Smoothies!!!

Sweet Potato Spice Smoothie:

1 cup sweet potato puree (pumpkin would work too)

1/4-1/2 carrot

1" fresh ginger root 

1/2 orange

1 apple

1 tsp curry powder

1/4 tsp nutmeg

1 scoop vanilla protein powder (used egg white protein powder)

1 cup almond milk

How this helps you: sweet potatoes are an excellent complex carbohydrate source that helps replenish your muscle glycogen stores and provide you with lasting energy and important fiber for healthy digestion. Ginger is an especially beneficial anti-inflammatory food, and orange is packed with antioxidants that help cells repair. Curry and nutmeg give this smoothie a warm Fall flavor, and I never miss an opportunity to get a serving of protein in a smoothie for muscle and tissue development and repair.

Chia Raspberry Cream Smoothie:

1-1 1/2 cups red raspberries (frozen or fresh)

1 cup plain Greek yogurt

1 T chia seeds

1/4 cup fresh mint

1 tsp vanilla

1-2 tsp honey (optional)

1/2 cup water

How this helps you: If you tolerate dairy, Greek yogurt is an excellent protein source that contains live bacteria that are essential for our gut health. Raspberries are one of natures powerhouse inflammatory foods that contain some interesting phytonutrients that can increase the metabolism in our fat cells. Chia seeds are a super absorbent seed that contain healthy omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, and will help you feel full longer. The best time to have honey in your smoothie is right after a workout out, as your body is depleted and will use the sugar for energy, rather than storing it.

Avocado Basil Smoothie:

1/2 avocado

4 stalks kale

1 apple

1/2 cup fresh basil

1 tsp turmeric

1/2 lemon

1 1/2 cups water

How this helps you: Basil contains some volatile oils that inhibit harmful bacteria in your system. Its flavenoids provide cellular protection. Avocados contain unique fats that are key in supporting our inflammatory system, and in increasing the amount of vitamins we are able to absorb from greens like kale. Turmeric, an ingredient in many curries and a relative to ginger boasts multiple anti-inflammatory benefits and has a light, tangy taste. Feel free to add a little more fruit to this - I would suggest grapes (4-6), as they will increase the sweetness without taking away from the flavor balance.