Power up!

Since the pandemic has more or less ended and life has returned to normal, I am happy to announce that I have started going to the gym again (rather religiously too! Minimum two, but usually three times every week). And I love it! I am already noticing some pretty serious gains and muscle development, which is great.

But one thing that I know for sure is that I need to be super mindful to make sure that I am fueling myself with enough delicious, healthy, nutrient-packed foods to support my now much-more-active lifestyle. Luckily, that isn’t hard… especially when I add one of these smoothies to my days!

These smoothies are great, because they contain a bunch of different fruits and veggies (so fibre + phytonutrients + vitamin + minerals), plus a super greens powder (you can use any protein powder in place of this if you like). It’s a yummy and easy way to add a whole bunch of nutrition to your day!

I think that my favourite addition to this smoothie is the holy basil. Not only is it great for reducing oxidative stress and boosting mental health, but it also reduces inflammation and swelling (which is great if you have been working out!), supports your cardiovascular health, protects against skin aging, and supports liver health. It's a fantastic herb with so many benefits! You could also add other herbs of your choice to this blend (I have experimented with adding things like chocolate mint or even dill).

So enjoy! Play around with the fruits and veggies you use too and see what flavour combinations you like best. There are literally no limits!

Superfood Smoothies:

· 3 tbsp. greens powder (or protein powder of your choice)

· Handful of greens (I like using collard greens and beet greens!)

· 1 avocado

· 1 heaping handful mixed berries

· 1 cup pineapple, cubed

· ½ banana

· ½ beet (I include the greens)

· 1 whole lemon (peel and all!)

· 2 tbsp. ground flaxseed

· 1 tbsp. hemp hearts

· 1 tbsp. chia seeds

· 1 tsp. holy basil, dried

1) Place the greens powder, greens, banana, avocado, berries, pineapple, beet, lemon, flaxseed, hemp hearts, chia seeds and holy basil in a blender and add enough eater to fully cover all ingredients

2) Process until smooth

3) Pour a large chilled glass and top with a few berries. Enjoy!