NicoleSmoothies are a fantastic way to make quick, nutrient dense meals that contain several superfoods. They make great recovery drinks after workouts, and are also fantastic snacks and meals. One awesome thing about smoothies are that you can adjust them to your taste buds.
A couple weeks ago I posted a short list of superfoods, and several of those items on the list go great in smoothies.
See the recipe below for my go-to smoothie. The serving size is somewhat large, and is about 500 calories. If you need less calories, just cut the amounts down or share it with a friend! It is also a sweet smoothie, but truly an all-natural sweet. It also contains at least two servings of fruit and one veggie. That’s three servings in one meal! If you are aiming for 9-10 servings of fruits & veggies in a day, you are a third of the way there.
The blueberries and cocoa and almond milk provide antioxidants, and you get a tons of nutrients from a dark leafy green by adding in the kale. If you’ve never put a green in your smoothie, try it. You can’t taste it, especially with the banana, cocoa and nut butter! The nut butter provides a healthy fat and a little protein, and you get protein (as much or as little as you want) from the protein powder.
Be creative in your smoothie creation. You don’t even need a fancy expensive blender. I use an old Black & Decker that is probably over 20 years old. If the blade can blend frozen fruit or crushed ice, you’re golden.
Add yogurt to a smoothie for a creamier texture. You can even add tofu for a thicker drink and soy protein. You can buy frozen fruit or just freeze fruit the you buy fresh. If you go pre-packaged frozen, just make sure there are no extra sugars added. Try a pumpkin spice smoothie, or an all green smoothie. Play around and have fun getting in your superfoods!
Here are some links to some smoothie recipes:
http://allrecipes.com/recipes/drinks/smoothies/
http://www.nomeatathlete.com/thrive-smoothie-recipes/
http://triathlon.competitor.com/2013/07/nutrition/five-smoothie-recipes-for-summer_80111
What’s your favorite smoothie recipe?
Nicole
Jason Bahamundi
