Blues in the Night Smoothie

Recording “These Broken Tracks” in San Antonio, TX.  Photo © 2017 R.L. Peterson

The Blues

Musically speaking, the “blues” can take on many shades and tones. Some blues can be mellow, moody, or jazzy (B.B. King, Buddy Guy).

More progressive styles of blues feature blues-based guitar chord structures and riffs which can rock the house down (Stevie Ray Vaughan, Steve Gaines).

ZZ Top’s “El Diablo,” and Lynyrd Skynyrd’s version of “Crossroads” are two favorites that rock the house.

Blueberry (Vaccinium L.)

Blueberrycouncil.org states that blueberries are low in fat, packed with vitamins C and K, a good source of fiber, and an excellent source of manganese.

According to authoritynutrition.com, blueberries are the king of antioxidants, which protect bodies from damage by free radicals, unstable molecules that can damage cellular structures and contribute to aging and diseases like cancer.

Blueberries are believed to contain the highest antioxidant capacity of ALL commonly consumed fruits and vegetables.

Zero528 agrees that blueberries taste YUMMY! Especially in this purple-shaded “Blues in the Night” fruit smoothie blend. Add some peanut butter and WHOA!

Blues in the Night Smoothie Recipe

Yet another winning line-up of tasty ingredients. Photo © 2017 R.L. Peterson

Minnesota “home” glass filled with the Blues in the Night Smoothie. Photo © 2017 R.L. Peterson

Ingredients

• 1 large banana, peeled, and quartered
• ½ cup frozen strawberries
• 1 cup frozen blueberries
• 1 scoop (provided in bag) of Vega Protein Smoothie-Viva Vanilla
• 1 Tbsp. Bob’s Red Mill Flax Seed
• 2 heaping Tbsp. Krema/Crazy Richard’s Crunchy Peanut Butter
• 1 cup (or slightly more depending upon desired thickness) Almond Breeze Almond Milk-Original

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients in a blender and mix until creamy
2. Serve immediately or freeze to enjoy later

Makes two servings!

“Enjoy and keep a good thought!” Bob P.

Credit where credit is due:

All images and photos © 2017 R.L. Peterson

Recipe inspired by P.L. Wiese

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LEED Certified “Green” Smoothie

Yep, this is one GREEN smoothie! My brother suggested I name it The Hulk – which seems fitting. However, I ran with my intuition and interest in green/eco-friendly products. Introducing the LEED Certified “Green” Smoothie! Photo © 2016 R.L. Peterson

Greetings and welcome in, my friends!

For this blog, I’ve intertwined two areas of interest- sustainability and vegan lifestyle (healthy eating). I hope you enjoy it!

LEED

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), is changing the way people think about how buildings and communities are planned, constructed, maintained, and operated.

Since its inception, I have been a proponent of the US Green Building Council’s LEED certification for green buildings.

US Green Building Council (USGBC), assists in defining acceptable standards for a sustainable future for humanity and the environment – and not just by advancing better buildings, but through five vital project types: building design and construction; interior design and construction; building operations and maintenance; neighborhood development; homes.

The Greenest Building

I also subscribe to the philosophy that the “greenest” building is the one that is already built. Which is why I also support the mission of The National Trust for Historic Preservation. This organization is integral in helping save and restore the nation’s historic buildings and properties in a manner consistent with sustainability.

LEED Certified “Green” Smoothie Recipe

What a line up of tasty and healthy ingredients! Photo © 2016 R.L. Peterson

Awaiting the blend. Photo © 2016 R.L. Peterson

If I remember correctly, and I’m certain that I do, my Mom couldn’t pay me to eat spinach as a kid. Ha Ha! Now, I’m eating it of my own free will. Oh, how times have changed.

Popeye the Sailor Man would be so proud. Ugh, Ugh, Ugh! Photo © 2016 R.L. Peterson

When the color of my mixture matches the 70s green color of my blender . . . success! Too funny! Photo © 2016 R.L. Peterson

Ready to pour. Photo © 2016 R.L Peterson

I doubt the USGBC will certify this drink as platinum or gold but perhaps “Green.”

Seeking a “healthy-tasting” treat . . . this is it! Not to mention it is healthy, too.

I’ve also enjoyed this drink as a substitute for a meal.

Ingredients
• 1 ripe banana, peeled and quartered
• ½ cup frozen fruit (50:50 mix of strawberries and peaches)
• ½ scoop (provided in bag) of Vega Protein Smoothie-Viva Vanilla
• 1 Tbsp. Bob’s Red Mill Flax Seed
• 1 heaping Tbsp. Krema/Crazy Richard’s Crunchy Peanut Butter
• ¾ – 1 cup (varies upon desired thickness) Almond Breeze Almond Milk-Original
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach/spring mix

Instructions
1. Add all ingredients into a blender and mix until creamy
2. Serve immediately but can be frozen to enjoy later
3. Enjoy!

Makes one generously-sized serving

Keep a good thought! Bob P.

Credit where credit is due:
Recipe inspired by runningveganrecipes
All photos © 2016 R.L. Peterson