My friend Stephanie is always asking me how I make my smoothies, so I thought I would share my smoothie recipe that I have been enjoying here. I have given this smoothie recipe to a bunch of friends now, and they all enjoy this simple blend of ingredients. It is a healthy smoothie.

Superfoods are just that: super foods! Superfoods have a high nutrient density and are beneficial to your health and wellbeing. The basic definition of a “superfood” is a food that has a lot of nutritional value and benefits your health. I like to use nutrient-dense foods and especially superfoods—chia seeds, hemp seeds, raw cacao, maca, and spirulina-which are all superfoods, in my smoothie. Why not get a smoothie filled with nutrient-dense ingredients?

I most definitely like to enjoy a smoothie now and then, but I do not recommend a smoothie as a daily meal. I think it works on occasion. As a treat. This smoothie tastes like a chocolate milkshake. However, it is good for you. It is also fun and adds some good quality nutrition to your day. This healthy smoothie adds lots of protein, fiber, phytonutrients, antioxidants, vitamin E, vitamin C, potassium, B vitamins, prebiotics, and micronutrients. Enjoy!

In terms of nutrition, the chia seeds and hemp seeds add protein, as well as other nutrients. One tablespoon of chia seeds has 3 grams of protein and one tablespoon of hemp seeds has 3 grams of protein, so you are adding 6 grams of protein to your smoothie!

Hemp seeds also have fiber and vitamin E. The chia seeds have plenty of fiber and phytonutrients. The banana adds a bit of potassium, fiber, and prebiotic benefits to the mix. The almond milk adds vitamin E. Raw cacao adds antioxidants and so does the maple syrup. Raw honey adds antioxidants and phytonutrients. Spirulina adds antioxidants, B vitamins, protein. And maca adds fiber, vitamin C, antioxidants, micronutrients, and is also an adaptogen. Even that sprinkle of cinnamon adds healthy benefits! Cinnamon helps balance insulin levels and has antioxidant benefits.

I also recommend that you freeze your bananas. It makes the smoothie much more luscious. And adds density to your smoothie. Always peel your bananas first before freezing them. And, it is best to enjoy your smoothie right away. Enjoy!

Superfood Power Smoothie
(serves one)

Ingredients:
• Almond milk, 1 cup
• Banana, 1/2 medium (frozen, peeled)
• Ice cubes, 1 tray, about 12 ice cubes
• Protein powder, 1 scoop (I use Sun Warrior protein powder, chocolate)
• Greens powder, 1 scoop (I use Green Vibrance)
• Organic cacao powder, 1 tablespoon (I like the Navitas Organic Cacao Powder)
• Hemp seeds, 1 tablespoon (I use Manitoba Harvest Organic Hemp Hearts)
• Chia seeds, 1 tablespoon (I like Nutiva Organic Chia Seeds)
• Organic maple syrup, 1 tablespoon
• Raw honey, 1 tablespoon
• Vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon
• Spirulina, 1 teaspoon (I use Nutrex Pure Hawaiian Spirulina)
• Maca powder, 1 teaspoon (I use Navitas Organics Maca Powder)
• Cinnamon, 1 teaspoon

Utensils:
• High speed blender (I use a Vitamix)
• Measuring cup
• Measuring spoons
• A tall glass

Add ingredients together in a high speed blender. Blend and enjoy! Best enjoyed right away.

Options:
1. Try using frozen wild blueberries, strawberries, mangoes, raspberries or peaches instead of bananas. The frozen fruit adds density to your smoothie.
2. Add a dash of turmeric for some added health benefits…just a teaspoon will do!
3. Add hemp milk, cashew milk, rice milk , oat milk instead of almond milk.
4. Add a tablespoon of almond butter, peanut butter, cashew butter, pumpkin seed butter, pecan butter or walnut butter for a bit of added protein in your smoothie.
5. Add a 1/4 slice of avocado to your smoothie.

Enjoy!

june 3, 2019 • recipe 23
an original recipe by Carol Giardino • all rights reserved