My go-to morning smoothie + all my smoothie essentials

6/3/2017

My go-to morning smoothie + all my smoothie essentials

If you asked me the one thing I swear by to reset after an indulgent weekend or what I do to stay on track each day, I'd definitely say it's my morning smoothies. I start almost every day with a smoothie - it's a great way to get a big dose of protein, fiber, healthy fats, and antioxidants in first thing in the morning, and I love that it keeps me full for hours (seriously!). There's also tons of different flavor combinations you can try out that will keep things interesting, delicious, and satisfying. Even my clients who originally weren't sold on morning smoothies tried out a few different combinations, and now they're totally hooked and loving how they feel on their new smoothie routine.

If you're just jumping on the smoothie bandwagon, it can be a little overwhelming figuring out where to start. So here's a list of ingredients to keep stocked in your kitchen so you're ready to make an delicious, nutrient-rich smoothie at any time!

1. High-quality protein: Protein powder can make or break a smoothie. Some powders make it too chalky and leave a bad aftertaste, and others add just a subtle flavor and sweetness that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients. When picking a protein powder, always look for one that has clean, simple ingredients, and as little sugar as possible. After trying almost every healthy protein out there, I'd have to say my favorite protein powder is Primal Kitchen Collagen Fuel. Btw, I get a lot of questions about collagen vs. protein - if you add collagen to your smoothie, that is your protein! You can go with a flavored collagen like Primal Kitchen or unflavored collagen peptides. If you're looking for a plant-based protein, some other great options are Perfect Fit Protein and Beaming Superfood Protein. If Whey protein is your thing, I'd suggest Primal Fuel. Just check the nutrition label and make sure you're getting 20 grams of protein per smoothie (that's two scoops of Primal Kitchen collagen!).
Why add protein? Having enough protein in your diet will boost your metabolism, stabilize blood sugar, keep you fuller longer, and support your muscles. A must in any smoothie!

2. Seeds: chia seeds, hemp seeds, and flax seeds. Every time I make a smoothie, I always add 1-2 tbsp of chia seeds, no matter what flavors I'm combining! 
Why? Theses seeds are great sources of fiber, protein, vitamins / minerals, essential fatty acids, omega-3s.

3. Nuts & spreads, oils, & avocado. Almonds, walnuts, almond butter, extra virgin coconut oil, MCT oil, and coconut butter are my go-to's for adding healthy fat to a smoothie.  Avocados in smoothies add so much creaminess!
Why? You have to eat fat to lose fat my friends! Healthy fats keep you satiated, provide an energy source for the body, balance blood sugar, and help with absorption of vitamins and antioxidants. 

4. Fresh or frozen veggies: I rarely make a smoothie without a handful of spinach. I always buy fresh, organic spinach and use some for salads throughout the week and the rest goes straight into the freezer for my smoothies. Other veggies to try adding into smoothies: a pinch microgreens (small but mighty, these little sprouts contain even more vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants than the mature version of these veggies), any other greens, frozen riced cauliflower (makes smoothie extra thick and you can't even taste it!), cucumbers, mint, etc.
Why? Vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytonutrients... all the goods!

5. Fruit: If I'm adding fruit to a smoothie, it's only 1/4 cup to 1/3 cup max. That's really all you need to add extra flavor or sweetness! Most smoothie bars really overdo it on the amount of fruit they're adding in their smoothies. My trick is to slice up bananas into 1/2 inch pieces and freeze them, and then add 3-4 slices in each smoothie. A few slices of an apple, 1/4 cup frozen organic berries, and a quarter of an avocado are other great additions!

6. Smoothie superstars: all of these boosters are just the cherry on top, adding extra health benefits to your smoothies!
- Organic spirulina powder: an algae superfood full of phytonutrients and protein to help reduce inflammation, boost energy, immunity, and liver detox. 1 tsp per smoothie is all you need! 
- Collagen Peptide Powder: amazing for joints, bones, hair, skin, immune and digestive systems, plus a great protein source 
- Herbs & spices: ginger (for digestion), turmeric (potent anti-inflammatory), cinnamon (reduces blood sugar), mint (aids digestion & reduces inflammation)

7. Unsweetened nut milk or water: I use 1 1/2 cups unsweetened vanilla almond milk in my smoothies but you could always go for cashew milk, hemp milk, or coconut milk, or good old fashioned water! Check your nut milk ingredients for added sugars and confirm they are carrageenan-free. 

There you have it! This may seem like a long list at first, but it will be so worth it once you're all stocked up, and I promise these essentials will last you a long time. You'll also be ready to go for tons of different types of smoothies to satisfy whatever you're craving.

And here's my go-to green smoothie that helps me get right back on track!
My go-to green smoothie
1 1/2 cups unsweetened almond milk
​2 scoops Primal Kitchen Vanilla Collagen protein
2 tbsp chia seeds
1 1/2 tbsp almond butter
1 handful spinach
1 tsp spirulina
1/4 cup frozen banana slices (about 1/3 of a banana)
Ice

​Cheers!