A meal in a glass, but for real this time.
I've been a vegetarian for almost 20 years, and I own (and therefore worship) a Vitamix. I've made A LOT of smoothies. I've experimented with protein sources, different fruits, different spices and liquids and fat sources. Mostly, I drink green smoothies for energy or protein smoothies for athletic recovery. I usually use frozen bananas or cashews for a creamy texture, and I add a splash of vanilla extract and a pinch of sea salt for taste (#protips). I make a dang fine smoothie.
But this one is different. (Scroll down if you just want to get to the recipe and ignore my blathering.)
Hopefully, you eat very little "processed" sugar already, but occasionally we need to decrease even our natural sugar consumption for a couple weeks - things like bananas and wine and dried fruit - to let our bodies recalibrate. This smoothie requires a little bit of adjustment if you're used to a super sweet taste, but it contains so many nutrients that it satisfies you on a much deeper level. Here are some of the nutritional powerhouses in this velvety concoction.
THE BREAKDOWN
Chia seeds - High in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, manganese, and calcium.
Pumpkin Seeds - Loaded with zinc, protein, antioxidants, and vitamin E.
Walnuts - Omega 3, L-arginine (an amino acid that helps increase blood flow to muscles), manganese, copper, and vitamin E.
Hemp Seeds - Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and magnesium.
Raw Almond Butter - High in fiber, protein, Vitamin E, and calcium.
Avocado - High in healthy fats, Vitamin K, folate, and Vitamin C.
Lemon, Frozen Blueberries, and Frozen Cranberries - all the incredible antioxidants and vitamins of fresh fruits with very little sugar.
THE RECIPE
For two servings (a tall 16-ounce glass each), place the following in your Vitamix and blend until smooth and beautifully purple:
- 2 T raw hemp seeds
- 2 T chia seeds
- 2 T raw pumpkin seeds
- 2 T raw almond butter
- 1 T raw coconut butter
- 1 small lemon, chopped, with peel
- 1/2 avocado
- 1 cup frozen, wild blueberries
- 1 cup frozen cranberries
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 cup ice water (have more ready if needed to thin mixture)
- 5-7 ice cubes
Try it every day for a week, and give us a report! Does it keep you satisfied? Do you crave less sugar? Is your energy any different? Do your pants feel a little better at the waistline? Of course, it would help if you ate super clean, and got some sleep and moderate exercise while you tried it, right? Wink, nudge, wink again.
With love and a nice, full belly from us to you,
