Medicinal Morning Smoothies

Morning smoothie obsessed? Me too. A few years ago, I begged my husband for a nice blender. One that will make personal sized smoothies, along with a food processor and so on. He finally caved. We got one, and ever since, I rarely go a day without having my smoothie. Perks for him? I make his own smoothie as well, however slightly different, but we’ll touch on that another time.

I have a few staple ingredients that are good for the mind, body and soul. Hence “medicinal smoothie.”

Staple ingredients:

• Almond milk

• Benefits: Lactose free (I limit my dairy intake, this is a wonderful alternative) and it contains vitamins like calcium, potassium, zinc, vitamin E, magnesium, as well as so many others.

• Spirulina

• This is a no brainer and everyone should start taking spirulina now! I buy it in the powder form so I can just add it to my smoothie.

• Benefits: High in all sorts of nutrients, B-vitamins, iron, amino acids, and chlorophyll. It helps boosts your immune system, and some may say, it is better than taking a multi-vitamin.

• Frozen pineapple / banana / berries (whatever you prefer)

• Ginger

• Benefits: Anti-inflammatory property’s. It has helped reduce joint / muscle pain. Ginger also has anti-viral property’s.

• Turmeric

• Benefits: Anti-inflammatory property’s. It is a wonderful anti-oxidant.

• Flax seed or chia seeds

• Benefits: These seeds deliver heart-healthy alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), the plant-based omega-3 fat.

• Plant-based protein of choice

• Benefits: The protein; it helps keep your full and is good for your muscles. And being plant-based, it is easier to digest.

Now I do variations of these depending how I want the flavor and what I am feeling. Also, along with these staple ingredients I will add a green (either spinach or kale), cinnamon and sometimes honey. Experimenting is key.

Benefits: ever since I have been doing my smoothies I feel more energized, my digestion has been on point, and the best part – my headaches / neck aches have been more

controlled. Everything I choose to put into my smoothie not only taste great, but I use it for a reason. I like to call it, natural medicine.