Category: Recipes

I love lemons.  I always have.  When I was a kid my mom had me drink water with lemon and I was hooked.  Later, I tried lemonade and immediately dismissed it.  The sugar simply ruined my cherished super sour lemon flavor.  I admit...I was a strange kid.  Over the years, the fabulous Toni (my mom/GB Co-Founder/inspiration behind oh so many of these posts and if we beg enough maybe she'll post something too) got bored with simple lemon water and started creating adventurous aquatic inventions for everyone to enjoy.  Suddenly, my friends weren't asking for soda, but instead the healthful hydrating treats in our refrigerator.  Not only are they delicious, but when contained in a clear vessel, they are pretty too! Some of our favorite flavors include, lemon/lime, grapefruit/orange, kiwi/strawberry, mango/peach, cucumber/mint, and cucumber/watermelon. Add your washed fruit to a pitcher of your choice, if you have little ones you might want to stick with BPA Free plastic so it is easier for them to lift. Fill with filtered water.  Citrus can generally be left alone for 5-7 days, just keep refilling your pitcher with filtered water.  The ingredients that are a bit more delicate will need to be refreshed every few days.  Usually, we stick with citrus during the week and save the more exotic flavors for the weekend when we have a little extra time on our hands. The benefits of hydration are endless, younger looking skin, reducing blood pressure, satiates your appetite, keeps you regular...want me to keep going?  If you enjoy the flavor of your water, you'll be inclined to drink more.   Everything is Possible with a Full Belly.

A while back, I was really craving something sweet.  I'm not above caving to my cravings, so, off to the pantry I went.  Knowing that I'm a slave to my whims, I don't generally keep a lot of sweets in the house.  However, this craving wasn't going anywhere.  I had to get creative.  I grabbed some cacao powder (100% ground cacao and nothing else), agave and some milk.  I blended it all together, and viola! chocolate milk.  Seemed strange that I hadn't thought of this before.  I love chocolate milk, but not some of the stuff in the store bought kind.   It doesn't have to end with chocolate.  Why not strawberry?! Blueberry?! Snozzberry...wait...      Not only can you use any fruit you want, but you don't have to stick with traditional milk.  If you or the munchkins have a lactose intolerance, try almond, rice, soy, goat's, or my personal favorite, coconut milk.   Recipe: Serves 2 1 Cup fresh or frozen Strawberries (or fruit of your choice) and/or 1 Tablespoon 100% Cacao Powder 1 Cup Milk (any kind) 1 Tablespoon Amber nature’s agave™ Equipment:  Blender or immersion blender   Directions: Combine all ingredients in the blender or a large vessel.  If you want your milk to be more like a milkshake, a handful of ice.  Puree all ingredients together until smooth.  There is a debate in our house, pulp vs no pulp OJ.  If you like pulp you can keep the beverage as is, if you aren't a fan then you might want to strain it through a fine sieve. Pour into a glass, add a bendy straw and have at it! Feel good about serving this sweet treat.  Each serving contains a half a cup of glorious fruit, no added refined sugar, and a hit of protein.    Everything is Possible with a Full Belly.