{"id":380,"date":"2018-07-02T22:08:00","date_gmt":"2018-07-02T22:08:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.rivernorthpark.com\/blog\/?p=380"},"modified":"2018-07-23T22:22:08","modified_gmt":"2018-07-23T22:22:08","slug":"celebrate-national-blueberry-month-with-this-smoothie","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rivernorthpark.com\/blog\/2018\/07\/02\/celebrate-national-blueberry-month-with-this-smoothie\/","title":{"rendered":"Celebrate National Blueberry Month With This Smoothie"},"content":{"rendered":"

In 2003, the North American Blueberry Council (NABC) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) teamed up to designate July as National Blueberry Month in the U.S. This July, take advantage of farm-ripened fruit at the local organic market during peak season when the quality is the best, and prices are low.<\/p>\n

Here are a few reasons why we hope our River North Park community residents add seasonal berries to their summer menu, and maybe toss a few in the freezer for later.<\/p>\n

Blueberries are Good for You and They Taste Great, Too<\/h2>\n

Blueberries are small, but don't let the small size fool you into thinking they aren't powerful. Packed with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients, these sweet bite-sized fruits offer a myriad of health benefits.<\/p>\n

Studies have shown that consuming at least three servings a week of some fruits, including blueberries, reducE the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by 7 percent. Other studies confirm this fiber-dense, calcium-rich food improves bone health, lowers cardiac disease risks, and boosts the immune system.<\/p>\n

Blueberries are versatile. Add a few to the morning cereal bowl. Top waffles or French Toast with ½ cup of berries instead of syrup to lower blood glucose levels. Or snack on a few while watching your favorite series as a salty-snack alternative. We recommend this blueberry blast smoothie for a quick pick-me-up any time of the day.<\/p>\n

Blueberry Protein Blast Smoothie Recipe<\/h2>\n

Combine all ingredients in a high-speed blender or smoothie maker. (Follow your appliance directions for the order.)<\/p>\n

\n
• \n

  1 cup fresh blueberries<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

• \n

  1 large banana, peeled and sliced into chunks<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

• \n

  1 cup almond milk<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

• \n

  ½ cup yogurt, cottage cheese or tofu (Greek yogurt normally provides the highest protein count)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

  Variations:<\/h3>\n

  \n
  • Add 2 tablespoons organic chia seed.<\/li>\n
  • Add one scoop vanilla protein powder.<\/li>\n
  • Add ¼ cup raw, slivered almonds.<\/li>\n
  • Replace yogurt with one large avocado, peeled and pitted.<\/li>\n
  • Add 2 tablespoons organic cacao powder.<\/li>\n
  • Substitute water or juice for nut milk.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Serve immediately.<\/p>\n

    When something this good for you tastes this delicious, you'll want to try different variations every day of the week. And, if trying something different means you'll be moving soon, we invite you to take a tour of our Chicago apartments<\/a> today. Give us a call or visit our office to schedule a tour!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    In 2003, the North American Blueberry Council (NABC) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) teamed up to designate July as National Blueberry Month in the U.S. This July, take advantage of farm-ripened fruit at the local organic market during peak season when the quality is the best, and prices are low. Here are… <\/p>\n

    Read More →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9799,"featured_media":377,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[17],"tags":[83,86,20,80,32,89],"class_list":["post-380","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-food-and-drink","tag-blueberry","tag-drink","tag-food","tag-fruit","tag-recipe","tag-smoothie"],"metadata":{"_yoast_wpseo_title":["Celebrate National Blueberry Month With This Smoothie"],"_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":["In 2003, the North American Blueberry Council (NABC) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) teamed up to designate July as National Blueberry Month in the U.S. This July, take advantage of farm-ripened fruit at the local organic market during peak season when the quality is the best, and prices are low."],"_yoast_wpseo_metakeywords":["National Blueberry Month"],"_thumbnail_id":["377"]},"yoast_head":"\n