California Power Pomegranate Smoothie

After a relatively healthy 2013, the last few days of the year and the first few weeks of this year have been filled with "issues".  Everyone is currently as healthy as can be expected, but we've had hospital visits, rest home visits, veterinarian visits, along with twisted ankles and a few sniffles.  Hence, our eating habits have worked their way up to some of the healthiest we've ever enjoyed, and along with a lovely dose of California sunshine and a few of Dad's fresh from the tree oranges we're hoping to get everyone back on track.

Liv and her brother have always loved smoothies, but they have been known to be picky on occasion as they see me adding certain ingredients.  Both have different areas in their diet where they need a little boost, and as such I try to push those ingredients into smoothies.

But you should see the face of my nearly 18-year old boy as I reach for a handful of spinach to pop into his smoothie.  "No way!" he exclaims,  "I'm not drinking spinach in a smoothie!".  His face drops even further as I let him know I've been adding spinach to his smoothies since he was a baby and he never knew it.

Liv, on the other hand, pulled a face of her own as I dumped a few tablespoons of oatmeal into her sweet concoction.  "Seriously??  You're putting oatmeal into a drink?".  Yep... been doing that for years too.

So today we bring you our current favorite power smoothie... one filled with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and some fiber thrown in for good measure.  Here's hoping this beauty keeps you on the healthy track too.

California Power Pomegranate Smoothie
Filled with a rainbow of fruits and a dose of oatmeal for fiber, this smoothie has been a favorite of Liv as she re-energizes after hours of dance rehearsals.  Even my "There's no way I'm drinking that with spinach in it!" son has asked for seconds.  Putting my new Blendtec to use, this smoothie comes together in mere seconds!
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1 cup unsweetened pomegranate juice (I like the Pom Brand)
1 decent handful organic baby spinach
1 handful frozen mangoes
1 handful organic frozen blueberries
2 Tbs oatmeal
1 whole orange (peeled and chopped)

Place all ingredients into your blender and blend to desired smoothness.  Pour into glasses, garnish with a few pomegranate arils and serve immediately, or, freeze into popsicle molds for later.

Makes two smaller sized smoothies or 1 larger single serving.  Double ingredients for two large smoothies.  Occasionally we drop in a few chunks of banana too.  Enjoy!