What Key Nutrient Your Smoothie is Missing

It's summer time and I am back on the smoothie train. I didn't do too many during the winter, except the post workout protein drink but that was it. These days I'm usually drinking 2 a day. They are an excellent way to get nutrients into your system fast, because they are pureed so your body doesn't have to work that hard to break them down.

I wanted to create a habit of detoxing my body every morning. Believe me there is always something to be detoxed from your body, toxins that come from your foods, air and water you eat, breathe and drink. My daily routine these days consists of waking up around 7 a.m., drinking hot water with some fresh squeezed lemon juice, usually another glass of water and about an hour later having a cup of coffee with almond creamer. The water being hot gets my digestion moving, re-hydrates me and the lemon is just there for flavor and vitamin C. If I didn't notice a difference from doing this ritually I wouldn't keep doing it. But I have noticed a small difference in my bloating, digestion and my skin looks a lot younger.

Around 10 a.m. I start to feel hungry so I will usually eat egg whites with an egg and a ton of veggies; but If I am feeling bloated then I will have a Morning Smoothie because its easier on my digestion. I call it a Morning Smoothie because this one is energy packed to get me going, has detoxifying elements, and protein.

Morning Smoothie: 1/2 cup Almond milk, 1/2 cup of water, 1/2 frozen banana, 1/2 scoop of protein powder, 1 scoop Amazing Grass Superfoods detox, 1 scoop Spirulina, 2 scoops peanut butter powder, blend, then add chia seeds and shake it up.

What's that Spirulina? Green algae which is so great for you!

Spirulina benefits: As a vegetarian getting B12 in my diet is rare so either take a supplement or Spirulina which contains it. Spirulina also has vitamin A, K1 and K2 which is rare in the Western diet, maganese and chromium, as well as a slew of other nutrients. Vitamin Ks are excellent for people who workout as these are precursors to glutamic acid which is needed for muscle growth, recovery and prevents muscle wasting. Glutamic acid is also good for gut health and gastrointestinal problems like ulcers and IBS. Spirulina also contains Vitamin E, tyrosine and selenium which are great for your skin and have anti ageing properties. If you are new to Spirulina you will probably not like the flavor or the texture it creates. It can be VERY powdery and stains. I've noticed if I add it to a smoothie with a banana it tames it. TBH I had this jar of Spirulina for a long time in my fridge because I couldn't stand the taste of it. I couldn't get it to blend and so it sat there for a long time. But I decided to give it another try and I love it. I do not recommend just mixing it in water like some websites say. It won't blend, it'll just stick to your utensil and clump up. I know they make tablets of Spirulina which is actually how I started taking it in the first place years ago but then decided to try the powder. Knowing all the benefits really makes me want to make sure it is part of my daily routine.

For the rest of the day I usually balance out my meals with mostly protein and nutrient dense foods rich in nutrients and fiber. Once I complete my workout, I immediately drink a protein drink to get those proteins straight to my muscles.

Post workout protein smoothie: 1 cup almond milk, protein powder

If I am feeling hungry between lunch and dinner (on days that I haven't had a morning smoothie) I will have a Mid-day Smoothie for an energy boost and keep my tummy full until dinner.

Afternoon snack pick-me-up: 1 cup water, 1/2 serving protein powder, 1/2 cup frozen berries, 1/2 banana, 1 scoop Spirulina and Amazing Grass Superfood

I drink probably close to a gallon of water a day, especially during the summer and on days that I workout. I avoid drinking anything just before bed because nothing worse than having to get up in the middle of the night to pee several times. So I try to chug my water needs in the morning before I eat and in between meals. I don't like to drink too much water with my meals as I believe it extinguishes the fire in my gut needed to digest my food.

I don't like to put spinach or kale in my smoothies too often or ever. I used to but it can interfere with the thyroids function (if consumed in high quantities) but I just avoid it. I eat tons of veggies on a daily basis which could explain a lot of my bloating. They say your body adjusts but mine never has. But I keep track of my food intake and if I was seriously bothered by it then I guess I would try to track down the cause a little more diligently but I'm okay with it for now.

I hope you enjoyed my smoothie recipes. If you have please subscribe, find me on Instagram http://instagram.com/Juliette_wanderlust or come back and visit!

Thank you