There is the old phrase, “you can’t see the forest for the trees“… you know the one.  I thought of that when I was making this smoothie (for the 3rd time in 24 hrs).  So often in our busy day-to-day lives, we get so wrapped up in minute details of the most insignificant things and lost in the “noise”, that we lose sight of the grandness of our life and how fortunate and blessed we all are.  An attitude of gratitude extends inspiration wherever we go. It is in this spirit of appreciation that I share this unbelievable  smoothie recipe with you.

I am not a cherry lover.  But, believe me when I tell you I am now and this might be one of the most delicious smoothie’s I have ever tasted.  Found this recipe at the CLEAN support forum and everyone raved about.  I didn’t have any cherries in the freezer so it did require an extra trip to Whole Foods.  If your freezer is without, it is worth the drive to get some now.

Cherries are among the top superfoods for  antioxidants and joint-health. They pack a good punch of beta-carotene, vitamin C and melatonin (who knew!?). Melatonin, in addition to helping regulate sleep patterns, is an important antioxidant that helps maintain brain functioning and protects neural cells.

Greens hide very well in any smoothie with cacao.  I added alot of organic spinach and grated carrots to this.  For those of you with kids, here is a perfect opportunity for a “cherry chocolate shake”  loaded with greens.  And,  did I mention that I have had this 3 times in the last 24 hrs?   Gratefully, N.  xo

black forest smoothie
1 cup almond milk
1 cup frozen dark cherries
1 tablespoon almond butter
1 teaspoon cinnamon (I used more – no rules here!)
1-2 tablespoons cacao powder
1 tablespoon ground flax or chia seed
Stevia to taste

OPTIONAL: Why not?!
3 large handfuls of organic spinach
1/2 cup grated carrots

Mix all in high speed blender.

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