Goji berries have become relatively trendy lately, but they have been used in Chinese medicine for more than 5,000 years. It's no surprise I first learned about the superfood berries when I was working at CCTV America (China Central Television) in DC. One of my Chinese coworkers (oh heyyy Serena!) showed me how she steeps them in hot water to make a nutrient loaded herbal tea. The berries become plump and juicy after about 5-10 minutes in the hot water. 

Goji berries have been eaten in Asia for generations in the hopes of living longer.  These berries have been called a "fountain of youth" and over time, they have been used to treat health issues such as diabetes, fever, and eye problems (thanks WebMD!).

There are SO many studies (like this study) out there claiming a variety of health and beauty benefits of goji berries, but what we know for sure is that they are loaded with beta-carotene which helps promote healthy skin AND Goji berries contain a high amount of vitamin C (250% recommended daily value in 1 oz!). Sounds like an immune system booster to me. They also have one of the highest rankings on the ORAC scale (oxygen radical absorbance capacity), which measures their antioxidant activity.

Now it sure sounds like I am trying to sell you some goji berries...but I really just wanted to share with you something that is relatively new to me that I have been enjoying! Let me know what you think. 

P.S. For some other uses....You could throw them on top of a salad, or use them as a yogurt or oatmeal topping. You might also like throwing a handful into your homemade trail mix. They would go great with some almonds and dark chocolate. Have you ever tried these berries before? How do you use them? Comment below! 

Yes, I call them smoodies like a little kid would. I just posted a picture on my Instagram account (follow me if you don't already!) of a berry, protein powder, kale smoothie after my morning workout. I am in love with Plant Fusion protein powder. My friend Kristin introduced me to it a few years ago and I am totally hooked! It's a vegan, plant-based protein powder with 21g of protein per scoop. It seriously makes smoothies so creamy and delicious! I have a giant tub right now of both vanilla and chocolate. If you blend those flavors with a frozen banana (make sure you peel it before you freeze it!!!) and some almond milk you will think you are drinking a milkshake. No joke.

I wanted to share one of my all-time favorite green smoothies today! What is your favorite smoothie? Or protein powder? Comment below, I would love to hear! 

Ingredients:
·       1 FROZEN banana
·       1 scoop of protein powder (you can use any type, but I use Plant Fusion)
·       1 date 
·       1 cup of unsweetened vanilla almond milk (or milk of your choice) 
·       1 heaping handful of kale or spinach (or both if you want!) 
·       Hemp seeds 

(You can skip the date and the hemp seeds and this smoothie will still be bomb.com) 
 
Directions:
1.    Add milk to blender first, then add protein powder, then greens, then finally the banana. Liquid on the bottom, solids on the top! (I seriously was using blenders the wrong way for most of my life! This order is KEY. Am I the only one who never knew that?!) 
2.    Top your smoodie with tasty hemp seeds. I usually get them at Trader Joe's or get these hemp hearts! These seeds are another form of protein packed pure plant nutrition. 

Sooooo I really wanted to call this recipe COOKIES, but my husband's reaction was, "These aren't cookies!" so I don't want to mislead anyone. To me, they are just as good as cookies though and fill that cookie monster craving! I usually make a batch of these (comes out to 12-18 depending on how big you make them) and then eat 2 or 3 for breakfast or as a mid-morning snack...and I don't feel guilty for eating these "cookies" before 11!  

Here's the overly simple recipe: 

Ingredients:
·       3 overly ripe bananas 
·       2 cups of quick oats
·       1 scoop of protein powder (I used PlantFusion vanilla for these!) 
·       Anything else you would like. Be creative! 
​
*For these I used cacao nibs, Craisins, and shredded coconut. I love to use dark chocolate chips sometimes with some sort of nuts like walnuts! 

Directions:
1.    Mash the bananas in a bowl with a fork 
2.    Stir in oats, protein powder and any other goodies 
3.    Add in 1 tablespoon of liquid -- can be water, coconut milk, almond milk, or regular milk! 
4.    Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes (don't forget to line your baking sheet! I used coconut oil & parchment paper) 
5.    Let them cool and enjoy :) 

​Let me know how you like them and what variation you made! After you try them....what do you think, is it fair to call them cookies? :P