Hormone-Balancing Strawberry Maca Smoothie
I love a good smoothie, but I love even more when I can drink something so packed full of good-for-me ingredients that I feel fuller and happier for the whole day! This smoothie does just that, friends. Packed with healthy, real food ingredients that pack an extra special, hormone helping punch - maca root! The older I get, the more I feel my hormones dragging me all over the place, and I'm just trying to add some regularity - and this smoothie really helps when you take it regularly.
I first tried a similar smoothie at the Whole Foods juice bar near me - and surprise, surprise - I had to recreate it at home! I knew I could make it cheaper, and whenever I wanted, if I learned to recreate it. I added a few ingredients to make it more than a sweet strawberry banana base and now I am officially obsessed and make it at least 3 mornings a week. Beyond the bunches of greens I've added, the maca root has some real benefits in balancing the body's hormones. Below we'll talk about different types of maca, how much to use, and how it helps your body!
When it comes to maca you can buy at the store, there are two types: gelatinized and raw, non-gelatinized. Raw maca that has been powdered from the dried, uncooked root, can be a little hard on the digestive system and may cause stomach upset in about 5-10% of the population. Gelatinization involves a steam process that makes the maca more digestible and also increases bioavailability of the nutrients. You can buy whatever you prefer, but note the difference in case you have a sensitive stomach. (Maca isn't going to be for everyone, so if you have stomach issues when you take it or you are following a low FODMAP diet, I recommend you avoid it all together.)
I always recommend buying organic when you can, especially since maca is a root and is grown directly in the soil. I have been loving this brand lately and it has added ashwaganda powder as well, but again, use whatever maca you prefer. High quality maca is usually grown in Peru - so look for that confirmation on the packaging. Other things to look for? Ideally, you want your maca sustainably grown and naturally harvested without the use of artificial fertilizers, pesticides, solvents, radiation or high heat. But don't worry babes - this info is usually on the packaging itself and always online! OH, and always keep your maca in the fridge - it can oxidize when exposed to air, heat and moisture.
So how does maca help and why take it? Well ladies (and gents!) there are some pretty great reasons, specifically hormone-balancing ones. Maca is rich in vitamins C and A as well as B2, B6 and Niacin and packed with minerals, including iron, zinc, iodine, calcium, copper, magnesium and potassium. It contains healthy fatty acids that help stabilize blood glucose levels and reduce inflammation in the body. It strengthens your bones and supports healthy liver and enzyme function.
Maca is one of the rare plants that can be classified as an ‘herbal adaptogen’. This means it can directly change the balance of your hormones to help you adapt to stress and illness. Unlike some herbs and phytoestrogens such as soy (which I'm actually super allergic to), maca does not try to mimic estrogen in your body. It is a hormone BALANCER, so it draws your hormones back to where they need to be rather than increase only one type of hormone and cause an imbalance. Many women report improved PMS, menopause, and PCOS symptoms as a result of regular maca usage during their cycle. Maca is also high in fibers like cellulose and lignins, which improve gut health. Fiber is also an effective tummy filler, which can reduce hunger between meals. Most maca powders also contain between 11% to 18% protein, which is a nice little boost in your morning smoothie, as well. On top of all those great reasons, maca is also a natural energy provider so you can use it to help kick the caffeine and ditch that afternoon slump! To break it down: -balanced mood -improved PMS -natural energy -improved fertility -higher libido -stronger bones -reduced menopause and PCOS symptoms So basically, it's a smoothie all of us can enjoy for different - or maybe all of the - reasons listed above! I'd love to hear about your experiences with maca in the comments below. I've only been using it regularly for about a year, but love and plan to keep using it. Let's get blending, babes!
INGREDIENTS
1 1/2 cups coconut water or unsweetened almond milk 1 frozen banana 1-2 cups fresh spinach 1 1/2 cups frozen (or fresh!) strawberries 1-2 teaspoons maca root powder 3-4 drops vanilla stevia (optional) Optional Add-In's 1 tablespoon flax powder 1 tablespoon chia seeds 1 tablespoon psyllium husk 1 tablespoon coconut or nut butter maple syrup, honey or agave DIRECTIONS Toss it all in a high-speed blender (we use a Vitamix) and blend until it is smoooooooth. Then pour it in a large glass - or two - and enjoy! NOTES Serves 2. Sub in what you need or what you’ve got to suit your preferences! If you use coconut water, the smoothie will be a bit lighter, whereas using almond milk will result in a thicker, creamier smoothie. I like them both!
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PB+J SMOOTHIE
Good morning friends! I'm a serious sucker for smoothies, and a well-known regular at the Whole Foods juice bar. I even recreated one of my favorite smoothies from them - the Green + Glowing - and posted it here because I needed to stop spending $8 a day on a smoothie I could make myself. Well we're back! Kind of. This isn't a smoothie I found at Whole Foods, but I'm sure they've got one like it. I wouldn't know, because until recently I refused to have nut butter in a smoothie. I don't know why! Actually - I hate the chocolate and fruit combination, and I think I just assumed that since chocolate and peanut go so WELL together, that peanut butter and fruit would also be awful. Except deep down in my brain I knew that couldn't be true - because otherwise I wouldn't have eaten a PB+J nearly everyday from ages 4-8!
One morning recently I went to whip up my normal morning smoothie and realized I was out of two of the main ingredients - frozen mango and frozen pineapple. I emptied the bags the day before and had totally forgotten to replace them. Whoops! Luckily, I had seen frozen strawberries and blueberries in the freezer, so I grabbed them instead. I kept the smoothie base the same but after whipping it all together it was just missing something. It was too light and needed some thickness. I almost threw in some coconut in and then thought - welllll, I do have this mostly empty jar of peanut butter...should I try it? I'm so glad I did! It gave the smoothie more thickness, protein, and a ton of great flavor! This might be my new go-to morning fuel. It's packed with protein - seriously, kids will love it. Let's blend, babes!
INGREDIENTS
1 1/2 cups coconut water or unsweetened almond milk 1 frozen banana 1 cup frozen strawberries 1/2 cup frozen blueberries 1-2 cups fresh spinach 1 tablespoon peanut butter 1 tablespoon ground flax 1 tablespoon psyllium husk 1-3 teaspoons MCT coconut oil (optional - just what I add into mine for some healthy fats) DIRECTIONS Toss it all in a high-speed blender (we use a Vitamix) and blend until it is smoooooooth. Then pour it in a large glass and enjoy! NOTES Serves 2. Sub in what you need or what you’ve got to suit your preferences. Fresh fruit works great, but you may need to add some ice to get it nice and creamy. If you use coconut water, the smoothie will be a bit lighter, whereas using almond milk will result in a thicker, creamier smoothie. I like them both, but I actually prefer it with coconut water! 
GRILLED PEACH SUMMER SMOOTHIE
I can't believe how quickly summer's gone by! It's nearly over and I'm just not ready, you feel me? I need more beach days, more cozy nights under the stars, more s'mores, more tan lines. I've been so busy with yoga teacher training and transferring the new site over (hope you dig it!) the last few weeks I just haven't enjoyed summer enough! I'd love to get to the beach this afternoon, but today the best it's getting is this sweet, simple summer sipper - and that's totally okay with me. If you haven't grilled peaches before friends, you are missing out. They're one of my summer must-haves! As soon as fresh, fuzzy peaches make their way into our farmers markets I buy as many as I can get my hands on, halve them up, and throw 'em on the grill! They're great just like that - don't get me wrong - but if you wanna really step up your summer game and enjoy grilled peaches for breakfast, too, then you've just gotta start making smoothies with them. And with So Delicious' new Peach Coconut Milk Yogurt you can make the peachiest, creamiest smoothies! I love this yogurt. It's not my everyday go-to because it is a little sweeter, but that's why it's perfect here. A little more decadent, rich in flavor, and with flecks of real peach inside - it takes this smoothie from good to delicious. You're going to love it! And seriously, grilling peaches couldn't be easier. It takes just a few minutes on each side and will make you question ever eating a raw peach again. The ingredients are simple but you'd better hurry - summer's almost over! Find out more about So Delicious Dairy-Free Products + grab a $1 OFF coupon for your yogurt here!
INGREDIENTS
3 fresh peaches, halved with pits removed 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 cup So Delicious Peach Coconut Milk Yogurt 1/2 cup cashew milk (or non-dairy milk of your choice) 1 heaping cup ice (option to sub in a frozen banana or some frozen, steamed sweet potato here for creaminess) 1 tablespoon psyllium husk fresh mint, for garnish DIRECTIONS Sprinkle your fresh, halved peaches with the nutmeg and cinnamon and grill them over medium heat 3-4 minutes per side, or until fork tender with visible grill marks. Place your grilled peaches, So Delicious Coconut Milk Yogurt, cashew milk, and ice or banana into the blender and blend it all up until it's nice and creamy. Pour it into 1 large or 1 smaller glasses and drink it up. Enjoy! NOTES A full container of So Delicious Peach Coconut Milk Yogurt is jusssst over 1/2 cup. Use it all or take a bite and pour the rest in the blender! You can use white or yellow peaches here - your choice! Psyllium husk is great for digestion but also totally optional here. Green + Glowing Copycat Smoothie
I'm gonna go ahead and be honest - this recipe is a total RIP OFF! Even the name. But at least I'm being honest about it, right?! Ever since I've started ordering this smoothie at my local Whole Foods juice bar, I knew I could recreate it at home for much cheaper. So I totally creeped on the juice bar girl and chatted her up a bit to confirm a few ingredients and I've finally nailed it at home. If you've been watching my instagram stories, you probably already knew this. I've been working out a lot lately and loving rehydrating after a super sweat sesh with a big, nutrient-packed green smoothie. And this smoothie is the ultimate in green smoothies. It's not at all bitter, full of good-for-you ingredients and nutrients, great for digestion and WAY freaking cheaper to make at home than it is to order it at WF. Seriously - you can get all of the basic ingredients in this smoothie for the price of a large one at the juice bar. Go figure! Plus, no waiting in line AND you get to drink everything in the blender, not just what fits in the cup. It couldn't be easier to whip up, and it's a smoothie that everyone will love. It's fruity without tasting too 'green' - the spinach flavor totally fades - and all you're left with is the reminder from the bright green hue just how many greens you're squeezing in. This smoothie's so good, I bet it'll make into your regular rotation too. Cheers, babes!
INGREDIENTS
1 1/2 cups coconut water or unsweetened almond milk 1 frozen banana 1-2 cups fresh spinach 1 tablespoon ground flax 1 tablespoon psyllium husk 1 cup frozen mango 1/2 cup frozen pineapple 1-3 teaspoons MCT coconut oil (optional - just what I add into mine for some healthy fats) 1-2 tablespoons shredded coconut (optional - for more coconut flavor) DIRECTIONS Toss it all in a high-speed blender (we use a Vitamix) and blend until it is smoooooooth. Then pour it in a large glass and enjoy! NOTES Serves 2. Sub in what you need or what you’ve got to suit your preferences. If you use coconut water, the smoothie will be a bit lighter, whereas using almond milk will result in a thicker, creamier smoothie. I like them both, but I actually prefer it with coconut water! Mango Lassi
The first Lassi, a traditional Indian-style drink made with yogurt, fruit, and spices is said to have been whipped up as early as 1000 B.C. Lassi's are a cooling drink, so people would drink them to beat the scorching heat and help cool down their mouths after a spicy dish. Mango Lassi's tend to be the most common flavor, but they can be made many different ways. Since we're still suffering from a heat wave over here in Southern California while everyone else enjoys crisp fall mornings and changing leaves, I decided to whip up one last Summer-worthy, beat-the-heat treat. We veganized the traditional Lassi recipe and kept it sugar-free, since the mango really adds plenty of sweetness itself. It's a guilt-free drink that tastes great and actually does help cool you down in the heat! I was sippin' glasses full all day yesterday. Also, instead of using water to mix with our yogurt, which is traditionally how a Lassi is made, we used sugar-free homemade almond milk which added a bit more creaminess while still keeping the drink healthy and delicious. Even if you're not suffering a heat wave, this drink becomes the perfect way to use up all the end-of-season mangoes on sale at the market right now in a fun, new way. And the leftovers of your drink can be left in the fridge and enjoyed for up to three days after, though it may need a good stir. Drink up!
INGREDIENTS
3 cups fresh mango 1/2 cup plain, unsweetened vegan yogurt (we used a cashew based yogurt, but soy, almond or coconut should work just fine here) 1/2 cup coconut milk 1/2 cup ice 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom DIRECTIONS In a high speed blender combine manage, yogurt, coconut milk, ice and ground cardamom. Split between two tall glasses, or half the recipe for a single serving. Leftovers can be refrigerated up to three days, but it is best served fresh and cool. Enjoy! 
Peanut Butter + Berry Acai Bowl
The weather has given us a very early summer growing season here in Southern California, and I've been on a real fruit kick. There's just something magical and so right about eating ripe, juicy fruit when the weather is warm! Whipped into smoothies, pressed into juice, sliced on top of my oatmeal- I'll eat it all, friends. And sometimes though, you realize that something you've been buying all along can be made in your own kitchen more cheaply and easily than running to the juice bar to get it! Combine my love for fresh summer fruit with my sheer laziness about driving across town to the juice bar, and you get this sweet gem. This is a copycat recipe I came up with of Nekter's PB Bowl, a little more balanced and without the added agave. It is way cheaper to make at home (like WAY cheaper), and allows you some portion control if wanted and a freezer to keep it in if you have leftovers. And the best part? It tastes like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich- but you know, in spoon form! I like to top it with lots of extra berries, granola, nuts, and chia seeds, but we'll offer some other fun ideas below. And really, these bowls are super easy to tweak to your preferences, so have fun experimenting with different flavors. I also really like throwing in some pineapple, peach, or mango to sweeten it up a bit. Whichever way you do it, it's bound to be delicious. Let's eat!
INGREDIENTS
1 acai smoothie pack (we use 100g Sambazon packs + can find them in most grocery store freezer sections) 8 ounces coconut water OR dairy-free milk 1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries 1 cup fresh or frozen mixed berries (OR you can sub 1 banana for 1/2 cup of berries here if you like!) 2 tablespoons peanut butter (or any other nut butter) fresh fruit + granola, for topping optional add-in's: (about 1-2 tablespoons each) ground flax chia seeds hemp seeds protein powder goji berries maca lucuma nuts coconut cacao nibs agave DIRECTIONS Blend up all your ingredients in a high speed blender until thick and well combined. Scoop mixture into a bowl and top with fresh fruit, granola, and any other delicious toppings you'd like! Enjoy immediately and freeze leftovers. Makes 1 large smoothie bowl.
Strawberry Cheesecake Smoothie
While most people are starting this easter morning with pancakes, baked goods, and sweet treats- we're starting slow. We need to pace ourselves because this afternoon I'M GOING TO EAT SO MUCH CANDY. I can't help myself. Luckily, I've got a protein powder like Sunwarrior's Warrior Blend protein to help me start the day in a much more balanced + healthy place. Sunwarrior protein is amazing. It's got a great, rich, sweet flavor and isn't the least bit chalky (and you can buy it HERE). The Warrior Blend has a whopping 19 grams of protein per serving (about 40% of your daily need!) and ZERO sugar. Sun warrior is formulated to be easily digestible and is made of things like pea, hemp seed, cranberry and coconut oil- you know, REAL food! It has a complete amino acid profile (meaning all of 'em) and has extra lysine and leucine, which can be lacking in plant-based proteins. And, as you can see from the photo, it's free of soy, gluten, GMO's, and crappy fillers like sugar. Its a plant-based win, for sure. Plus, if you're into it, Sunwarrior also sells things like sprouted barley, fluvial acid, immunity shields and other plant-based proteins too. Basically everything you need to make sure your active body is performing at its very best! This protein powder gives this smoothie a rich, creamy taste- hence the 'cheesecake' part of the title. The addition of more cashews adds a bit of fullness and more protein to the smoothie, while the strawberries and granola 'crust' keep it light and sweet...like having dessert for breakfast! Now grab those easter baskets, start filling 'em with goodies, and lets eat!
INGREDIENTS:
1 scoop OR individual packet of Sunwarrior Vanilla Protein powder 1 cup fresh strawberries 1/2 cup raw cashews 3 medjool dates, pits removed 12 oz. non-dairy milk (we like coconut!) 1 cup ice granola, for garnish (optional) DIRECTIONS: Blend all ingredients in a high speed blender until smooth. Top with a bit of granola (its like the 'crust' of the cheesecake!) and serve in two small glasses- or one big one. Enjoy!
Chocolate Mocha Tigernut Smoothie
I've gotten back into running lately and have been relying on protein-packed smoothies and shakes to get me through tough afternoons. Especially since its been so HOT in So Cal lately. What happened to Spring, huh?! Anyway, I need something that'll give me good fats, protein, and plenty of energy and THIS smoothie has it all. Plus CHOCOLATE!
We first tried tiger nuts a few months ago in our VeganCuts Box and then got a bigger bag when we made friends with the gals at the TigerNut Raw Snack booth at Expo West. They made theirs into strawberry milk- which was AMAZING- and inspired us to start sipping on 'em too! Tiger nuts, despite their name, are actually a tuber and are packed with 'energy content', meaning lots of starch, sugar, fat and protein in these wrinkly little guys. Plus they're high in potassium + phosphorous. Perfect for a pre-run snack! But when paired with MRM's creamy, dreamy Chocolate Mocha Veggie Elite Protein Powder, it makes your pre-run snack the best part of your day. MRM is a complete pea and brown rice based protein powder with 24 grams of protein in each 8 ounce serving. It is 100% FREE of GMO's, soy, artificial flavors, colors, sweeteners, and chalkiness. MRM is formulated to helps provide both essential & nonessential amino acids necessary for performance, recovery and repair to support lean tissue and a healthy body weight. And it tastes AMAZING! I loved the nutty, rich flavor of this shake. The touch of mocha just makes it taste decadent- kind of like giving yourself a little treat before you sweat your buns off. It's a delicious pairing. Let's whip out those blenders!
INGREDIENTS
12 oz dairy-free milk 1 banana, frozen OR fresh 1/4 cup tiger nuts (or use what you have on hand) 1-2 scoops MRM Chocolate Mocha Veggie Elite Protein Powder 2 cups ice optional add-in ideas: lucuma powder golden berries peanut butter shot of cold brew coffee DIRECTIONS Blend it all up in a high speed blender until completely combined. Add more milk as necessary. Makes 1 large smoothie. Enjoy!
*This post contains an affiliate link.Piña KALE-ada Smoothie
Summer is almost here and I don't know about you, but I am SO READY. It's felt like summer here for months (Southern California livin'), and I've been getting uneven driving tans for weeks. Sometimes, you just need something cold. Something...summery. And this smoothie is the perfect amount of summery. It's packed with kale, but you'd never know it. The flavor is light, pineapple-y, and has a hint of coconut- the perfect Piña KALE-ada! The oranges and pineapple help give your skin a sunny summer glow, and a solid serving of Vitamin C. Not here for the health? Throw in a shot of coconut rum for an instantly-healthier version of this beach-sippin' staple. And feel free to get a little crazy with it; Love hemp seeds? Toss 'em in. Chia & flax seeds? Those too. Super versatile, this recipe is easily doubled for sharing. Let's...sip!
Ingredients:
1 cup frozen or fresh pineapple chunks 1 whole orange, peeled 1 cup coconut milk 1 packed cup kale 1 cup ice cubes a sprinkle of shredded coconut, for garnish Directions: Blend all ingredients in a high-speed blender until completely combined. Pour in a tall glass and garnish with a sprinkle of coconut and a slice of orange. If you're feeling extra tropical, throw in a cocktail umbrella and some coconut rum. Enjoy!
Strawberry Blonde Smoothie
When I woke up this morning, there was frost on the windows. Since the daylight savings change, the temperature drop by morning is even more noticeable. And this morning, I needed a little something more to pry my freezing buns out of bed. I needed a little taste of SUMMER.
So I hopped up, ran downstairs to the (also) freezing kitchen, and threw together this little number. Some frozen fruit, a squeeze of fresh lemon and my secret ingredient: apple cider. Yum! I promptly grabbed a cute straw (of course), rinsed out the blender, and ran my buns right back upstairs and into bed, enjoying my granola-topped smoothie while watching New Girl on Netflix. It was a good morning. I think its only fair to share my little ray of sun in this damp, dark fall...I promise it'll turn that frown upside down- and give you a mega blast of vitamin C, while you're at it. The recipe serves one but can be easily doubled. Let's eat!
Ingredients:
1 frozen banana 1 1/2 cups frozen strawberries 10 ounces apple cider (unpasteurized if possible) 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice optional add-ins: 1 tablespoon: -coconut -flax (ground, seeds, or oil) -chia seeds -lucuma powder -protein powder or top with a little bit of granola! Blend all ingredients together in a high-speed blender until creamy. If your fruit isn't frozen, add a few ice cubes and a little extra apple cider to the mix to make it creamy. Sip it through a straw or eat it in a bowl. Serves one.
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