Ilene's Favorite: Coconut Lime Smoothie

We had a great time hosting some of Curtis' relatives a couple weeks ago as they visited Disneyland and various sites in the area.  One of his aunties was kind enough to share her favorite green smoothie recipe with me, and I have to say, it was DELICIOUS!  I liked it so much that I made it twice in one day!  Just a note, if you are missing any of the ingredients--the essential oils, for example--use what you have, or make substitutions, and generally, your smoothie will still turn out pretty well.

Coconut Lime Smoothie
Serves 2-3

2-3 c. Coconut water
1-2 c. ice (depending on how thick you prefer your smoothies)
spinach--fill your blender to the brim!
1 T. chia seeds
1 C. frozen or fresh pineapple
1 lime wedge (or lime essential oil)
1-2 drops citrus bliss essential oil (optional, but adds a really nice flavor!)

Blend your liquid, chia seeds, lime, and spinach in a high powered blender, then add remaining ingredients and blend until smooth.

An interesting note on chia seeds:  Back in the day, you were pretty cool if you had a "chia pet."  Remember those?  It consisted of a frame in the shape of a little critter that you would grow chia grass on, and have a fluffy, cute little critter sitting on your desk.  Fast forward a couple of decades, and now, chia seeds have gained a reputation as a "superfood."  I have been studying edible wild plants in my area of Southern California, and it appears that chia seeds grow out in the wild here!  Apparently, the Indians here used to use them, and it was said that one could go all day on one teaspoon of chia seeds!

In fact, if you are hungry and need something to tide you over until meal time, just put a teaspoon into a glass of water and drink it.  You will feel satiated within about ten minutes.