Everyone always asks me for the BEST smoothie for after your work out. For me, I love to make sure it's packed with antioxidants, has a hit of protein, and a moderate amount of carbohydrates.
Of course the above are important, but MOST important thing is of course...the taste!
Here is the recipe I use:
Chocolate Spirulina Protein Smoothie
-1/2 cup of oat milk
-1 scoop of chocolate Vega protein powder
-1 tsp spirulina
-1/4 cup of organic blueberries
-4 ice cubes
-1/2 banana
-1 tbs ground flax seeds
*add water to reach desired consistency
What the Heck is Spirulina?
Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae and considered a 'superfood' due to its excellent nutrition content and health benefits. It has a high protein and vitamin content, which makes it an excellent dietary supplement for people on a vegetarian or plant-based diet.
Some major benefits to adding spirulina to your smoothies include:
-it's high antioxidant and inflammation-fighting properties
-it's ability to help regulate the immune system
-it can lower 'bad' cholesterol (LDL) in the body and raise the 'good' cholesterol (HDL)
-it may have anti-cancer properties and appears to be especially effective against precancerous lesions
-it may increase endurance and muscular strength
-it aids in blood sugar control
A single tablespoon of dried spirulina powder contains:
*Protein: 4g
*Vitamin B1: 11% of RDA
*Vitamin B2: 15% of RDA
*Vitamin B3: 4% of RDA
*Copper: 21% of RDA
*Iron: 11% of RDA
*It also contains decent amounts of magnesium, potassium, and manganese.
Recipe notes:
-I use Vega chocolate protein powder because I LOVE myself a chocolate smoothie. You can of course substitute any protein powder flavors.
-Vega is my favorite plant-based protein powder. If you've found a better one, please let me know! The reason I love Vega is because it packs an amazing punch of flavor, and unlike many plant-based protein powders, it is lower in sodium!
-I usually use oat milk or almond milk for smoothies. This is TOTALLY your call! You can use whichever you prefer (oat, almond, rice, cashew, etc). You can also use water...but I like mine a bit more creamy.
-If the flavor of spirulina is too strong for you (it tastes slightly fishy on it's own, but I find the rest of the ingredients completely mask the flavor), try using a big handful of spinach or baby kale!
Here it is!!!