Revising this smoothie recipe to discuss further the cinnamon controversy. It has been researched throughout the world, and most cinnamon is a double edged sword. On one hand the cinnamon aids with the metabolism of sugar, but it is also hard on you kidneys. However, this applies to all cinnamon, except "True" cinnamon, which is called Ceylon Cinnamon. If it does not say Ceylon Cinnamon, it is probably Cassias Cinnamon also call Chinese Cinnamon. If you use as much cinnamon as I like to then you are better off using the Ceylon.
I have been experimenting with super food smoothie recipes. I've tried all kinds of stuff, and keep changing it to enhance the taste and potency. I have found that my cravings leave when I'm getting good nutrition from the foods I eat. What a surprise?NOT. Well today I think I found a great recipe. One that most people will like a lot.
Just a little history here.
I have been trying to get my husband to drink these, and he takes a taste of mine and says it has sand in it. Huh? I don't use sand, and I don't notice this, so I go on experimenting. Today he tried my new concoction, and said it was nice and smooth, Eureka!
There are a few things that I did differently today. One I used my new Nutri-bullet blender; two I blended it a lot longer; and, three I use cashews instead of almonds in the recipe. I had already noted that the bullet actually pulverized chia seeds right in the drink mix, really a surprise as the Magic Bullet did not do that. So now I have a really well blended smoothie.
The smoothie experiment started as a desire to concoct Clean Gut Smoothie recipes. I used their list of ingredients and started whirring my way to health with the Magic Bullet, and it was working its magic. I didn't mind the chunkier feeling of some or the ingredients, as it actually allowed a bit of chewing which was an added bonus for me, but the hubby didn't like that. So when I saw a great deal on a Nutri-Bullet, I snatched it up, and am glad I did. This is still a great recipe if all you have is a Magic Bullet, but there is a lot of texture in the smoothie.
Ingredients: Links are to nutritional facts for the food
Handful of baby spinach and kale*
1 inch of Ginger
1/2-3/4 cup of frozen blueberries
2 teaspoons of Bragg's Raw Apple Cider Vinegar-this really enhances the flavor, and is so good for you
1/8-1/4 cup of Raw Cashews-you can use them dry or soaked, but I used the dry ones. It's less work
Vegan Protein Powder-check canister for serving size-I decrease mine as the chia & nuts have protein also
1/2 teaspoon of Ceylon Cinnamon-do not exceed more than 1 teaspoon of cinnamon daily, see first paragraph.
1 scoop or serving of Organic Chia Seeds; check the package for serving size**
1/2 to full dropper of liquid stevia extract. I prefer the alcohol extracted as it is less bitter, not a Glycerite
Fill the bullet with half coconut water and half filtered water-watch not to over fill or it will leak
Now the secret is to whir this thing for at least a minute. You will also find that if you let this sit for 15 minutes in the refrigerator that it will thicken due to the chia seeds. I like mine a little thick, hubby likes his more thin and sucks his down right away.
This one is a definite change up recipe, try a list of the following indigents:
Cored apple-leave the skin it is a good source of malic acid adjust berries as necessary
Cored pear-leave the skin adjust berries as necessary
Whole Grapes with seed-resveratrol in those seeds and skins adjust berries as necessary
Carrots-for beta carotene
Organic Celery for Vitamin K, which helps coagulate blood
1/4 of a Small Red Beet-Scrubbed well if organic, peeled if commercial
1/2 to 1 whole Banana***
Try strawberries or mixed berries instead of blueberries. Beware of large raspberry seeds
Note: this is not intended as medical advice, it is just my experience.
*Cruciferous Vegetables such as kale and spinach are in the news for causing trouble for people who have thyroid problems. Do some research and decide for yourself if you want to use them. I don't have any issues, and have blood work every year because I'm OLD as dirt.
**Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day, as the chia soaks up liquid like a sponge. It will build a brick in you bum if you don't get adequate liquid to transport it. Trust me, I know.
***I have mixed feelings about bananas. For those people with no problems with diabetes or Insulin Resistance this is an excellent addition to the smoothie. For those people with diabetes or Insulin Resistance, beware, they are very high in carbohydrates, and will raise you blood sugar level a lot. Green bananas have less sugar, but they also have less of the cancer fighting benefits. They add great flavor and texture to the smoothie, so you weigh the benefit. I generally use 1/2 in an evening smoothie, but be careful, as this may also increase you desire to snack as the effects of the sugar wear off, so this is a great addition if you are going to bed soon after consuming one. It might even help you sleep better if you wait until it is out of your stomach.
****See cinnamon warning, I recommend using Ceylon with caution.