Pink Beet & Flax Smoothie

Today was the first warmish day we've had here in weeks, and to say I wasn't a bit happy would be an understatement. Unfortunately, all the outdoor plans that I had made for the kids and me had to be put on hold as Lukas came down with something and ended up sick with a fever {poor little guy}. I hate seeing my kids sick and want to give lots of cuddles and kisses while they're sick in bed. But I'd be lying if I said that I get a little worried that I'll end up getting what they've got and get sick myself... and no one wants a sick mommy, especially since moms don't get sick ha. 

So I thought since I'd be hanging around the house and hanging in the yard, I'd make a smoothie packed full of goodness {health & taste} that would help me fight anything coming my way... I see you germs! I've only just started cooking with beets and let me tell you, what the heck was I thinking not eating these bad boys sooner? They are so dang good! And my little Jakob loves them with a capital L, asking for fruit snacks when he sees them. So it was no surprise that when I first made this smoothie, he just about drank the whole thing. 

Did you know, beets are high in vitamin C, fiber, manganese, folate and potassium? I didn't until I looked it up a while back, prompting me to drink beet juice more frequently. Vitamin C is immune-boosting, so I knew making this smoothie would be beneficial with a sickie in the house. And flaxseed has essential fatty acids and micronutrients that help heart health. *For this recipe, I used flax meal. 

What you'll need: 

• 1 cup pickled beet slices
• 3/4 cups sliced pineapple
• 1/2 banana 
• 1 tbsp flax meal
• 1/2 cup water
• optional: 1/2 cup vanilla yogurt

What you'll do:

• Add all ingredients to a blender and set to smoothie mode. Since there is no ice in this recipe, all ingredients should blend pretty fast and smooth. 
• Once blended, pour and enjoy! 

I hope you try this healthy smoothie and enjoy it as much as I do! I can't wait for the weather to get even warmer and stay warm so I can drink colder smoothies... maybe around the pool? I miss Summer, sigh.