Berry Beet Smoothie!

My girls and I checked out the local Farmer's Market this week. Beets are in season and they are oh so good for you and oh so delicious!

I want to share with you my latest smoothie concoction - I have it at least twice a week and it is yummy! 

Jenny's Berry Beat Smoothie 

Fill Blender with the following:

• 12 oz. water
• 1 fresh beet (*Don't forget the leaves!)
• 1 frozen banana
• 1 handful of blueberries
• 1/2 avocado
• Dash of Cinnamon
• 2 T flaxseed meal

Chop, Blend, Liquify - Enjoy!

*Health Benefits of the Beet Greens

Besides supplying good amounts of protein, phosphorus, and zinc, beet greens are also a great source of fiber. Packed with antioxidants, they’re high in vitamin B6, magnesium, potassium, copper, and manganese, and low in fat and cholesterol. Based on a 2,000 calorie diet, daily values of beet greens contain: 220% of vitamin A, 60% of vitamin C, 16% of calcium, and 15% of iron.

As if that weren’t enough, studies have also shown that the vitamin K in beet greens contains blood clotting properties, helps ward off osteoporosis, works with calcium to boost bone strength, and may also play a role in fighting Alzheimer’s disease. Beet greens have a higher iron content than spinach, and a higher nutritional value than the beetroot itself.

The vitamin A content in beet greens helps strengthen the immune system and stimulates  production of antibodies and white blood cells. The beta-carotene in vitamin A is a known antioxidant that can fight the effects of free radicals in the body along with cancer and heart disease. Doctors often recommend vitamin A to patients at risk of developing night blindness.

Comfort Food - Good For Your Skin Too!

I don't know about you, but this time of year I am all about comfort food. We are currently experiencing an arctic freeze here in Kansas City, as it's supposed to be below 0 degrees tonight. So I am ALL about baking and comfort food, staying in - snuggled under a blanket with those I love! This is one of my family's favorite dishes that we've been rotating in our line-up for a few years now. As I was making it for dinner tonight, I was thinking how healthy it also is for our skin - as it combines sweet potato, garlic, AND spinach!  Add some berries on the side and a piece of dark chocolate for dessert and your skin will Thank You!  

Sweet Potato & Spinach Mac & Cheese
By: Erin @ Naturally Ella

Prep Time: 45 minutes
Bake Time: 30 minutes

1 large sweet potato
3 C whole wheat pasta
2 T butter
2 T flour
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 C milk
3/4 C mozzarella cheese, shredded
3/4 C asiago cheese, shredded
1/2 C parmesan cheese, shredded
2 handfuls of raw spinach

1.) Peel and cube sweet potato. Bring a pot of water to a boil, add sweet potato, and cook until tender. Drain and let cool slightly. Mash sweet potato with 1/4 C milk - set aside.

2.) Boil and cook pasta, al dente. Drain and set aside.

3.) Mix together cheeses and set aside.

4.) Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

5.) In a large sauce pan, melt butter and add garlic, cooking for 1 minute. Whisk in flour and let cook for another 1-2 minutes to cook out the flour taste. Whisk in 1 1/4 C of milk and cook until mixture thickens. Whisk in sweet potato puree and continue to cook until hot.  Remove from heat and add 1 1/2 C of the cheese mixture.

6.) In a large casserole dish, add pasta, spinach and cheese/potato sauce. Toss until everything is coated and mixed. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top. Bake for 25-35 minutes - cheese on top should be browning.