The Best Blueberry-Hemp-Banana Smoothie Recipe

The idea of throwing a bunch of ingredients in a blender and coming up with a magical drink a minute later is undeniably satisfying.

Ever since we tried a chocolate milkshake at the local dairy queen, we have loved the idea of smooth, frothy concoctions. A smoothie is one of the all-time best ways to create a quick, delicious meal or snack.

And sure smoothies are delicious and a a tiny bit decadent, but are they also healthy? Well, they sure can be. I present to you a super-healthy smoothie for your enjoyment. This recipe has been one of my go-to meals when I am trying to get healthier or lose weight. and is the result of a couple of years of esting and perfecting. So enjoy the fruits (pun intended!) of my labours.

This is the recipe that I use but the fun thing about smoothies is that there are hundreds of variations. Feel free to customize the recipe to suit your situation and tastes. Here are some suggested variations.

• Add in strawberries, raspberries or pitted cherries instead of, or in addition to, the blueberries
• Substitute flax for hemp
• Add ice to make it thicker
• Add in more yogurt and less milk for a creamier texture
• Omit whey protein and add more yogurt

I tend to make our smoothies in my Bullet machine. This makes one drink per person and allows you to customize according to each person's tastes. However, it will work in any blender. For more about blenders, see this analysis of the blender's important role in history. Most of all, enjoy your smoothie!

Hemp is a very healthy protein and is said to represent a "complete protein." That means that it contains all 10 of the essential amino acids needed by the human body.

Some people worry that hemp is somehow related to drugs but all of the harmful ingredients have been taken out and that is not possible.

I usually get my hemp from a health food store, and it harvested by our local company, Manitoba Harvest Hemp Food and Oils.

Do you find that you start lagging around 10 in the morning, and sometimes need a boost, like a doughnut or muffin, to pick you up? I used to have the same experience, but when I drink this for breakfast, it gives me tremendous energy for the morning.

In fact, after drinking this smoothie for breakfast, I don't crave anything until noon or past. It has boosted my energy levels greatly, which is why a healthy smoothie tends to be my regular fare mornings.

One of the energy secrets found in this drink is the addition of super-food hemp hearts. Hemp hearts, are completely safe to eat, in spite of the more well-known use for the hemp plant. Hemp is even recognized by Dr. Oz as a healthy, effective energy booster.

Hemp hearts, and the other healthy ingredients in this recipe are a much better alternative to sugar-laden treat, which boost you temporarily, and then send your blood sugar plummeting, resulting in you being more tired than you were before.

The calorie count for this smoothie is 314 calories. It contains 20 g of Carbohydrates, 14 g of Fat, and 26 g of protein.

The fat percentage for the drink is 40% fat. Don't worry, though, that the fat content seems high. These fats are the good fats: Omega 6's and Omega 3's. These kind of fats actually assist your body in burning the other kind of fat!

Most of the ingredients in this smoothie are especially chosen to aid in increasing metabolism and helping to aid weight loss. Here is an overview of each of the ingredients and the benefits it provides.

First of all, the whey protein helps to boost your metabolism, and actually helps your body to burn fat faster. This ingredient has also been shown to reduce insulin sensitivity.

Next, hemp, as mentioned elsewhere, is a great energy booster and is also acts a boost to weight loss by providing an excellent source of quality protein that will keep you from feeling hungry, and over-eating.

Blueberries are now recognized as helping to lower blood sugar. Additionally, these berries help individuals maintain a healthy blood pressure.

Finally, Greek Yogurt is also a very special food.that aids in weight loss by providing a healthy source of protein, with a low glycemic index.

The funny thing is, my husband had no interest in my shakes for the first three years of our marriage, but lately he's been asking me to make him one in the morning, too. He's still not crazy about all these healthy foods, but he says he feels better when he drinks it, too. I modify his for his dietary needs and will include his modified version in this article.

1 Scoop Natural Factors Protein Powder

3 Tbsp Hemp Seeds
1/4 Cup Frozen Blueberries
1 cup 2% MIlk
1 Tbsp French Vanilla Yogurt
1 Tbsp Chocolate Syrup

Add everything to your blender and blend together well. Enjoy!

Please note that the husband's version has more protein powder because men usually have greater calorie needs. I also use 2% milk in his drink for extra creaminess. I also have started adding a tablespoon of chocolate syrup to his drink to make it more palatable and chocolatey. He can afford the extra calories because he's not trying to lose weight.