Smoothie Recipe
What's for Breakfast?
Are Wheaties really the breakfast of champions? I don't think so! What are the ingredients in Wheaties? Take a look at what's on the label: Made with 100% whole grain. Ingredients: whole wheat, sugar, salt, corn syrup, partially hydrogenated soybean oil, brown sugar syrup, natural flavor, trisodium phosphate. Freshness preserved by BHT. Vitamin and minerals: zinc and iron (mineral nutrients), a B vitamin (niacinamide), vitamin C (sodium ascorbate), vitamin B6 (pyridoxine hydrochloride), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B 1 (thiamin mononitrate), vitamin A palmitate, a B vitamin (folic acid), vitamin B12, vitamin D.
I'm not intending to single out Wheaties...many cereals are far worse! Read the labels and make a conscious choice whether or not you really want to start your day in this way.
The true breakfast of champions would have to be a smoothie - a green smoothie! A frothy, delicious green drink filled with protein, vitamins, minerals, complex carbohydrates, and micronutients is an easily digestible source of power for the human body. Sure, there's no sugary crunch, but there also isn't a sugary crash a few hours later.
A Breakfast That Will Fuel You!
Yes - a breakfast that will fuel you, and not fool you is a green smoothie. Made with nutritious ingredients, a smoothie is guaranteed to give you energy and keep you strong throughout the day. There are many varieties of green smoothies. Some are made with vegetables, some with fruit, and some with a combination of the two. The possible variety of nutrients to add to a basic smoothie are nearly unlimited. Smoothies have been my breakfast of choice for many years and a day without a smoothie is a day with less energy. I can feel the difference. For those of us who work at home, we can enjoy a smoothie any time of day!
My Favorite Smoothie Recipe
Although my smoothies have changed throughout the years I've been making them, I always start with a banana and include Spirulina. Here is the recipe I'm currently using:
1 banana, fresh or frozen
1/4 cup frozen berries, optional
1 cup purified water
1 scoop rice protein
1 tsp maca powder
1 tsp spirulina
3 TB chia gel
Place ingredients in blender or immersion blender cup. Blend well.
Add one scoop (10 g) undenatured whey protein and blend for 1-2 seconds only.
I Know What a Banana is, but What About the Other Things?
Brown Rice Protein Concentrate, made from brown rice, is an easily digested, hypoallergenic vegetarian/vegan source of protein. It is a high-protein alternative to soy and animal products, and those with gastrointestinal sensitivity to milk, wheat, soy and other proteins. Brown Rice Protein Concentrate contains a complete amino acid profile and is made using an all natural process that does not involve the use of chemical solvents.
Maca contains carbohydrates, proteins, calcium, fiber and lipids, as well as iodine and anticancer compounds similar to those found in cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli and cabbage. It also contains antioxidants, such as catechins, which also are found in green tea, and sterols similar to those found in echinacea. Maca appears to have a positive effect on the endocrine system.
Spirulina is a blue-green algae. I know, it sounds weird, but look at this: The protein in Spirulina contains all 8 essential amino acids, making it a complete protein. Spirulina also contains vitamins A, B-1, B-2, B-6, B-12, E, and K. In addition, Spirulina also provides minerals, trace minerals, cell salts, phytonutrients and enzymes, as well as an abundance of chlorophyll & other beneficial pigments. Spirulina has no cellulose in its cell walls, which makes it easily digested and assimilated. In fact, it is 85 to 95% digestible.
Chia gel provides all the beneficial nutrients found in chia seeds, including essential fats, protein, complex carbohydrates, soluble fiber, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytonutrients, polysaccharides, and more. Chia gel slows the conversion of carbohydrates into sugars, thereby regulating and sustaining healthy blood sugar levels in the body. Stable blood sugar levels contribute to naturally high levels of energy, avoidance of abnormal cravings for foods, including sugary foods and simple carbohydrates due to low blood glucose levels. Chia thereby helps you avoid “highs” and “lows” in energy or mood, as well as supports normal insulin function.
Whey protein is a pure, natural, high quality protein from cow's milk. It is a rich source of the essential amino acids needed on a daily basis by the body. In its purest form, it contains little to no fat, lactose or cholesterol. Whey protein is an excellent protein choice for individuals of all ages. Often, those with lactose intolerance are able to tolerate whey protein. It provides a number of benefits in areas including sports nutrition, weight management, immune support, bone health, and general wellness.
