Blue Banana Protein Shake

Blueberries are in season right now and I just can't get enough of them.  I have been tossing a handful or two in my Cheerios every morning and grabbing handfuls out of the fridge when ever a craving strikes.  Blueberries and banana are a great flavor combination and so healthy for you.  Toss them together in this four ingredient shake that will taste delicious and is good for you!

Blue Banana Protein Shake
Prep time: 10 minutes
Total time: 10 minutes
Servings: 1

1/2 cup frozen chopped banana
1/2 cup frozen blueberries
3/4 cup 1% milk
1 scoop vanilla protein powder (6 Tablespoons)

In blender, place all ingredients. Cover, blend on high speed until smooth. Pour into a large glass and serve immediately.

If you don't have frozen bananas and blueberries you can use fresh and then add a 1/2 cup of ice.  And if you don't have protein powder try substituting some plain or vanilla Greek yogurt for that added protein to keep you going longer. You can also sub out the blueberries for any berry that you have.

I keep a good supply of bananas on hand, I love them. But when they are ripening faster than I can eat them I like to cut them up into chunks, put them in a sandwich baggie and toss them in the freezer. That way I have frozen bananas whenever the smoothie craving hits!

Source: livebetteramerica.com

So much more than Guac: 5 Surprising Uses for Avocados

Guacamole is delish, but there are so many more uses for avocados than just dip.  While they are higher in calories than other fruits, they are a healthy source of folate, fiber, vitamin E and potassium, and rich in unsaturated fats.  Try some of these surprising uses, you just might be surprised!

1. Grilled avocado boats. These are sure to surprise your dinner guests. Slice the avocado in half, removing the pit. Stick them on the grill, face down, and cook until they start to melt and get grill marks. Fill the “boats” with a black bean-tomato-corn salsa or shrimp salad.
2. “Creamy” green pasta. Add smashed avocado mixed with a little pasta water for a delicious “cream” sauce for noodles. The avocado lends an amazing texture and a cool green color to the pasta.
3. Fat replacer. Using avocado to replace butter decreases saturated fat and increases nutrients in baked goods. Avocado makes baked goods soft, creamy and less crumbly (it’s also a fantastic standby in vegan and vegetarian baking).
4. Smoothies. Avocados enhance the color and texture of green smoothies. Blend avocado with yellow-colored fruits (like mango, bananas and pineapple) and some leafy greens for an electric-green smoothie filled with flavor and nutrition.
5. Face mask.Wondering how to use those overripe avocados? Smash it up and smear in it on your face. The essential oils can help rehydrate the skin, giving you a smooth finish and refreshed look!

Source: Live Better America