Creamsicle Smoothies

CONTINUING WITH MY BLOOD ORANGE OBSESSION

I'm just over here sucking up more bits of citrus this winter. Citrus must be nature's way of apologizing for all the blizzard attacks in early months of the year. I'm actually not sure if it is the cold weather that I can pin it on, but I'm getting a bit of a sore throat. It could also be because of our indulgent weekend shenanigans--way too many Mai tais? I'm also not ashamed to admit, it could be an imbalance in my throat chakra too. Check your chakras, people! Whatever the cause of this throat issue, It couldn't have come at a better time--during my citrus/blood orange/vitamin-C blog binge! I'm betting all problems will be rectified after I down a couple of these vitamin C-packed creamsicle smoothies. Ya know, inspired by those delicious orange, ice cream pops from childhood? Except these are much more nutrient-dense (with no added food coloring. Promise.) 

Citrus Swap: Feel free to swap out the type of orange. If you don't have blood oranges, feel free to use any type of orange/orange juice you want or have access to. I happen to have a lot of blood oranges just hangin around, and love them for their slightly tart taste, gorgeous color, AND because they have additional antioxidants to go along with all the vitamin C, and those antioxidants are what give the oranges that beautiful crimson hue. 

Chia Pudding: I added a thick chia seed pudding at the bottom, which is totally optional.

It's just a mixture of 1/4 cup chia seeds and 1 cup plant-based milk, kept in the lidded container in the fridge overnight to plump up.

I figured, what the heck, let's add a few more antioxidants and nutrients to this yummy mix. Why not?Here's

How to Make them: 1 cup blood orange juice (about 4 blood oranges)

2 large organic carrots, peeled and chopped into bite-sized pieces

1 cup yogurt (coconut yogurt)

3 bananas1 tbsp honey

1 Scoop or 35 grams vanilla protein powder (optional)

1 cup crushed iceIn a blender blend the freshly squeezed orange juice, chopped carrots, bananas, yogurt, and honey until smooth.

Divide between two glasses and serve immediately.