Happy new year! How many times have you been asked if you’ve made any resolutions this year? I have a hard time using the word resolution. I don’t why, but I automatically associate it with that thing we say we’re going to do…and don’t. So, I’ve stopped making them. Why set myself up for failure?
I just want to continue navigating a path toward healthy living. I say navigating, because I feel as if I’m always learning and changing as I go. I’m sure you feel the same. Recently, I feel as if the path has broadened. I’ve not only focused on what I eat, but have found a peacefulness and my own physical strength in yoga and meditation. Practicing yoga has been a gentler way for me to challenge myself physically and short bits of meditation have dramatically reduced stress for me. If you’re interested, follow me on social media…I’ll be sharing links to some of my favorite resources next week.
I can’t even tell you how excited I am to share this smoothie with you! If you loved those orangey creamsicles as a child, ooooh, you may want to head out to the store now for mandarins! This creamy smoothie is thick, frosty and tastes like dessert, but…guess what? It comes in at only 83 calories per serving! Whoohoo!
Enjoy your new year ahead. Be gentle with yourself…forget about resolutions.
Mandarin Orange Creamsicle Smoothie
Ingredients
- 2 mandarin oranges peeled, segments separated and frozen
- 1/2 banana peeled and frozen
- 4 to 6 ice cubes
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk or milk of your choice
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Combine all of the ingredients in the pitcher of your blender. Process on high speed until smooth.
- Pour into two serving glasses.
Notes
Other smoothies I’m loving…
The Best Green Smoothie from Savory Simple
Monkeylada Smoothie from Healthy Seasonal
Rita
Sounds good! I will make one!
Caroline
I hope you love it, Rita! I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Evelyn
Is it creamy when you make it? I don’t want it to be watery,
Caroline
Yes, Evelyn, it is creamy. Hope you enjoy this!
Anbette
This sounds delicious and I have a lot of tangerines to use up. Could I make this and freeze it to use when I can.
Caroline
Thanks so much, Anbette! You can absolutely freeze this. I’d freeze it in ice cube trays, then whip up the cubes with a bit more almond milk when you are ready to use them.
Tamara Coleman
I seriously can’t wait to try this! I just pinned it and it looks like breakfast for me tomorrow :)
Caroline Hurley
Yay! I hope you get the chance to try it, Tamara and hope you love it! :)
Traci | Vanilla And Bean
I hear ya! I used to make resolutions because it was ‘the thing to do…’ so I heard. But instead of listening to myself, I just went along…. then failed, usually. So, goals are one thing and I make them year round. Sometimes it takes me an hour to complete, sometimes a year… and others, well, I’m still working on them! :D Yoga and meditation… yesssss… I just started this past Fall in earnest on both. One app I like for short Meditations is called Headspace. And am in the middle of listening to ‘The Great Courses: Mindfulness’ I love both, yet they are different. I love learning this! And yoga… I started a class, but need to be more consistent in attending. Thank you for your reminder. And this smoothie Caroline, creamsicle.. yesss!!! When citrus is in season, I drink so much of it… I love this simple yet, immune boosting smoothie! Thank you for sharing my dear!
Caroline Hurley
Oh man, Traci, we are very much alike! I’m still working on so many goals! ;) I love that you do yoga as well! It’s most definitely changed my life. I actually look forward to it every morning. I follow . Take a peek. It’s nice to do at home. I use a meditation app too. I like having that guidance through it. I’ll have to check out Headspace and the Mindfulness course. Both sound interesting. So great to hear from you sweet friend!
sue|theviewfromgreatisland
This was made for me…I HOARD creamsicles in the summer :)
Caroline Hurley
Hahahaha…love it, Sue! This is for you! :)
Emily
Aw, thanks so much for the link love Caroline! I just bought way more citrus than I need because it was on sale so I think this smoothie needs to be on the breakfast menu soon. :) Love the simplicity and the creamsicle flavor!
Caroline Hurley
Well, that shake looks incredible, Emily! Yes…if you get the chance, give this a try!
Carrie @ poet in the pantry
You answered a question I had without even asking it–if you could use whole fruit with citrus in a smoothie instead of juicing it! It sounds delicious!
I’m with you on the word “resolutions.” I never make any. I just try to make myself a little bit better every year. Happy New Year!
Caroline Hurley
Absolutely, Carrie! Using the whole fruit just adds some more fiber…whoohoo! And you are so spot on…making ourselves a little better all the time…that’s how it’s meant to be, right? Happy happy new year, dear friend!