Green POWER Smoothie

Lauren Follett

I love a good satisfying green power smoothie a few mornings per week. I call this one a power smoothie because the ingredients in it have such powerful health benefits! It also has a powerhouse combination of protein, fibre and fabulous fats - this smoothie will give you consistent energy and keep you satisfied for hours!

You can customize this smoothie to your taste, but a good guide to follow: 

• LOTS of greens always, like spinach or kale. Plant foods contain something called phytonutrients - natural chemicals produced by plants that have a variety of health benefits, anti-inflammatory properties and are a source of antioxidants, vitamins & minerals. Try to include a couple handfuls of greens at every meal!
  

• ONE fabulous fat like MCT oil, chia seeds, raw cashews, nut butter, avocado, or coconut oil. Fab fats are essential, and can’t be made in the body, which means we need to get them from our diet. Fab fats keep us satisfied, are anti-inflammatory, improve the look of skin and hair, and are important for the health of our nervous system and brain. Fats from nuts and seeds are also a great source of fibre, which is so important for healthy digestion, and heart health.
  

• ONE or TWO fruits like frozen berries or a greenish banana, which are lower in natural sugars than other types of fruit and high in fibre; a combo that keeps our blood sugar stable, and helps prevent sugar and carb cravings.
   

• USE water or unsweetened nut milk for the liquid. Avoid using juice in your smoothie; it is just unnecessary added sugar! 
  

• ADD a protein like plain yogurt or protein powder or both! Protein provides us with energy over a longer period of time, and helps build and repair muscle tissue after exercise. 
  

• ONE resistant starch or prebiotic plant fibre like potato starch, oats, or cacao. Our bodies aren’t able to digest resistant starches and prebiotic fibres, which means they help feed the beneficial bacteria in our gut, which = a healthy microbiome! A healthy gut is one of the most important factors for overall mental and physical health supporting healthy digestion, immune function, reducing allergy and food sensitivities, inflammation, balancing metabolism and boosting mood. Resistant starches can also help with weight loss!

Green Power Smoothie

Serves 2 - 4

Ingredients

• 3-4 large handfuls of kale or spinach leaves (almost fill blender with greens)

• 1-2 tbsp. Chia, hemp or flax seeds or nut butter or raw cashews or half avocado 

• ¾ cup frozen raspberries

• ½ greenish banana 

• ½ cup water or unsweetened nut milk (add more or less for desired consistency)

• ½ cup plain yogurt 

• 1 scoop Vega Organic Protein and Greens (optional)

• 1-2 tsp. Potato starch 

Method

1. If making ahead: place greens, fat, protein and starch in a blender and store in the fridge overnight.
   

2. In the morning, add frozen fruit and liquids. Blend all ingredients together and serve immediately. Enjoy!