Gene Arnold — “the Vitamin Guru to The “stars” — Whips Up Healthy Autumn Inspired Breakfast Smoothies
Meet Gene Arnold, affectionately known as “Vitamin Gene”, in Hollywood and the owner of the famous Vitamin Barn in Malibu for the past 20 years. And he has been concocting all sorts of custom blended healthy smoothies for his celebrity clientele – stars like Pamela Anderson, Mel Gibson and Rick Springfield. Gene, a health guru, is all about being healthy. In fact, he just launched a new over the counter, ready-to-drink dietary supplement loaded with vitamins and antioxidants called ImmuGo that helps support a healthy immune system.
On any given day, one can spot a celebrity inside the Vitamin Barn asking Arnold to whip up one of his famous breakfast smoothies. The smoothies are low fat, low calorie and an ideal source of antioxidants and vitamins. And he just added the Pumpkin Smoothie made with organic pumpkin puree (tastes just like a homemade pumpkin pie!)
Gene says that you do not need to be a great expert to make your own smoothies, but you do need to bear a few tips in mind, such as: washing, peeling and preparing fruits and vegetables thoroughly because what you put into the blender will end up as a final part of the drink.
It is always best to remove seeds as required and smaller seeds such as those found in apples and pears can stay. Gene is a big fan of breakfast, as it is the most important meal of the day. Most of us are busy in the morning and have no time for a healthy, energizing breakfast. We end up reaching for a quick cup of coffee and a muffin, bagel, or bowl of cereal-at best. And what are the results? A mid-morning slump. His breakfast smoothies are refreshing and invigorating and blended with healthy ingredients that helps support a healthy immune system.
Pumpkin Smoothie (450 calories)
1 Cup ice
1/2 Cup organic pumpkin puree (Libby’s brand)
1/2 Banana (organic)
1 Scoop vanilla protein powder
1/2 Teaspoon cinnamon
1 Sprinkle of grated ginger
10 Walnuts
1 Teaspoon flaxseed oil
1 Cup almond milk
Blend all the ingredients together until thick and smooth. Pour into a glass and serve. Garnish with a cinnamon stick. Serves one.
Cranberry Craze Smoothie (calories 293)
1 Cup ice
1 Cup cranberry juice with no added sugar
1/2 Cup fresh or frozen strawberries (organic)
1 Banana (organic)
1 Teaspoon agave syrup
Blend all the ingredients together until thick and smooth. Pour into a glass and serve. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint. Serves one.
