Highly nutritious mangoes or papayas take on equally nutritious Greek yogurt in my tropical Mango/Papaya Yogurt Smoothie that ticks many healthful choices: antioxidant vitamins A and C, as well as folate, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, and minerals such as calcium, copper, magnesium and potassium. Oh, and did I say 10 grams of protein? Or live cultures with probiotics for digestive health? Besides, it tastes pretty luscious, too!

My Coffee Caribbean provides the flavor you seek, with ease of preparation, and for pennies after initial investments. And a little bit of spice adds just the kickstart. Love these ideas, but can’t stomach caffeine? Decaf works great, too!

Spinach is a green leafy vegetable you love/d to hate. Many people distained the taste and texture of spinach since childhood and might still. In this recipe aptly labeled Green Pick-Me-Up neither the taste nor the texture is reminiscent of childhood aversions

When tahini is blended with garlic, sesame oil, rice wine, soy sauce and lemon juice, it creates a creamy, acidic and salty dressing for steamed sugar snap peas. Add slices of baked and seasoned tofu to boost protein, red bell peppers for color and crunch, and toasted sesame seeds sprinkled on top to enhance the sesame taste in the dressing. I bet that Sugar Snap Peas and Tofu Salad with Tahini Dressing will make a soy lover out of you! So simple, too!

It delivers cold coffee, enveloped in banana-sweet goodness with yummy peanut butter that lends its unmistakable peanutty taste and texture. A perfect blend that meets all your needs. Just wow!

Can’t get me enough salads come spring (or summer for that matter)! And I’m always looking for something green, new and special, like this Frisee, Grapefuit, Avocado and Cranberry Salad with Cranberry Vinaigrette.