Very Berry Smoothie - Antioxidant Rich, Ideal for breakfast & to beat the flu season

Yummmm...I'm enjoying my breakfast smoothie this morning.I love smoothie mornings because smoothie can be whizzed in the blender within minutes.As I'm always trying to come up with healthier and yummier stuff, I tried my smoothie with uncooked oats.This is the first time I've added oats to my smoothie.The result is unexpected.It actually makes you want your smoothie more often or want to have more of the smoothie :)

I also added all the berries I had in my fridge namely cranberries,strawberries and blueberries.Cranberries are the most powerful source of antioxidants.You cannot have it plain because it is so sour.I usually add it to my cereal or oatmeal or smoothie.You start seeing cranberries in stores at the onset of winter or fall.Our local Farmers market stocked up on big bags of cranberries around a month back.Due to the antioxidants and vitamin C, they help the immune system grow stronger.As a result, come winter, you do not fall ill with infections or the flu.In fact, all berries are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C.

Oats add fibre to the smoothie.It also has proteins and is a healthy breakfast option anytime.Oats gives a crunchy taste to the smoothie.Also, it adds to the consistency of the smoothie.

You can read more about the benefits of oatmeal at Mr.Breakfast.Here are their Top 10 Reasons to Eat Oatmeal http://www.mrbreakfast.com/article.asp?articleid=27

Ingredients
A handful of blueberries
A handful of cranberries
5 strawberries
2 handfuls of  uncooked oats
Maple Syrup
Milk or a mixture of milk and yoghurt

Add all the listed ingredients to the blender and blend until smooth.Add maple syrup according to taste.

Note : You can also throw in a few almonds,raisins,flax seeds,bran cereal or any other fruit or dried fruit you have at hand.
You can also add a few drops of honey if using yoghurt.
If adding kiwi, make sure you add a banana along with it as the sweet flavor of banana will compensate for the sourness of kiwi.Or you can just go ahead and add a ripe kiwi.
Do not limit yourself while making your smoothie.Be creative and experiment as you go along.Any knd of fruit, fresh and dried makes it healthy and a great starter for the day.
If you have kids who do not like a particular fruit or dried fruit or their oatmeal, this makes sure they get it in their system with no resistance from them ;)

No Cholesterol Egg Salad Sandwiches

This yummy recipe can be used as a sandwich filling or as a spread on toasted pita or brown bread.I have taken the recipe from the Quick & Easy cookbook by the American Heart Association.The book contains more than 200 healthy recipes that can be made in minutes.Its highly recommended for working couples who are running against the clock to cook nutritious,tasty and quick meals.
Its actually a No-Cholesterol Egg Salad Sandwiches as its yolk-free.I have included yolk in my recipe though.

Ingredients
 6 boiled eggs
1/4 cup fat-free low cholesterol mayonnaise or salad dressing
2 tbsp finely chopped green onions or shallots
2 tbsp finely chopped red bell pepper
1 tbsp mustard
1/4 tsp ground turmeric
1/4 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp black pepper
whole grain bread
lettuce leaves

Method

Peel the boiled eggs and chop egg whites.Mash the egg whites together with the yolks.

Combine the mashed eggs with mayonnaise,green onion,bell pepper,mustard,turmeric,paprika and black pepper.

To serve, spread the egg mixture on slices of bread.Top with lettuce leaf and remaining bread slices.

Note : The egg mixture can be stored in the fridge for a week.It can be had for breakfast or as a snack.