What’s more sweetly nostalgic, refreshing, and summery than sipping on a healthy smoothie that tastes like a creamsicle? Lots of things, probably, but this one is really boosting me right now. There’s something about the creamy bright taste, and knowing it’s wholesome, that offers the bubbly feeling of unadulterated, childlike contentment.

This Orange Julius-inspired smoothie is like a burst of sweet-tangy, carefree summer in a glass. Fresh whole fruit, a sprinkle of zest (don’t leave out the zest, it’s key!), and creamy yogurt blend for a not-too-sweet result that carries both the nostalgia of an old-fashioned creamsicle and the energizing vitality of a wellness tonic. If you are able to include it, Organic India Psyllium Pre & Probiotic Fiber lends a delicious touch of added zing while contributing heaps to overall health benefits. Also optional, I highly recommend adding some orange juice to the mix for deeper flavor.

I actually intended to post this smoothie in 2022; I found the partial post in my drafts the other day, which ended up being fittingly nostalgic itself. I hadn’t even gotten down to writing out the ingredients. The post was mostly a rambling race report, a journal of a truly joyful swim event—a 5.25 mile end-to-end swim of peaceful Lake Coniston in England’s idyllic Lake District.

In these years since, I’ve intentionally pulled back on some of the ramblings (like race reports) here. But one note stood out that still fits. There was a momnent in that swim when fatigue was setting in, and I was being tossed by a rolling wave in a sea (actually a lake) of people. As I felt like my brain was kind of disconnecting and letting my body just get on with it, I felt those steady neurons handing me a giant gift of encouragement, a clear resonant echo repeating, “happiness is now”.

Even as I tasted the word “Happiness”, embracing thits lift, I knew the message to really mean ‘Life is now’. And it is. Right now. Every which way and minute you think on it. This summer, sliding too easily into worries on too many levels, I needed that reminder.

It’s a transitional summer for us here. F is making the jump to middle school, and he’s ever so nervous about it. I’m incredibly nervous for him, too, even though I know in my heart he won’t only be just fine but will flourish. I’m nervous for me, too. It’s not like time is opening up for me to spread my own wings in new ways, but the focuses and manners of our collective days as a family and individually are shifting. Everything I have done for the past decade and then some has been mostly rewarding because of F at the center. That won’t change, but the fit will be different.

As life evolves, I'm increasingly unsure of how to thrive as just me. Sometimes I just need to linger in nostalgia. But looking back doesn’t stop the “now” from moving forward. Let’s trust ourselves to do so sweetly, with wonder, sunshine, and happiness wherever we find it. xo

Why Psyllium?

A soluble fiber derived from the seeds of the herb Plantago ovata, psyllium is an excellent source of dietary fiber, promoting digestive and heart health, healthy cholesterol, and more. Further enhancing the potency, Organic India’s Psyllium Pre & Probiotic Fiber adds pre and probiotics, nourishing and supporting a healthy gut microbiome, as well as a classic, cleansing Ayurvedic trio of three herbs known as Triphala to further support gastrointestinal health.

Use code HAPPYAPPLE for 15% off Organic India!

Orange Julius Smoothie

Yield: 1

Author: Wendy McMillan

Fresh whole fruit, a sprinkling of zest, and creamy coconut-based yogurt--the bright "creamsicle" flavor of this easy, wholesome citrus smoothie ignites bubbly nostaliga that is pure joy.

Ingredients

Vegan Orange Julius Smoothie

1 Teaspoon orange zest
½ of 1 large orange, peeled
1 overripe banana, cut into chunks and frozen
½ Cup unsweetened vanilla plant milk, or of choice
1/3 Cup orange juice (optional but encouraged for fuller flavor)
⅓ Cup unsweetened plain or vanilla coconut yogurt
1 Teaspoon ORGANIC INDIA Psyllium Pre & Probiotic Fiber Orange (optional)
A handful of ice cubes

Instructions

Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Enjoy!

Notes

For extra nutrition, throw in a few frozen cauliflower florets!

Nutrition Facts

Calories

257

Fat

2 g

Sat. Fat

1 g

Carbs

58 g

Fiber

6 g

Net carbs

51 g

Sugar

40 g

Protein

7 g

Sodium

57 mg

Cholesterol

4 mg