Plant Power Smoothies

I have a smoothie at least every other day. Especially in the summer I love the option of something cool and nutritious to eat in the morning or as a between meals snack option. They are super hydrating and condense heaps of nutrient rich foods if you choose the right building block ingredients.

This blueberry basil combination comes from the always beautiful blog, My New Roots. This recipe is a great way to take advantage of your summer blueberry stash from pick-your-own locations and abundance of basil floating around gardens and markets everywhere.  Herbaceous but sweet, I love this pairing and was so happy to come across this recipe idea on Sarah’s post about soy-free smoothie additions and protein boosts.

Ingredients

serves 1

1 small frozen banana

1 cup frozen blueberries

1 cup almond milk

large handful of basil leaves

large handful greens, spinach or kale

1 scoop brown rice protein

1 tsp bee pollen

2 tbs hemp seeds

• protein powder, bee pollen, and hemp seeds are all optional additions but are wonderful if you have access to them. Brown rice protein has a slightly chalky texture compared to whey but is a great option if you are sensitive to whey or looking for a vegan source of protein. Bee pollen has a slightly nutty, floral taste so start small when using for the first time. Bee pollen is 40% protein, full of free amino acids easily assimilated by the body and contains lots of vitamins, enzymes, minerals and phytonutrients; A+ for feeling good! Hemp seeds are also a great source of protein and all 20 amino acids, including the 9 essential ones which is prime good news for vegans and vegetarians! 2 tablespoons has 7g protein and is also a good source of BCAAs (branch chain amino acids, excellent for muscle development and lean tissue growth).

Now, this mint chip little number is amazing. If you have children in your life that are keen on mint chocolate chip ice cream, use this shake as an opportunity to stuff some greens into them! The green color on this shake is so vibrant, I think I’m going to have to continue to make this one even when I no longer have a lush green backdrop of a backyard just to get the same cheerful effect of a glassful of greens.

Ingredients

serves 1

half of a frozen banana

handful fresh mint leaves

large bunch of fresh spinach

1 cup almond milk

1 scoop brown rice protein (optional or protein of choice)

2 tbs raw cacao nibs ( raw chocolate is full of magnesium, antioxidants, and flavonoids. Also a serotonin promoter aka happy inducing!)

1 tsp psyllium husk (optional fiber supplement)

1/4 tsp peppermint extract and 1/4 tsp vanilla extract

3 drops vanilla stevia

1/8 tsp  xanthan gum for thickness (optional)

small pinch pink Himalayan sea salt (contains the same 84 natural minerals and elements found in the human body, NICE! Check The Edgy Veg’s post on the wonders of this rock salt).

a few ice cubes depending on preference for thickness