CRAZY FOR CARROTS SMOOTHIE

I have always loved carrots - raw, steamed, roasted, baked into cake, and now blended! This smoothie is great for families where veggies are a bit of a struggle.  It has a mild, naturally sweet flavour and beautiful orange-yellow colour.

For an antioxidant boost, I have added turmeric powder. Turmeric contains curcumin, and this potent disease-fighter has been found to have amazing anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and mood-enhancing benefits.  If you are new to turmeric, it is better to start with less and build-up gradually to see how you tolerate it and to adjust to the somewhat pungent, bitter flavour.  Remember that natural medicines and remedies have side effects, too, and consider discussing with your health care provider.  Also note that turmeric is used as a colouring agent and can stain your clothes and counters!

For 2 servings, blend together until smooth:

• 2 cups grated raw carrot

• 1 cup canned coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk (I like to use a combination of full-fat coconut milk and almond milk)

• 2 Tbsp Nuzest Clean Lean Smooth Vanilla protein powder (for an optional protein boost)

• 1/2 to 1 cup frozen green grapes

• 2 Tbsp almond butter

• 1/4 to 1 tsp ground turmeric (optional, adjust as discussed above)

• pinch of black pepper (to facilitate the absorption of curcumin)

• Lakanto monk fruit sweetener, pure stevia, or raw honey (nonvegan), adjusted to taste (optional)

This recipe was originally published on August 27, 2017. It was updated January 5, 2019.