After years of drooling from the sidelines, this marks my first year participating in Vegan Mofo which challenges participating bloggers to write about vegan food for the entire month. [For more details, see the Vegan Mofo website.] Colour me excited.
I considered all kinds of random themes for September, but in the end I decided on something I know I could put my heart and soul into. Even though my sweet tooth voted for “DESSERT MONTH!!”, my head decided otherwise. Vegan Glow will showcase wholesome, vegetable-heavy vegan recipes that will leave you feeling energized. The recipes will be similar to my own style of recipe creation, but they’ll be kicked up a few notches. Given that it’s back to school and work season, I’m aiming to share as many quick and easy recipes as I can.
In other news, I now have a “thing” for making rather pathetic “glowing” suns in Photoshop. Oh dear.
What can you expect to see on Oh She Glows this month? Well, I have several recipes lined up from raw recipes and juices/smoothies to healthy desserts and energizing fall-inspired soups. And who knows what else. I sure don’t.
I hope you are hungry because it’s going to be a great month!
Up first, I’m sharing this power smoothie that I’m obsessed with lately. Power smoothies are what I call the mega dose, nutrient-packed smoothies of the bunch. You know that’s how I roll. This one surely is up there on the list of health drinks. I’ve been drinking it for breakfast several mornings a week and it makes me feel incredible. Best of all, it makes just shy of 4 cups…aka one big ass smoothie. I like big smoothies and I do not lie. All you other bloggers can’t deny…
Seeing as we’re just coming off a holiday weekend, I figured this was a good “back on track” smoothie to kick off the new month. Let’s do it up.
Here are a few reasons to chug this down, from a nutritional standpoint. I’ll talk more about the flavour in the headnote below.
Beet – cleanses the liver, purifies the blood, anti-inflammatory, source of iron
Avocado – helps lower blood pressure, lubricates joints, anti-inflammatory, loads of healthy fats, high in fibre
Strawberries – high in antioxidants, rich source of vitamin C, benefits digestion
Celery – acts as mild diuretic, promotes feeling of fullness, rich in B vitamins and fibre
Lemon – antibacterial properties, aids digestion, high in Vitamin C, detoxifies and alkalizes, mild diuretic
Virgin Coconut oil – fights viruses, fungi, and bacteria, metabolism booster, healthy MCT fats, increases good HDL cholesterol
Apple (optional) – helps balance blood sugar levels, helps lower cholesterol, aids digestion
[Source: Healing Foods, DK Publishing 2013]
Convinced yet?
[Just an update – We’re still having issues with the new recipe uploader not displaying in Feedly. Hopefully we’ll have a fix for this soon! Thanks for your understanding.]
This recipe directly below is an updated version (April 23, 2016). The original recipe follows.
Featuring all new, protein-packed salads, hearty toppers, flavour boosters, and dressings you'll want to drink, my new cookbook will transform the way you think about salads. Oh, and be sure to flip to the back for a surprise dessert chapter!
Pink Power Detox Smoothie
Yield
3 1/2 cups (2 servings)
Prep time
Cook time
0 minutes
Total time
Beet, strawberries, avocado, and lemon unite to create one kick-butt, surprisingly delicious, bright pink smoothie! This smoothie is lightly sweet and creamy, while packing in the detoxifying power of beet and lemon. If you're not a beet fan you might be wondering if you can taste the beet. The answer is yes you can definitely taste the beet! However, I think the beet flavour is balanced quite nicely in this smoothie (keep in mind this is coming from a beet fan).
Ingredients
- 1 cup (250 mL) water*
- 1 cup (150 g) frozen strawberries
- 1/3 cup (45 g) chopped fresh beet**
- 1/4 cup (50 g) avocado
- 1 tablespoon (15 mL) fresh lemon juice
- 1 large sweet apple (200 grams), roughly chopped
- 5 to 6 large ice cubes
- Liquid sweetener, to taste (optional)
Directions
- Add all ingredients into a high-speed blender and blend on high until smooth. Taste and add liquid sweetener, if desired.
Tip:
- * For a sweeter smoothie, try using coconut water instead of water.
- ** You might want to steam the beet until tender before blending if you don't have a Vitamix or other capable blender. I just blend it raw because I know my Vitamix can handle it.
Nutrition Information
(click to expand)
Featuring all new, protein-packed salads, hearty toppers, flavour boosters, and dressings you'll want to drink, my new cookbook will transform the way you think about salads. Oh, and be sure to flip to the back for a surprise dessert chapter!
Pink Power Detox Smoothie
Yield
4 cups
Prep time
Cook time
0 minutes
Total time
Beet, strawberries, avocado, and lemon unite to create one kick-butt, surprisingly delicious, bright pink smoothie! This creamy & thick smoothie is not overly sweet - it's more on the tart side thanks to juice from a whole lemon. If you prefer sweeter smoothies, I suggest adding an apple to the mix or your preferred liquid sweetener. I also suggest using a small to medium sized beet, anything larger and the earthy beet might overpower the other flavours. Consider gently steaming the beet until tender before blending if you don't have a Vitamix or other capable blender. I just use the beet raw because I know my blender can handle it. Best to be safe than sorry if you are unsure!
Ingredients
- 1 cup water or coconut water
- 1/2 medium avocado, pitted
- 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
- 1 cup strawberries (frozen preferred), hulled if necessary
- 1 small/medium beet, ends trimmed and roughly chopped*
- 1 lemon, juiced (about 3 tablespoons or so)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 4 large ice cubes
- 1 apple ( if sweeter smoothie is desired - optional), cored and roughly chopped
Directions
- Steam beet if necessary before starting. See my tips in the headnote.
- Add all ingredients into a high-speed blender and blend on high until smooth. Adjust sweetness if desired, adding an apple or liquid sweetener to taste if needed.
Tip:
1) If you are not a beet fan, try adding a handful of leafy greens instead of the beet and include the optional apple. 2) Smoothies shown in pictures does not include apple. Yield may be slightly higher with an apple added in.
Just wanted to say.. your photographs are looking absolutely stunning lately… so vibrant and clean! I bet they take loads of work, time and patience and you should know how much it contributes to your posts. BEAUTIFUL! :)
Ok, I just made this smoothie and it was amazing! I really liked it. I usually hate beets, but I’ve discovered that I like them much more when they’re raw. Thank you for sharing this recipe!
that’s great news!
In an effort to continue my focus on healthy eating and lifestyle, I came across your website just a few days ago. Your story pulled me in and I have spent several free hours pouring over the blogs and recipes. I LOVE the site and have made a few of the recipes with great sucess. This Pink Power Smoothie is a keeper! I look forward to trying even more good eats! Thank you!
Welcome Susan! So happy you are enjoying the blog. :)
I haven’t put beets or celery in my smoothies before, but this one is so pretty I might try it!
I have all these ingredients… no excuse not to make it! I’ve never thought to put beets and berries together but I bet it’s delish!
How many calories are in this smoothie?
I know many people peel beets before using, but I am going to scrub mine like crazy and try them in the smoothie unpeeled and hope they don’t taste too “earthy” :) Now, what to do with the beet greens I cut off….maybe a stir fry!
I am a longtime lurker and big fan of your site. Thank you for everything you do to put out wonderful healthy recipes. I have been sneaking them into our meals gradually (I married an unapologetic carnivore), and my husband has enjoyed every one of your recipes. He now asks, “Is this a “Glow” recipe?” ;) Your Endurance crackers, GF almond/buckwheat pizza crust, butternut squash mac n’ cheese, no bake date squares and no bake macaroons have helped win him over and helped make him more open minded about vegan food. This has helped catapult him into adopting the vegan Engine 2 diet (probably because the spokes-person is a big muscled manly-man firefighter, but hey, whatever it takes to make him healthy is fine with me!).
I tried your pudding made with chia, almond milk, cocoa pudding and a little water this morning. I blended it up for a few seconds, let it sit in the fridge while I showered….and it changed my life! What a great breakfast, snack or dessert-it filled me up, satisfied my sweet tooth (I added a couple drops of vanilla stevia liquid) and made me feel like I was doing something good for my body all at once.
I look forward to trying more of your recipes, and I was happy to vote for your website! Good luck!
Thank you so much for this lovely comment! That totally made my day. Thanks so much for trying out so many recipes and for your support :)
Do you think a regular (old style) food processer would work on this? I don’t have a Vitamix and only a run-of-the-mill blender.
Hey Donna, I don’t think a processor would work for a smoothie – I don’t think it would get smooth, but would just end up grainy.
I am allergic to avacado. How do you think it would be without it? Any suggestions as to what to add instead?
Hmm the avocado makes it thick and creamy (similar to what a frozen banana does to a smoothie) – maybe try some coconut cream or nut butter?
This was delicious!!! I added about 2 Tablespoons soaked Goji berries (just for fun!)
Thanks for all of your wonderful recipes Angela!
Great smoothie. Me and husband had it this morning. I was trying to think of something to do with my beets. I didnt have the celery so i threw in a couple of carrots for good measure. Good luck with the 20 posts this month. I cant wait, i love all your recipes.
I’m allergic to avocado. Can you suggest a substitute?
Hey Jessica, the avocado makes it thick and creamy (similar to what a frozen banana does to a smoothie) – maybe try some coconut cream or nut butter? im not sure how a banana would impact the flavour, but you could try that too.
I was hoping you would share what kind of spiral veggie tool you are using to make your. Zucchini pasta… Thank for all the amazing receipts … You help keep me and my son healthy.. Look forward to all to come… Cheers
Hey Jessica, I linked to the tools at the bottom of the recipe – that post explains all. :) Hope this helps!
….i wanted to try this smoothie so bad, but i didn’t have any beets or lemons, so i swapped the beet for half of an apple and lime juice in place of the lemon…..it was creamy and tasty!!! thanks for the inspiration!!!!, BTW, LOVE the use of the mason jar :)
Angela
I made this smoothie the other day and it was awesome. I have been telling lots of people about it and forwarding it on!! Thank you for being so creative and sharing with us!! This smoothie rocks!!!
Do you strain it after mixing? I love beets but have found that when I try to make smoothies with them it always turns out really frothy and I end up only drinking part of it. I also use a Vitamix, do you have any suggestions?
Thanks :)
Oh man, I knew I should have got beets from the market yesterday… this looks so good! I don’t even like beets, but I think I would enjoy them in this (I try to eat them in things as I know they are healthy). And so pretty too!
Just bought some steamed beets at Trader Joe’s since our blender, while great, falls short of a Vitamix in power. Can’t wait to have these for breakfast this week!
A question, though. I normally toss a few tablespoons of organic chia seeds into my smoothies for a nice fiber/omega-3 boost. Can you do that with this, or will the chia gel make them too thick?
Hey Colleen, This smoothie is quite thick thanks to the avocado, but you could always try it out – maybe start with just 1 tbsp though. Hope you enjoy!
Is the whole recipe one serving? Or do you split it up into more than one serving? Just curious! Can’t wait to try it!
Hey Sarah, I drink the whole smoothie for breakfast or if I don’t want it all, I pop it into the fridge and have the rest with lunch. Up to you!
Just made this smoothie this morning, and it was AMAZING. Thanks for the recipe, and I’d love any more smoothie combos with vegetables that you have. I am never quite sure what to mix with what. Some things have nutritional info. on your site–can you add to this recipe?
Kira