Affordable Nutrition is the idea you can eat healthy on a budget. This months recipe features a stress relieving green smoothie which is packed with superfoods to help support a balanced gut and mind.
Smoothies are nutrient dense powerhouses. They are an excellent way to pack in phytonutrients, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, healthy fats and fiber into an easily digestible meal. This is a great option for breakfast or as a mid-day snack to keep blood sugar balanced and energy levels stable.
This combination of ingredients creates a creamy and satisfying texture from the avocado and yogurt with a hint of sweet from the banana and sprinkling of spices as well. I did a live Stress Relieving Green Smoothie food demo over on Instagram where I talked about the importance of proper hydration, different smoothie ideas and my love for medicinal mushrooms. Check out the full video here.
Stress Relieving Green Smoothie (serves 2)
Inspired by tasteloveandnourish.com
Ingredients
2 cups fresh spinach
1 frozen banana
1/2 cup full-fat plain Greek yogurt
1/2 medium avocado, peeled and pitted
3/4 cup coconut milk
1 tbs ground flax seed
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground turmeric
Preparation
-Place all ingredients into your blender
-Blend on high speed until smooth and creamy
-Pour into two glasses & dust with cinnamon
-Enjoy!
Optional: algae (spirulina, chlorella), protein powder (whey or plant based), fresh berries, collagen, cilantro, parsley, ground nutmeg
Health Benefits
Spinach: A nutrient dense food and great source of vitamin K, C, E and carotenes. Also high in folate and B vitamins which help the body produce serotonin and dopamine.
Greek Yogurt: High in protein, calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin B-12. A great source of probiotic bacteria which can help support a healthy microbiome. Coconut yogurt is a great non-dairy alternative!
Avocado: Packed with B vitamins, vitamin E, potassium and magnesium. Also high in fiber and monounsaturated fatty acids (great for brain health). Supports clear skin – acts as natures natural beauty food.
Banana: Excellent source of potassium and magnesium (magnesium = natures chill pill)
Turmeric: Powerful anti-inflammatory and rich in antioxidants
Flax seed: Excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids which support heart and brain health. Natural laxative to support a healthy gut.
References
Murray, M., Pizzorno, J. (2012). The Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine. New York, NY: Atria Books.