sunday Greens:

8 oz. simply apples (juice)
1 Banana
4 Leaves of organic Kale (remember Kale is on the naughty list because it soaks in pesticides easily, make sure you go organic)
1/4 c. Spinach leaves
and of course, some cacao nibs for crunch

Stay thirsty my friends ;0)

RAAW Carrot Lemonade

by Ashley Morgan

I bought a bottle of It Tastes RAAW Carrot Lemonade at my health food market today while picking up lunch, thinking it would be a nice drink to calm my appetite while driving back to work. I especially liked that it is manufactured here in Miami, as I like to support local brands as much as possible.

Unfortunately, upon opening the container a strong smell, almost like when you’re walking into an older vitamin store when there is a strong smell of open capsules. If you’re from Miami and you’ve been to that old health food store next to Jimmy’z Kitchen on Alton Road, then you know what I’m talking about. But, despite the smell, I decided to dive in and try a sip. To my dismay, it tasted almost worse than it smelled. I turned the bottle over and read the ingredients, “Carrot Juice, Pineapple Juice, Apple Juice, Lemon Juice…” well, those things cannot possibly taste this badly. I could blend those in my home blender and make a great juice. I continued reading “Natural Flavors, Apple Pectin & Beta Carotene”…wait, what exactly is “Natural Flavors”? And why would we need more beta carotene added to carrot juice?

I hate to do this to RAAW, however I just really did not like their juice. I really hope that they rethink this recipe and come up with something more natural and pleasant.