Hibiscus berry smoothie

Yes, another smoothie! Sometimes I feel a little chagrined to share something as simple as a smoothie here, but this one is guaranteed brightness and these days, who can’t do with a few extra burst of joy? Also, sometimes it’s the simplest things we need to be reminded to tap into. I know that through this period of pandemic, one thing we’re all striving for daily is opportunities to embrace gratitude for all the little things. And of course, for me that often means food—healthy, easy, simple food, or in this case, drink.

Smoothies just make me happy, and this one is truly happiness in a glass from look to taste to nutritious takeaways. Bright as summer sunshine and bursting with immune-boosting Vitamin C, this refreshing cooler is guaranteed to energize your day. I love the light floral and citrus notes from hibiscus tea. Adding some of Organic India’s Orange Spice Psyllium Pre & Probiotic Fiber lends extra enhancement to the natural flavors of freshly blended whole fruits with delightfully tangy sweetness. Better yet, all that smooth, dairy-free deliciousness comes with a whole host of powerful health benefits.

The epitome of big things in little packages, berries are loved to the fact that they’re bursting with antioxidants as much as for their flavor. But hibiscus? That can tend to slip under the radar. Often referred to as a “superflower”, the edible blossoms of the hibiscus flower have long been used in Ayurvedic tradition to support detoxification and heart health.  By tossing some psyllium into this and other smoothies, you’re aiding digestions and supporting a healthy microbiome, key to strong immunity. Who’s going to deny themselves any boost there right now?

Recently a friend invited me to participate in a group share of Deepak Chopra’s 21 Days of Abundance meditation program. Throughout the duration, she forwarded us the meditations daily through What’s App, along with activities and reflection questions. I’ll be honest—as much as I was thrilled to have the added structure to build meditation into my day, I didn’t think I could manage the time to apply the focus it deserved. I felt throughout a bit like I was just skirting my way through the program, doing what I could with what I could being the bare minimum. This is probably accurate more than self-deprecating. Yet even that level of effort has had a profound impact which has come to light over this past week or so in particular.

How is this related to a smoothie? Not much, and lots. During the series, we were asked to reflect on concepts like ‘luxury’ and of course ‘abundance’ and what they truly mean to us. It was heartening to realize, the first things that came to mind were meaningful, natural, and mostly immaterial. Somehow there was so much freedom in this renewed awareness.

Since our twenty-one days have become complete, I’ve been going back and repeating both meditations and activities. Like a favorite book or film, there’s always something new to find. And, I’ve been making a conscious effort to appreciate small sips. OK, small steps mostly, but also small sips. Little things in general, that reap big refreshment: things like the fresh scent of pine needles enveloping you and the different ways light and shadow dance through the trees throughout the day. And, we have to loop back because I’ve rambled enough—berry hibiscus smoothies. Do, fill your cup. xo

Hibiscus berry smoothie
Serves 1

1 Hibiscus Tea Infusion sachet (I love ORGANIC INDIA Tulsi Hibiscus)
½ Cup boiled water
½ of one orange, peeled
1 Cup mixed berries of choice, fresh or frozen (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries)
½ of one medium banana, sliced into chunks and frozen
1 Teaspoon ORGANIC INDIA Orange Psyllium Pre & Probiotic Fiber (optional)
1 Teaspoon fresh mint leaves

Steep ORGANIC INDIA Hibiscus Tea Infusion sachet in boiled water for 5 minutes. Discard bag and let cool.

Place tea with all remaining ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.