Banana-Beet Smoothie

This is a quick and simple recipe for anyone and also a healthy alternative to a fast-food snack in the morning if you do not have time for breakfast. The benefits of this smoothie include a great source of folic acid, antioxidants, fiber, potassium, vitamin C and B6. The banana-beet smoothie makes a great healthy combo for your body! I make this on most mornings or on some early evenings when I'm not too hungry for dinner.

Ingredients:

1 banana (medium-sized)
1/2 cup of sliced beets
1/2 cup of orange juice
6 oz plain, non-fat organic yogurt

Directions:

* Pour the juice in the blender

* Add the banana, sliced beets and yogurt in the blender

* Blend until you get a smooth texture

Helpful hints & more:

**For this recipe, I use canned sliced beets (make sure " no salt added" is written on the can! ) but you can opt for fresh, non-canned beets.
**Do not use flavored or low calorie yogurts as they contain too much sugar or artificial sweeteners, neither of which, in my opinion, are good for your health!
**To change up the taste, you can use orange-mango juice or even pineapple juice

Smoked Atlantic Salmon Salad

A few weeks ago in Washington, D.C, I tried this salad at Le Pain Quotidien and I have to say it was quite delish! You can never go wrong with smoked salmon...I'm a big fan! Below is my take on this salad...I am not a big fan of beets but I did include it in the preparation. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

1 (10-ounce) bag of arugula

2 beets (sliced and roasted)

1/2 cucumber (thinly sliced)

smoked salmon

chevre dressing (goat cheese with walnut / olive oil)

Preparation:

Roasting beets: Cut 2 beets into thick pieces, toss in some olive oil and bake at 375F for 45 minutes

Chevre dressing: Mix 3 ounces of creamy goat cheese with a little water then whisk in about 2 to 3 tablespoons of walnut oil ( or olive oil) until you get an smooth texture

In a salad bowl ( or plate), pour in some arugula leaves, add some sliced cucumbers, and some roasted beets. Add a few tablespoons of the chevre dressing then put a few slices of the smoked salmon on top of the salad. Garnish it with a slice of lemon and enjoy with some iced tea or cold lemonade!