Coconut Water Tropical Smoothie {Dairy, Gluten, Refined Sugar Free, Paleo, Vegan & AIP}

My brother went to Costco yesterday and brought home coconut water. (Read here about how to choose the best coconut water).

I've never used coconut water in a smoothie before and thought today was the perfect day to try something new. I'm so glad I did, because the coconut water along with the frozen fruit I chose, is a perfect tropical combination! (And as you can see in the photo, we still have snow on the ground here. I have been anticipating summer for so long, maybe if I drink tropical smoothies and wear summer clothes spring will come sooner?! Lol.)

Ingredients:

• 1 frozen banana
• 1/4 cup frozen mango
• 5-6 frozen strawberries
• 1 tablespoon collagen (omit if vegan)
• Stevia to taste
• coconut water 

Directions: Add your frozen fruit and collagen to your blender along with 1/4 cup coconut water and Blend. Continue adding coconut water until you reach desired consistency (I think I added about 3/4 cup of coconut water total). Add stevia to taste, blend again and you're done! Enjoy! 

What are you most looking forward to about summer? I would have to say green grass and warm sunshine! 

Chocolate Cashew Smoothie (AIP & Paleo option)

I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas! We had some family over and had a relaxed evening.

Even in the middle of winter, I love drinking smoothies, I guess it is the Alaskan in me. :) So, today I am sharing one of my favorite recipes with you! 

• 1 cup of milk (I used raw goats milk, but you can use coconut, cashew milk etc. ;)
• 1 extra ripe organic banana (frozen)
•  2 tbsp cocoa powder (substitute with carob if AIP)
• 2 tbsp cashew butter (substitute with sun butter if nut free or omit if AIP)
• 1 tbsp gelatin (this kind) (optional, but highly recommend for extra protein to keep you full longer)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract or powder
• 1/2 tsp stevia (this kind)
• 1/2 cup ice

Add everything to a blender and blend until smooth! 

Yields 1 delicious smoothie!

Love,
Megan :)

P.S. Happy Feast of the Holy Family!