When you think smoothies, it’s easy to jump immediately to berries, sweet fruits and bananas. Recently I was intrigued by the idea of adding baby beets to my strawberry smoothie. It seemed like a natural fit – the beets are sweet by themselves, they’re soft so they would blend easily, and their beautiful deep color would make for a gorgeous smoothie. I added them in with my usual strawberries, mango, almond milk and protein powder for a post-workout snack and was hooked.

The beet flavor is subtle in the smoothie and you could certainly add just one small beet to start. Beets are also very healthy. They have a unique combination of antioxidants, which contributes to their incredible deep color and anti-inflammatory benefits. (Source) The reason I was so excited to incorporate them into this smoothie is because I don’t eat them regularly in my diet, so adding a vegetable to my typical fruit smoothie felt like a great way to diversify my produce intake and always try new fruit and vegetable combinations. I have also found that adding vegetables helps cut the sugar in my smoothies.

I have always loved working out, but I recently joined Orangetheory Fitness and have been absolutely loving it! Anyone else do OTF? Switching my usual workout time to morning workouts before I head into the office has totally jumpstarted my days and helps me feel energized, even at 6:15 am! Once I get back home after my workout, this strawberry beet smoothie is something I can easily sip on for breakfast while getting ready or I take it to-go in the car.

I hope you give this refreshing, healthy and protein-filled smoothie a try…especially with the added beets! Let me know what you think and as usual, tag your pictures @gourmet_gab or send me a Snapchat of the finished product.

Love food. Love self. Love life.
Gabriela