Happy Monday! How was your weekend? We had a whirlwind family road trip touring several college campuses, and are headed home today with a lot of information! I’m so grateful we’re working with an amazing college consultant for this process, because holy moly it’s overwhelming! (I’m happy to share her contact info for DFW peeps, just shoot me an email.)
My favorite part of this process so far though, has been the extra family time it creates…even if it is being confined in a car! But after a three-day road trip, you know we’re full of junk food and in need of a detox!
One of our goals this year was to be more mindful about what we put in and on our bodies. We started out strong, buying mostly organic, but as the grocery bill escalated, it became increasingly harder to stick with it. Then we discovered Brandless!
It’s a new online grocery store of nonperishable items…most everything is organic with no added-sugar, non-GMO, fair-trade…and get this, it’s all $3!! I’ll let you marinate on that for a second…three dollars!
I assumed it was too good to be true and everything would either taste like cardboard, or be in miniature packages. But of the 20+ things we’ve tried so far, it’s all delicious!! And they’re the same size as what you’d find at Whole Foods or any other high-end, healthy grocery store, they just don’t have any fancy art or packaging. We’re already obsessed with the pancake mix, all the cookies, body wash, and agave nectar. Considering the quality of the ingredients, the price is even more unbelievable.
Our other favorite products are the vitamins and supplements (also only $3 for a month supply!). Mr. SP said the melatonin is what dreams are made of #punny, and I’ve found my new secret weapon for getting my family to eat more veggies…the Antioxidant & Greens Supplement. I slip it in their morning or after-school smoothie, and it doesn’t alter the color or flavor, but adds a huge dose of healthy greens (seriously, check out the label to see everything included!).
I’m always looking for new, simple smoothie combinations that my kids will enjoy (that aren’t loaded with sugar!), so I thought I’d share our five favorites!
Very Strawberry Fruit Smoothie
1 c. Strawberries
1/2 Banana
1/2 c. Yogurt (strawberry, vanilla or plain)
6-8 ozs. Apple Juice
Healthy Sweet Green Smoothie
1 c. Kale
1 c. Spinach
1 c. Pineapple
1/2 Banana
1 T. Brandless Honey
6 ozs. Apple Juice
Splash Milk (coconut, almond or cow’s milk)
Peanut Butter & Jelly Smoothie
1 c. Strawberries
1/2 Banana
2-3 T. Brandless Peanut Butter Powder
1 tsp. Brandless Flax Seed
6-8 ozs. Apple Juice
The Everything Smoothie
1 c. Kale
1 c. Spinach
1 c. Mixed Berries
1 Banana
6-8 ozs. Apple Juice
Brandless Probiotic Supplement
Peaches & Cream Smoothie
1 c. Peaches
1 c. Kale
1 c. Yogurt
1 T. Brandless Honey or Agave
Pinch of Cinnamon
These are all approximate measurements, since usually I’m just grabbing handfuls of what we have. Also, I use frozen fruit whenever possible for a thicker, colder smoothie. And of course, I now add a Brandless Antioxidant & Greens Supplement (and sometimes a Brandless Probiotic Supplement) to all of them!
The Peaches and Cream (yes, it’s peaches…even though it’s green!) is the most requested in our house…so sweet and creamy, without even a hint of veggie taste! We made a little video to show you how I add the secret weapon!
I am so excited to have discovered Brandless, and can’t wait to try more products…like the gluten-free Mac & Cheese (two for $3!) and the cleaning products (all non-GMO!). And on top of taking better care of yourself, you’re helping to do good for others, because Brandless donates a meal to Feeding America every time you check out. Have you tried them yet? What smoothie recipes are your family favorites?
*This post is created in collaboration with Brandless, but all ideas, opinions, and ninja mom skills are my own. Thank you for supporting Hi Sugarplum sponsors!*