Looks like Ovaltine, but tastes so much better (and better for you)!
Because smoothies are all the rage, here are some excellent super food ingredients for you to experiment with when making yours. Agave Nectar - An unprocessed syrup, naturally extracted from the agave cactus (yes, if tequila comes to mind, you are correct - same plant, different result!) This sweetener is absorbed slowly into the blood stream as it is very low on the glycemic index making it great for people who have blood sugar disorders.
Cacao Powder - Raw chocolate powder from the Cocoa bean. So much tastier than processed *chocolate*. Cacao is rich in magnesium and is reported to be a natural appetite suppressant.
Coconut Water (best taken from Thai young coconuts) - A great base for smoothies. Young coconut water is just that, the water in young coconuts before it matures and turns to the milk that most of us are familiar with. The water is low calorie, fat free and an excellent electrolyte replacement drink. I prefer the water over any sports drink! Can be found boxed, canned or best yet ask your grocer for young Thai coconuts. If you choose this route, I recommend having someone (or an online tutorial) show you how to open them. You then have the benefit of using the water and the coconut meat in your smoothies!
Hemp Protein Powder - A balanced whole protein rich in EFAs (essential fatty acids), amino acids, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. As most other protein powders do not, hemp does naturally have the perfect balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. It has 22 grams of protein per serving, beat that! Fabulous for athletes and kids who are vegan or vegetarian.
Lucuma Powder - Another natural sweetener from a fruit in Peru. High in beta-carotene, niacin and iron as well as calcium and phosphorus. Lucuma has a maple syrup like flavor.
Maca Root Powder - A peruvian root vegetable that is rich in amino acids, phytonutrients, vitamins and minerals. Some of the health benefit claims are; increased energy, fertility, immune system functions, reducing chronic fatigue and endocrine system support.
Mesquite Powder - A traditional Native American food from the mesquite tree that is high in protein, calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, zinc and the amino acid lysine.
The above smoothie contains the following:
6 oz coconut water
1 banana
1 tablespoon cacao powder
1 tablespoon hemp powder
1 teaspoon maca powder
1 tablespoon soy lecithin (a natural emulsifier that adds creaminess and is completely optional!)
Add a few ice cubes and the above ingredients together and blend for a minute or two before enjoying!
p.s. This smoothie sustained me during a 7.5 mile run (8 minute miles no less) and an hour of bootcamp after - now that's a smoothie!
Enjoy experimenting with new smoothie recipes. With all of the fresh fruits and berries available in the summer, it is easy to create tasty, healthy smoothies for you and your family. Have fun!
~One Body, One Life~
Jennifer
