365 Vegan Smoothies by Kathy Patalsky Book Review + My Strawberry Melon Smoothie Recipe

This cookbook could not have had better timing in it's arrival. Just as I made a choice to get on the treadmill 4 times a week and eat 1200 calories a day, I got an email asking me if I'd like to own this book. I obviously jumped on the opportunity. What can I say, I guess was getting a little bored of turning to pinterest for recipes all the time. I knew you all would appreciate a review of a book promoting health and good routines too.
Don't worry, I am not going Vegan on you, I respect those who are but it's just not the kind of food lifestyle I ever expect to work for me on a long term basis. I did go to Whole Foods and pile a cart with ingredients to make these smoothies for one whole week though and I have to say it was a really great week. I felt more energized, not bloated and less hungry. I would have gone on for a few more weeks but truthfully I just don't have the time for the preparations required each morning. It also has alot to do with the machine I'm using at this time which is just utter garbage. Time to save up for a Nutri Ninja Pro Blender or Magic Bullet I guess. The ones with the mason jar cups are actually very much existent on my wishlist at the moment.
On to my review, here's what I have to say about this cookbook:

How it Looks: Beautiful! I love the white cover with it's bright letters and was also thrilled that it comes in soft cover and isn't overly heavy. The whole front section is filled with information on why smoothies are good for you etc. which I felt should have possibly been split up with some at the front and some at the end, since the actual smoothie part comes along quite far into the book. Once it gets to the smoothies though, it does not disappoint. This author has thought of everything, from the different flavors, textures, fruits and vegetables.
What's Inside: Just as it's title states, there are 365 smoothie recipes packed into one book. They are easy to follow and the ingredients are not too exotic, so they are able to be found at many local groceries and certainly at Whole Foods. At the same time, it isn't boring either and every day brings something fresh, new and exciting! I personally am quite visual when it comes to cookbooks and so something that irked me a bit was the amount of recipes that do not have photos. I guess I'd be asking too much if I insinuated there should have been a picture for every single one, but I think every few pages is a must.
What I love: The photos that are included are absolutely gorgeous in quality and setting. I also really enjoyed reading about the author who is a blogger herself at kblog.lunchboxbunch.com.
What I Don't Love: Just one thing: the lack of pictures. Everything else about this book is utter perfection to me!
My Favorite Recipe: Fresh Blackberry Buzz

And now I am going to share one of my own recipes that I created inspired by the recipes in this book. It incorporates strawberries and melons and is in short perfectly summery!

Strawberry Melon Smoothie
Yields- 1 Large Smoothie/About 3 Cups
Ingredients:
1 Cup Frozen Strawberries 1 Cup Vanilla Coconut Almond Milk 1 Cup Mixed Cubed Melons- Honey Dew & Cantaloupe 1 Nectarine- Peeled and chopped 1 Cup Ice Cubes 2 Teaspoons Fresh Grated Ginger
Method:
Place the strawberries, almond milk, honey dew, cantaloupe and nectarine into the blender and give it a wizz on "blend" mode depending which blender you have. Add the grated ginger and blend again. Finally add the ice and use a higher setting to crush it. Serve immedietely topped with a slice of nectarine if you'd like.

This book is available to be purchased here.
What is your favorite morning smoothie?
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Gigi.