Sneaky Smoothie

Have you ever seen a youtube recipe video where someone is shoving a ton of spinach or kale into a blender for their smoothie? Have you been appalled and quite frankly offended that they would ruin a creamy, delicious smoothie like that? That was me a few months ago...until last night, when all I had ever believed flashed before my eyes as I took a sip of my green, spinach filled smoothie....and fell in love.

This smoothie sneaks in about 1.5 to 2 cups of raw, baby spinach without a trace of having ever been in there- except the green color of course. I've made it a recent goal to eat more raw vegetables since the important enzymes, vitamins and minerals aren't damaged from heat and are more readily available for absorption and help out in the digestive processes. I added a few superfoods like cacao and maca with my usual smoothie ingredients, which were suggested by a classmate, and the result was a filling, veggie and nutrient packed post workout smoothie which could also be used as a meal replacement for on the go. Also great for those of you who don't like eating vegetables...just drink them instead! I promise you won't even know they're there ;) Plus the cacao nibs really end up tasting like chocolate chips when blended in, without all the fat and calories.

Protein is a great way to help you repair and build healthy muscle, burn fat and boost your metabolism so visit your healthfood store and purchase a few sample packets that many companies have to determine which one suits you the best. The protein I've recently begun using is amazing! I finally ditched the whey and have been using this Ultra Protein Plus by Douglas Labs which is actually protein from peas so I have no issues at all digesting it. It also has real vanilla flavoring and no artificial OR natural sweetener alternatives-both of which I can't stand the taste of. It actually has a real subtle sweet flavor which I love, and doesn't require me adding any sweeteners of my own. Raw honey or maple syrup can be added to this or even chopped up dates to sweeten up your smoothie at home.

Sneaky Smoothie

Ingredients:

1 Scoop Ultra Protein Plus/any protein 

1 tbsp Organic Raw Almond Butter

(or peanut, cashew butter, etc)

1/5-2 cups Organic Baby Spinach or Baby Kale

3/4 cup Almond Milk 

(or any other milk/milk substitute)

1 tbsp Cacao nibs

1 tbsp Carob Powder/Cacao powder 

1 tsp Maca (in the little baggie)
Raw honey to sweeten, if needed
Chia/Flax Seeds optional for extra fiber
1/2 cup ice

Directions:

Throw all ingredients into blender, blend on high and drink immediately!

Play around with ingredients until you find your perfect green smoothie combo

mmm check out all that spinach 

End result! Just looking at this makes me feel healthier

Spinach:

• Purchase organic! Conventionally grown spinach leaves have some some of the highest levels of pesticides
• Baby spinach would probably work best with this smoothie as it has a smoother texture
• Has high amounts of Vitamins K, A, B6 and B2
• Contains iron, potassium, phosphorus, zinc, copper 
• Heart Healthy: Great source of fiber, antioxidants and omega 3s
• Can help to strengthen eyes and brain function 
• Anti-inflammatory properties
• Overall amazing way to alkalize your body to prevent illness! 

Superfoods 101

Superfoods are exactly that- SUPER foods. Packed with amazing health benefits with virtually no calories. 

Cacao:

• Cacao is the unprocessed, raw, bitter bean that chocolate is made out of 
• Contains high levels of iron, calcium, zinc, amino acids and magnesium which has a relaxing effect on the body
• 21 X the antioxidants found in green tea
• Mayans valued it so much that they used it as currency
• Vitamins, minerals & antioxidants intact due to its raw nature
• Cacao powder can be used as a healthy, raw alternative to cocoa powder which is highly processed, has very little nutritional value and contains chemicals from processing (In this recipe I'm using carob powder which is a plant commonly used as a nutritious chocolate alternative)

Maca

• Did you know Inca warriors would consume maca before a battle for strength? (These ancient civilizations were pretty hip with all their super foods)
• Great for people with fertility issues
• A great alternative to coffee or tea, maca can really give you an energy boost, try not to take it around bedtime 
• Can help with menopausal symptoms
• Overall a nutritious superfood to promote vitality 

Definitely try this recipe after your workout as a great way to give your muscles that much needed recovery and repair as well as rehydrate your cells! On that note, I'm off to the gym!

-Sara