Let’s talk about smoothies!

Who doesn’t love to start their day with a tasty smoothie? They’re such a great way to easily consume so many nutrients and get us jump started for the day…particularly if you’re a person who finds themselves not eating enough as the day goes on. (FYI…going all day without nourishing your body is NOT a good habit to be in, but if that’s where you’re at right now, drinking a nutrient-filled smoothie every morning with give your body some healthy sustenance to start you off.)

I was shocked to learn that my assumption that everyone loves a good smoothie is incorrect! When I was touting the greatness of smoothies to my sister one day, she made a face and told me she couldn’t do them. Huh. I’ve since spoken to other folks who are also not so excited about starting their day off with a smoothie…again, colour me shocked! Further chatting about it with a few of them revealed they are not all that keen on drinking anything green, or something chalk-full of a bunch of things all “mashed together”. I can understand that part…until a few years ago, I still had to eat all of the food on my plate one item at a time, with nothing touching or mixed together. And my two younger kids are still very much like that. But they love my smoothie – healthy stuff and all…usually, at least!

I think the recipe I’m sharing today will convert any smoothie nay-sayer! It’s the go-to smoothie I make for myself and the kids every morning. I completely made it up and change it up here and there, depending on what I have in the house, or what I’m feeling like, but the base of it stays the same. The fruit hides the taste of any “weird” ingredients I throw in when they’re not looking…I even toss in a bunch of fresh cilantro now and then (an excellent natural detox food) and they don’t even notice. That’s saying something for my daughter who’s a very picky eater…even at 17!

This smoothie includes several servings of fruit, green leafy stuff, antioxidants, healthy fats, and protein. My picky eater would walk right out the door every morning without eating anything (NOT good for hormone balance of a teenage girl!) and not eat a thing until noon, if I don’t put this in front of her (she’s not a big morning eater). This recipe gives me peace of mind that she at least has a good start to her day, nutritionally, to wake her up and help her brain function…super important for anyone, but especially a senior in high school.

Without further adieu, here’s the recipe for my everyday smoothie:

• 1C frozen berries (I use an organic mix of raspberries, blueberries, blackberries and strawberries)
• 1/2C frozen mango
• 1 banana
• a handful of leafy greens (kale, spinach, or arugula…I mix it up throughout the week)
• 1 scoop plant-based protein powder (organic, non-GMO)
• 1 tbsp grass-fed collagen powder
• 1.5 tsp maca powder (excellent for hormone balance/menopause symptoms)
• 3-4 drops doTERRA Wild Orange essential oil (this makes it tastes like I’ve added orange juice, without the sugar)
• filtered water – enough to be able for it to blend together