The name of the game right now is simple and sweet. Easy peasy. The new year has kicked off strong with lots going on, I’m 5 days into a 3 week healing protocol (more on that at another time) and school is back in session for me. I am learning to balance and find comfort in the slow and steady and quick and easy. Both have their much needed place in my life right now. This week I swapped my fast paced vinyasa flow yoga classes and my intense time at the gym for yin yoga, gentle yoga and longer walks. This is what my body is crying out for. Many of our meals have been slow cooked, braised or roasted but naturally, I would run out of time if I followed this path all day every day. So whenever appropriate I have been shifting focus to easy and quick meals and snacks that are still nutrient dense and of course, yummy!

No matter the pace, just as any other time of the year is concerned, I am all about celebrating what is fresh and in season right now, even smack in the middle of winter. There is always so much abundance to focus on, no matter where you live. We have a huge orange tree in our yard that is covered in gorgeous, vibrant juicy oranges. More than two humans could ever dream of eating. So, I have been juicing many of them, giving them to friends and neighbors and getting very creative in the kitchen, with them.

I also love the beautiful fresh pomegranates in season here in California, right now. They’ve been making appearances on nearly every salad I serve and yet I still want more. Since it has been some time since I have shared a smoothie recipe here, I give you the first Tasty Yummies smoothie of 2016, in all her beautiful winter glory!

Sweet, tart and creamy, this smoothie is a breeze to make and you can customize it by adding your favorite protein (I opt for collagen peptides) and you could even add powdered or fresh greens or other goodies, for an extra boost. Great as a post-yoga breakfast, perfect for an on-the-go bite or a between meal sweet snack, this smoothie is sure to brighten up any winter day.

[print_this]Orange Pomegranate Smoothie {gluten-free, vegan, paleo}
serves 2

• 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds (arils)
• 1 medium orange, peeled and as much of the white pith removed as possible, segmented
• 1 frozen organic banana, peeled
• 1/2 cup fresh squeezed orange juice
• 1/4 cup full fat organic coconut milk (or other non-dairy milk)
• ice cubes, as needed
• orange zest and additional pomegranate arils for topping

optional:

1 scoop Collagen Peptides or your preferred protein powder
powdered greens or fresh greens for an extra boost
chia seeds

Add all of the ingredients to your high speed blender (yes, the whole peeled orange). Blend until smooth and creamy, adding as much ice as you’d like. Enjoy. [/print_this]