This smoothie is quickly becoming a family favorite! It's sweet, creamy, healthy and my kids love it! Little do they know it's JAM PACKED with superfoods and adaptogenic herbs that would probably make them run away screaming in terror if they knew...but luckily I can sneak all the healthy stuff in AND it still tastes like dessert. Which is great for kiddos AND for adults too who want to feel like they're treating themselves with something decadent. Food should be healthy, balanced (with macronutrients and micronutrients) and more than anything, DELICIOUS!
Before I give you the recipe...I'm going to take you through a little crash course on nutrition and why it's so important to balance our meals well...you can skip to the bottom if you want to get right to it...but I HIGHLY recommend you read this next section. And no...not just because I wrote it! But because I love you and I want you to be informed on your foods so that you can make excellent choices and THRIVE!
The key to making any meal healthy, smoothies included, is to have the proper balance of good fats, protein, and fiber. So often people make fruit smoothies that lack these KEY 3 macronutrients, and as a result of using mostly fruit (which our bodies process as sugar) we get a crazy rush of blood sugar, which results in a major energy crash a couple hours later that leaves us craving more sugar...so we go for more carbs (sweets/bread/crackers/cereal) and continue on the blood sugar crash and crave cycle that leads to increased hunger, low energy levels, disease causing inflammation, weight gain, irritability and overall brain fog. Ever wonder why so many kids are diagnosed with ADD and mood disorders nowadays? Maybe it's not them and instead its all the crackers, cereal and bread we're feeding them 24/7?? Just a thought...
They key to maintaining healthy levels of blood sugar in our bodies which WONT lead to these symptoms, is to balance out each meal correctly when it comes to the nutrients we consume.
But won't eating more fat make me FAT??!?
NOOOOOOOO!!!!
It's just the opposite. An adequate amount of healthy fats and protein will keep you satiated for longer/curb your appetite, balance your hormones, help you LOSE weight, maintain energy levels, increase immunity, improve sleep, improve brain functioning, and keep you glowing from the inside out. And while carbohydrates aren't to be completely shunned (no foods ever need need to be completely avoided as that's just not maintainable OR enjoyable), we just want to be mindful of how and when we're consuming them and in which forms. Fruit is very healthy! It's full of micronutrients and fiber that are vital for maintaining proper health. We just have to remember that our body processes fruit as sugar, and most sugar gets stored as fat. Unless you're an athlete who its always active and constantly burning energy, fruit should not be consumed at every meal. One fruit rich meal a day is plenty to get the nutrients you need. I recommend eating/drinking carb rich meals/smoothies earlier on in the day so that your body can use that energy efficiently. Eating carbs at night leads to weight gain, poor sleep, inflammation and poor brain health. In fact eating a carbohydrate rich diet is now being linked as one the main risk factors for developing Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Scary huh?!? Sooooo...this healthy eating stuff is pretty important! It's not about dieting to be thin...it's about eating to THRIVE and feel your absolute best. Let's keep those tickers ticking and those brain wheels turning!
On top of balancing meals properly, I like to add in supplements to my smoothies and my morning superfood lattes that keep me feeling alert and sharp all day long...without the crash and burn affect that caffeine has. I've been LOVING my adaptogens...especially cordyceps, ashwaghanda, and reishi. Aaaaaaannnnd what exactly are those you ask??!?
Adaptogens are plant substances that help a persons body to adapt...most notably to stress and fatigue...by helping to regulate important hormones. Cordyceps is a mushroom that improves stamina and alertness, increases immune function, fights diabetes, and helps the body to detox. Ashwagandha is an herb that helps reduce stress and anxiety, elevates mood, lowers blood sugar and and fights cancer. Reishi is a mushroom that helps balance hormones, promotes heart health/regulates blood pressure, fights allergies and asthma, improves immunity and fights cancer and tumor growth. Two of my favorite brands that make adaptogen blends are Moodbeli and Foursigmatic. They have so many different blends that are all delicious and they WORK! Since I started using them regularly my head is much clearer and sharp, I sleep so much better and I've noticed a huge improvement in my mood. I'm not such a grump anymore! I attribute my successful 2 months of not having (and not craving) coffee to these magical herbs. I don't miss it at all and I have a feeling that I won't be going back to it. They've changed my life and the way I look at food and what I put into my body.
Ok ok...the nutrition lesson is over! If you read it, then I'm proud of you! You're putting in the work needed to make excellent self care choices for yourself which not only benefits you, but everyone else in your life as well. The better you feel, the better you can show up for those who need you and depend on you. It's a WIN WIN!
PINK BERRY SUPERFOOD SMOOTHIE with ADAPTOGENS
Servings: 3
Ingredients:
1 scoop vanilla protein powder ( I love Amazing Grass Pure Vanilla)
2 tsp Moodbeli calming adaptogen (has ashwagandha and ginger...to reduce anxiety/stress and reduce inflammation)
1 tsp goji berry powder (antioxidants)
1 frozen banana (healthy fats and potassium for heart health)
1 tblspn hemp seeds (I use Navitas Organics...for fats and protein)
1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any non dairy milk)
1/2 cup frozen strawberries (vitamin c, phytonutrients, flavonoids and fiber)
1/2 cup frozen riced cauliflower(fiber, vitamin c, vitamin k, b vitamins, folate, antioxidants, phytonutrients)
1/2 cup frozen cherries (antioxidants and anti-inflammatory)
1/2 cup frozen raspberries (vit c, antioxidants and fiber)
1/2 cup non dairy vanilla or coconut yogurt (optional...but adds protein and makes for more creamy smoothie)
add water to fill to tip of mixer
Directions:
Blend all ingredients together in a blender or a nutribullet (or something equivalent) until smooth.
Serve and enjoy! Can be made into a smoothie bowl as pictured here by adding your favorite toppings. Fruit, shredded coconut and grain free granola are my favorites!
I hope you enjoy this delicious smoothie! Please comment with any questions you may have! I'm happy to answer any and all...
Nourish yourselves from the inside out and give your body the love it deserves. I want to see you thrive Loves! From my heart to yours...
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