Woman in Real Life

Now that it's mid-February, it's a good time to check in on our resolutions and goals for the new year. Have they been neglected, abandoned, put on hold? Perhaps they are still going strong? I'm not one for setting resolutions, but I did have some "gentle goals" for 2015. Mainly my focus has been on eating healthier - incorporating more fruits and veggies in my diet and ensuring I put an emphasis on extra nutrients and antioxidants.

I am thrilled that 2015 sees me once again acting as an ambassador for Almond Breeze. This tasty almond beverage has been helping me along with my new year's goals for happier, healthier living. Almond Breeze is a lactose free, gluten free and dairy free source of calcium. It can be easily incorporated in all of your favourite recipes for a healthier alternative to cow's milk that's perfect for those with dairy intolerances, vegans and anybody seeking a diet lower in fat.


One of my favourite ways to infuse my diet with fruit and veggies is through tasty smoothies. I created this Cherry Berry Chocolate Smoothie with Almond Breeze recently as a way of enjoying fruit with the sensation of chocolate. This (very cold) winter has meant a lot of indoor time and I find myself sitting around craving chocolate! This smoothie incorporates cacao powder, without the addition of sugar, giving you a more natural and healthier chocolate treat.


For this morning or snack-time treat, I used Almond Breeze refrigerated beverage in unsweetened vanilla. But you can use any Almond Breeze flavour or variety you prefer. (Choose from original, unsweetened original, vanilla and unsweetened vanilla). Since last summer, Almond Breeze has been available in Canada in your grocery store's refrigerated section. Now you can have Almond Breeze on hand in your pantry in the shelf-stable boxes and in the fridge for a conveniently cool cereal topper. It has a creamy smooth texture and a hint of almond tastiness as a result of almonds grown by the Blue Diamond Almond Growers.


The combo of cherries and chocolate is one of my fave food flavouring combos. I used frozen cherries because fresh cherries are difficult to come by at this time of year. Because of my ever-present sweet tooth, I also threw a few strawberries into my Cherry Berry Chocolate Smoothie. I added a banana for creamy thickness.


I topped my smoothie with banana slices, strawberry slices and cacao nibs to make it pretty (because you can't underestimate the appeal of pretty food) and to get even more fruit into my diet. For an extra bit of sweetness you could also add in a teaspoon of maple syrup.

Try integrating Almond Breeze into your recipes for 30 days for a healthier, happier 2015. For starters, you can check out these other recipes I created using Almond Breeze - Peachy Keen Almond Milk Smoothie and Vegan Ginger Chocolate Chip Scones.

Follow #CoolerwithAlmondBreeze on social media to see how other bloggers incorporate Almond Breeze into their recipes for a better 2015.

How are your resolutions and goals coming along? (Not trying to guilt you - we are all constantly striving for improvement!)

Cherry Berry Chocolate Smoothie