Now that the sun is taking center stage again, it is shining a light on our routines, our diets and our health regimes. I love the feeling of a change of season because it also changes our habits. Most find themselves moving to lighter and fresher foods, earlier mornings and more activity. Around spring I usually switch my breakfast from oatmeal to smoothies. And just like with my oatmeal, I like to stay creative with my smoothies. Here are some smoothie hacks to get the most out of your breakfast and your days!
Make it green: chlorophyll
Chlorophyll is my favorite hack for a green smoothie. I want the benefits of vegetables, the detox effect, red blood cell support with exercise, and sustainable energy for whatever my day takes me. However, I find that a lot of green powders overpower the flavor of my smoothies. Chlorophyll is what gives plants their green color and what makes them so good for us. Isolating a plant can give us the benefits without the “green taste”! I like to add liquid chlorophyll to smoothies with bananas, protein powder, coconut water and almond milk. Simple, hydrating and detoxifying.
5 Flavor Berry Punch: Schisandra
This hack goes perfectly with a berry smoothie! Schisandra itself is a berry with tart flavors and great benefits. The flavor compliments other, sweeter berries. Schisandra is known as the 5-flavor berry. It is sour, sweet, bitter, warm and salty. All of these flavors speak to the body systems it supports: the detoxification organs, the adrenal glands, the nervous system and the brain. I like to add liquid schisandra to a smoothie with raspberries, cherries, blueberries, strawberries, Greek yogurt and oat milk. It’s packed with free radical scavengers, skin-supporting vitamins and vitamin C!
Energy boost: Maca root
Maca root is a great booster for active people. It supports sustained energy, muscle recovery, hormone balance, cognitive function, bone health and libido. It has a nutty and earthy taste and can be taken before or after a workout. Maca is a root that comes in red, yellow and black varieties. Yellow is the most common and is known for its mood support and apoptogenic properties. Red maca is known for its bone health and libido support. Black maca is known for its mental focus and support for physical performance, as well as sexual drive. I add liquid maca to a smoothie with bananas, pears, protein powder, cinnamon and cardamom and oat milk. The nutty flavor compliments this sweet and savory, hardy smoothie.
Happy spring and have fun making smoothies!
Rebecca Younger is passionate about herbs and women’s health. She strives to plant seeds of inspiration within her community about plant medicine and healthier ways of living. She studied herbal medicine at Herbalism Roots in Denver and is a certified Doula through the Matrona Foundation. She is the customer journey leader at WishGarden Herbs.
For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, or to sell any product.
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