Anyone who’s followed me for a little while will know that my love of smoothies runs DEEP! Gone are the days (well at least for me), where smoothies consisted of a ton of sugary fruit, yoghurt, cows milk and maybe some whey protein powder. Those kind of smoothies were nutritionally imbalanced sugar bombs: guaranteed to send your blood glucose levels on a roller coaster ride, which in turn would leave you starving an hour or two after consumption. No good.
The reason I love smoothies so much, is they can be a powerhouse of nutrients and a wonderful vehicle for adding (and disguising) magical superfoods and adaptogens. Sprinkling Lion’s Mane mushroom extract and ashwaganda onto your eggs is not really a vibe! 🙂
The next reason why I love smoothies so much is that they are super quick to make, minimal clean up is required and I can even prep my smoothies a day or two in advance to just grab and go when I’m extra strapped for time. No brainer!
It’s really easy to turn a smoothie into a macro- and micronutrient dense and balanced meal. I can get 1-2 vegetable or leafy green servings, a serving of fruit (if I want), some good fats, protein and fibre. All of that in one easily digestible package. It would be quite a mission to sit down and eat all of those things if I was wanting to actually just get going with my day.
Smoothies are easy on the digestion (great for IBS sufferers) because they have been blended and partially broken down when they enter our digestive tracts – far less hard work for our systems to deal with. It is important to remember NOT to gulp down your smoothie in a few seconds flat. Use a spoon if you can and try to “chew” each mouthful. This will help prevent bloating and will also leave you feeling full and satisfied.
Lastly, what I probably adore most about smoothies is the endless variety or flavours, toppings and colours. I can make tropical, refreshing smoothies to keep me cool in Summer. In Winter I can make warming and comforting smoothies that aren’t icy cold. I can make my smoothies super thick or I can make them thinner and more soupy. I can top them with a variety of interesting textures which delight my tastebuds and eyes. I don’t think I’ll ever, ever get bored of experimenting and enjoying delicious and nutritious smoothies!
Now about that Pina Colada smoothie recipe… I mean who doesn’t enjoy pretending that they’re sipping on a tropical cocktail, even it’s a gloomy Thursday at the office?! This baby is a little higher in fruit sugars, but because we’re balancing it out with protein, good fats and fibre from the chia seeds, your blood sugar won’t spike as quickly. This makes two really big smoothies which will keep your tummy full and give you loads of energy for hours! I’ve added collagen powder for healing the gut and making your hair,skin, nails and joints extra strong and beautiful. You can totally omit to make this vegan though! There’s also maca powder for balancing the hormones, boosting the libido and helping you feel extra energised. Chia seeds provide a healthy dose of fibre and omega 3 fatty acids. So much goodness in this creamy, dreamy smoothie! Hope you enjoy!
PINA COLADA SMOOTHIE RECIPE – serves 2
1 medium sized organic pineapple
300 ml coconut milk (preferably home made or one from a can without weird additives)
2 servings vanilla protein powder of choice (I use a pea protein powder)
2 tbsp collagen powder (optional)
1/2 cup spring water
2 tbsp chia seeds
1 tbsp maca powder
Blend all ingredients together until smooth. Serve with some pineapple slices and coconut flakes or shredded coconut!
Are you a smoothie addict too? What’s your fave combo?! Let me know! 🙂
Love & all things nice 🙂
xoxo