Power Packing My Smoothie
I love smoothies. For reals. I make them for my family on a daily basis. It’s a wonderful and tasty way to get in a bunch of yummy nutrients for our awesome bodies.
I wanted to share some of the goodies I add to my smoothies with you cuties. Often times, I mix and match depending on the day and what I am using to make my smoothie. Also, I like to add the powders to the blender after the food has already been blended down.. seems to prevent any clumps. I have a ninja, so I can just add the powders in while my blender is still going.
Adding Greens
Greens are full of so many awesome nutrients. I like to add some spinach or kale or even a mix into my smoothie when I have them – which is often. I also will buy a greens powder from time to time and then it is as simple as adding a scoop to my smoothie.
Eat your greens people!
Flaxseed Oil or Ground Flaxseed
A nice source of omega-3 fats. And the Standard American Diet is usually not providing us enough omega-3 and that is SAD.
This helps us feel full longer. Anticancer agents can can also be found in flaxseed…. twenty-seven of them according to the USDA. And omega-3s burn fat and promote circulation! Yes please!
Flaxseed oil cannot be heated and needs to be kept in the fridge.
Lion’s Mane
This is a wonderful little powder I add into my smoothie. I just discovered this a couple of months ago. And I am glad I did! According to Dr. Axe’s book, Eat Dirt: Why Leaky Gut May Be the Root Cause of Your Health Problems and 5 Surprising Steps to Cure It
Spirulina
I gotta admit. When I first started using this little phenomenal blue-green algae, the flavor was a bit strong. So if you feel that was as well, start out with a small amount and then increase the amount over time. Now I put a big ol’ teaspoon in my smoothie and don’t even notice the taste.
I first heard of Spirulina in a documentary, Food Matters (I believe it was that one anyway) and it said it was a perfect protein (it provides all 8 essential amino acids). This was at the start of my vegan journey, so I hopped on board and bought my first bag of organic Spirulina from nuts.com. Here are a few more reasons why I add this little scoop of green to my smoothies.
It helps feed the healthy microbes in my gut because it is a prebiotic. And it also helps prevent good bacteria in our guts from being killed off. It also has a high concentration of iron, B12, calcium, niacin, potassium, magnesium, beta-carotene, and more B vitamins.
There are even studies out there that have shown the powerful effect that blue-green algae can have on cancer! What?! Prevention in a cup!
And if you combine Spirulina and cracked cell wall chlorella – you are in for a happy gut.
Chia Seeds
Another great source of omega-3 and fiber. Sprouted is best and may help with reducing inflammation.
Hemp Seeds
I like hemp seeds because they are a complete protein and have two extra amino acids that are great for kiddos. They are also a great source of omega-3. They have the perfect ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Hemp seeds are high in fiber. And fiber is our friend.
Did you know that omega-3s can help with mood disorders such as depression? This was super helpful when my hubs was feeling depressed. They also have been shown to help with memory and having a healthy nervous system.
Maple Syrup
I like to add a little sweetener from time to time to my smoothie. Okay – you got me. If I have it, I use it. And I try to always have some pure maple syrup in the house. This is not your typical, highly processed pancake syrup. It is the real deal.
Zinc and manganese are provided in pure maple syrup. These means it helps strengthen the immune system and it is an antioxidant! Bye free radicals!
Fresh Ginger
I love adding a knob of fresh ginger to my smoothies. Ginger is great for reducing inflammation, supporting joints, improving digestion, and even can help relieve nausea. And it just tastes so good!
L-Glutamine
Since my husband is trying to heal his gut, I add a scoop of this into our smoothies. It is a great fuel source for the small intestine cells. It also has anti-inflammatory qualities and can help repair the gut and intestinal lining.
I did also use this when I was working out really hard to aid in recovery.
Maca Powder
This is a new root that I discovered the past couple years as well. It is in an almond butter that my little guy loves so it lead me to looking into it more.
It may help with balancing hormones for both men and women (much-needed after breastfeeding), a health booster, and energy levels.
Dr. Axe has a great article on maca powder here.
Cacao Powder
This is my new go to any time I want anything chocolate flavored. Cacao powder, frozen bananas, almond milk, and some pure maple syrup is one of my favorite smoothies! It’s more like a milkshake, but without the crap.
Cacao powder is a power house when it comes to antioxidants. It has lots of Iron, Calcium, Magnesium and it naturally enhances mood. Whoo hoo!!
Seriously, I use it in my baking as well. You can even find little cacao nibs that I love to use as chocolate chips in smoothies and baked goods.
Nom nom!!
What are some of your favorite super foods that you add to your smoothies? Please share in the comments! And have a beautiful day. Please feel free to share this with anyone you think would benefit from it.
Much love! Steph
Check out one of my favorite morning tea drinks to make here.
Resources:
The Science of Skinny: Start Understanding Your Body’s Chemistry–and Stop Dieting Forever
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