by Donna Cain
Guests often ask us how we stay “fairly” thin being around all of this delicious food at the Captain Freeman Inn year round? Well the answer is- we try not to eat it on a regular basis! I believe that every vacation is a time to do things you normally would not do or eat at home. And so when we are away on vacation I indulge. When working at the inn I love to bake up a storm for our guests but usually take a small little bite to see how it tastes. As for breakfast, we treat ourselves to some of our favorites including our healthy fritattas, omelets and green eggs and ham. On the other days we usually have a smoothie.
When I have gained a few unwanted pounds I make enough for three glasses so that I can have one for lunch, and then have a healthy dinner of a simple protein with vegetables and salad.
I have made many smoothies over the years with our family blender. Several years ago I was talking to a guest that raved about his Vitamix blender and then soon after read a funny story by one of my favorite food bloggers. She jokingly said that if her house was on fire she would grab her kids first and the VitaBlender second and hope that her husband grabbed the dog:) I have had mine for 2 years now and while I think I would grab my kids and dog first, I would ask Byron to grab the blender. It’s a wonderful tool to have in your kitchen.
This machine can chop up just about anything and it even chops fresh flaxseed into fine granules that can’t be tasted. I use it to whip my crepe batter and to blend our winter soups. It also self cleans…YES…this machine cleans itself with a little extra help by adding water and a little dish soap and turning on to blend.
I am including the recipe for my favorite health smoothie which Byron and I enjoy for most breakfasts. You can make it in a few minutes and it’s a great breakfast to have the run. This past summer I made two each morning before I drove to Brewster by the Sea and found it was a wonderful way to hydrate and a great energy boost to my metabolism that lasted until lunch.
- 2 cups unsweetened coconut milk
- 2 scoops protein powder
- 2 teaspoons of fiber seeds (chia, hemp or ground flaxseed)
- 2 cups frozen berries
- 1 banana
- ½ cup baby spinach
- Place the coconut milk (can use almond or soy milk too) in the bottom of the blender. add the protein powder, fiber seeds, fruit and the spinach on top. Blend until smooth.
I also use whatever fruit is overripe and place it in the freezer the night before. The frozen fruit seems to make that perfect texture and smoothness. Pineapple is my favorite as it reminds me of a Hawaiian drink with an umbrella.
Life Time Pea Protein and flaxseedsI like to use LifeTime Pea Protein that we get from Amazon or Whole Foods as it is all organic and plant based. You can also use any protein powder as well. For the fiber I like to mix a combination of chia, hemp and flax seed. If you have a regular blender you will need to fresh grind the flax seeds to realize all of the health benefits. You can do that in an electric coffee grinder or get a Vitablender which does everything for you:)
Happy Monday everyone and let me know your favorite smoothie recipe.
