Who doesn’t need a mid-day energy boost? Whether it’s to get you through the end of the workday, finding the energy to make it to the gym, or something to fill those mid-day cravings, this is an excellent recipe from FitLifeTV that will give you a wonderful burst of energy while nourishing your body.
Vanilla Superfood Energy Smoothie
Prep Time: 5 Minutes
Author: Jenna Barrington
Source: Safe Nutrition Guide
Ingredients:
- 2 frozen bananas
- 2 tbsp shelled hemp seeds
- 1 tbsp nut butter
- 1 tbsp organic coconut oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1-2 cups almond milk
- 3-4 ice cubes
Add all ingredients to a blender until smooth. Enjoy!
What makes this superfood smoothie so great?
Bananas
Bananas are an inexpensive, overlooked superfood that are PACKED with health benefits. My husband and I go through bananas like you wouldn’t believe.
- Boost Energy: Bananas provide an instant and sustainable energy source. Experts say that eating a banana or two before a workout can boost endurance and provide you with consistent energy for several hours. Research has shown that bananas may be just as effective if not more so than typical workout beverages.
- Improve Digestion: Bananas are rich in pectin, which helps to aid digestion, relieve constipation and gas and even remove heavy metal toxins.
- Lower Blood Pressure: Because bananas contain potassium, they help to keep blood pressure levels optimum.
Bananas also help to control sugar cravings, reduce blood sugar levels, strengthen your immune system and prevent muscle cramping.
Whenever you buy bananas, get an extra bushel to immediately peel and throw in the freezer for smoothies, healthy shakes and ice cream recipes.
Hemp Seeds
Hemp seeds are both nutritious and healing to the human body and are easy to incorporate into one’s diet!
- Boost Brain Health: Hemp seeds contain a lot of nutrients that benefit the brain like omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Hemp seeds are one of the few plant sources of these important fatty acids! Not only do these help with memory and overall cognitive function, but they also help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and degenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
- Aid Weight Loss: Hemp seeds act as a natural appetite suppressant and may also help you feel full longer.
- Muscle Control/Strength: Hemp seeds contain essential amino acids (protein) that have been shown to help improve muscle control and overall strength. These amino acids are also important for skin health, tissue regeneration and organ repair.
You can find shelled hemp seeds online or at your local health foods store.
Nut Butter
Nuts have been studied for years for their many health benefits. For nut butters, I would recommend almond, cashew or macadamia nut butter (raw if possible).
- Increase Longevity: Regular consumption of nuts has been linked to a longer, healthier life!
- Boost Energy: Healthy fats found in nut butters are an important fuel source for your body and make up a perfect pre-workout snack. These fats are also essential for regulating overall energy levels, mood and weight.
- Bone Health: Almond butter contains good amounts of both calcium and phosphorus, the combination of which helps your body maintain healthy, strong bones.
Other benefits of nut butters include improved nerve function, boosted immunity, boosted metabolism, balanced digestion and
Coconut Oil
The world has gone crazy over coconut oil in recent years – and for good reason! This multi-tasker can be used for just about anything and contains antibacterial, antiviral, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiaging and anti-cancer properties.
- Boost Energy: Medium-chain fatty acids are coconut oil’s golden ticket. These quickly-absorbed fatty acids boost metabolism, lower bad cholesterol, raise good cholesterol and are a fast source of energy for the systems in the body. Perfect for a pre-workout snack or overall energy boost.
- Relieve Fatigue: The fatty acids in coconut oil can help to relieve fatigue.
- Improve Digestion: Coconut oil, when used regularly, can help sooth many digestive issues.
The list of coconut oil benefits never ends! Coconut oil may also help to fight candida, boost cardiovascular health, reduce inflammation and reduce risk of disease.
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