Goji Strawberry Smoothie

I’m still enjoying my week of relaxing and boosting my immune system, after receiving my mandatory annual flu shot at work on Sunday.  For me, green drinks are always a necessary part of a healthy diet, and even more important when trying to fight off a cold or flu.

Green smoothies have quite a few elements that are important for boosting immunity, and the one I’m showing you today, while it didn’t turn out especially green (thanks to the brightly-colored berries), is extremely beneficial for your immune system.

This smoothie combines strawberries and goji berries to make a sweet, antioxidant-packed cocktail, that is loaded with iron, and vitamins A and C.  The smoothie also contains protein, which is important for keeping your body functioning at optimum levels, and greens, in the form of spinach, which help alkalize the body, and provide extra iron and even more vitamin C.

Ingredients

• 1 cup filtered water
• 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
• 1 T chia or ground flax seeds
• 2 handfuls spinach
• 1/4 cup dried goji berries
• 1 banana
• 1/2 cup frozen strawberries

Directions

1.  Soak goji berries for about 10 minutes, or until soft, then drain off the water.

2.  Add the gojis and other ingredients to the blender.  Blend on high for 30-45 seconds.

Goji berries (as well as many of the other ingredients in this smoothie) can be found in your local health food store.  I bought a 5 ounce bag of dried goji berries for about $10.  Since I usually use them more as a garnish or ingredient, rather than as a snack of just the berries, the bag has lasted me quite a while, and I’m still no where near finishing them.  They also make a great topper for cereal, granola, or oatmeal.

How do you like to eat goji berries?

Affirmation of the Day: My diet keeps my body healthy and strong.

Happy Thursday!

<3 Lindsay