Antioxidant Smoothie

Loaded with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, this delicious smoothie will be your new favorite way to start your day!

I drink a juice or smoothie every day.   I make it around 3:30 in the afternoon, when I am seriously hungry, my kids are snacking (on things I really want to eat) and I am tempted to eat all of it.  

So I make a nice healthy smoothie to help keep my cravings at bay and my mouth (and belly) happy. This also helps to ensure I consume enough vegetables and fruits each day.

What’s the deal with antioxidants anyway?   They help boost your immune system and help prevent cell damage in your body.  

This cell damage can lead to all types of diseases.  So, basically we need to eat more antioxidants to help prevent illness, sickness and boost our immune systems.

 I know, it’s not the prettiest picture, but kale, chia seeds and blueberry are inevitably going to be a blue/brown color.  But, let’s focus on the nutrition…

I do love adding leafy greens to my smoothies but once you pair them with berries inevitably turns a not so pretty brown color. If your kids (or you) are turned off by that color, use less kale and more berries.

Kale-  This powerhouse green vegetable really does live up to its name! Get this, kale is packed with fiber, Calcium, Vitamin B6, Magnesium, Vitamin K, Vitamin A and Vitamin C.  (See I told you it was THAT good for you!)

Almond Milk- This dairy free milk has a hint of sweetness and the creaminess of regular milk.  It has a slightly nutty flavor (shocking since it is made from ALMONDS).  

Almond milk may not have as much protein as regular milk, but it is loaded with Vitamin E and is also low in fat and sugar.  I use Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk. There is no need for extra sugar.

Blueberries- These are packed with powerful antioxidants that have shown to help with memory retention, prevent diseases and maybe even help slow down the aging process (sign me up!)  They also contain fiber and lots of Vitamin C.

Chia seeds- Oh how I LOVE my chia.  They are like little magical seeds.  

They are loaded with fiber, protein, omega-3-fatty acids and antioxidants.   Studies show they help prevent cravings and may regulate blood sugar levels.  I seriously try put chia seeds in whatever I can.

Hemp Protein Powder- Hemp seed contains tons of plat based protein, omega-fatty-acids, fiber and antioxidants.    I love its nutty flavor, it’s perfect for smoothies.

Go ahead and mix this up if you would like. Add spinach instead of kale, strawberries instead of blueberries… you get the idea. The possibilities are endless and all types of delicious.

I also like to exercise around 9:00 a.m. after I drop the kiddies at school.  I either take a Bar Method class (at the studio in Montclair where I work) or I go for a run.  

This is the perfect post-workout, late morning snack.  It’s filled with protein to help with recovery too.   

Sometimes I like to add a little peanut butter or almond butter to this. The extra healthy fat helps to keep me fuller longer.

And who doesn’t love some extra nut butter? Both taste absolutely delicious in this smoothie.

Print

Antioxidant Smoothie

Servings 1 serving

Ingredients

• 1 large bunch or organic kale
• 3/4 cup almond milk
• 1/2 cup organic blueberries
• 1/2 cup organic raspberries
• 2 tablespoons chia seeds
• 1 scoop hemp protein powder
• ice

Instructions

1. Place all the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Serve immediately.

If you make this Antioxidant Smoothie or any of the other recipes I have shared with you, please some back and let me know. You guys know that I love to hear from you!

I hope you enjoy these! Thank you for stopping by and please come back soon!