The Big Squeeze www.ninjakitchen.com
INGREDIENTS
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6-8 ice cubes
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1 small tangerine, peeled and seeded
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1 ripe orange, peeled
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1 peach, pitted and peeled
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1 cup water
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Make it Thicker Try adding one of these ingredients for a creamier drink and to boost the nutrition profile as well:
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1/4 ripe banana
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2 tablespoons avocado
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If you think avocados are only for guacamole, think again! Ideal for greens drinks, avocado adds good-for-you monounsaturated fat with only 50 calories for 2 tablespoons. Florida avocados (the larger, smooth skinned ones) have slightly fewer calories
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1/4 tablespoon chia seeds
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In white and black varieties, chia seeds are a nutrient powerhouse. Rich in protein, these tiny seeds deliver potassium, magnesium, calcium, and manganese.
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Chia seeds are also one of the best plant sources of omega-3 fats and can contribute to your daily fiber requirements.
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How to Make a Chia Gel: Combine 4 tablespoons chia seeds with 2 cups water or other liquid, such as coconut water.
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Voila – after 10-15 minutes you’ll have a gel! Use a tablespoon or two of gel to thicken drinks to your desired consistency. Cover and refridgerate.
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Make it Thinner: The thickness of a blended drink will depend on a few factors, such as whether or not ice is used, and whether the fruit is fresh or frozen. If your smoothie isn’t sip-able, you can add one of these healthful ingredients to thin it
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2 tablespoons green tea, chamomile tea or coconut water
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Add a small amount of a high-moisture food, such as celery, lettuce, cucumber, lemon or lime
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Add some water---important to re-hydrate!
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Unsweetened almond milk to add richness---great with tropical fruits!
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Make it Sweeter: Our recipes have been designed to rely on fruits and other ingredients that provide as little natural sugar as possible.
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Until your taste buds get accustomed to drinks that are less sweet (and it will happen over time), if needed, add one of these ingredients to hit the sweet spot:
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Agave: 1 tsp- Sourced from the root of the agave or yucca plant, has a high fructose content. Because agave is processed through the liver it has no impact on blood sugar, can impact triglyceride levels
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Dates, Dried Figs & Raisins-1/2 date, 1/2 fig, 20 Raisins. Dried fruits provide very concentrated, natural sweetness, only need to use a small amount!
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Honey-1/2 Tbsp - Distinct, rich taste - Opt for raw, organic honey
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Lucuma-1/2 Tbsp- A subtropical fruit available in powder form found at most health food stores that offers a fragrant taste along with sweetness. Can be used as an emulsifier to combine vegetables and fruits with fats in blended drinks
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Maple Syrup-1/2 Tbsp- Obtained from the sap of the maple tree - Concentrated sweetness, only need to use a small amount
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Stevia-3/8 tsp or 1/2 packet- An herb available in powdered or liquid form with zero calories
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- Different brands are made from different parts of the plant, which may taste a bit different
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Yacon Syrup-1 Tbsp- Sourced from a South American tuber and available in syrup or powder at health food stores
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- Does not spike blood sugar and offers half the calories of table sugar.
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