Slam Dunk Smoothie!
If you have spoken with us doctors here at Innovative Health Partners, you know how much we encourage eating a balanced diet of anti-inflammatory foods. This is because the overwhelming majority of health conditions that Americans battle are caused, triggered or aggravated by their diet. For the most part, the average person eats too much “inflammatory foods” like meats, dairy, processed and packaged foods and sugar. Conversely, that same plate is usually lacking the recommended quantity of “anti inflammatory” vegetables. Most of our patients say they eat pretty well at lunch and dinner, but we want you to eat balanced at every meal!
Consider trying a smoothie to get all the nutrients you need to keep your hormones balanced and energy stable! Keep in mind, not all smoothies are created equal my friend. Many store purchased smoothies are very processed and will spike your blood sugar and negatively affect your stress hormones.
Here is how to transform that smoothie into blended anti-inflammatory perfection!
Broken down, a balanced meal consists of about two cups of veggies, a 3-4 oz portion of protein, one serving of a carbohydrate, and a small amount of healthy fat. Following the essential nutrient needs of a meal, a slam dunk smoothie formula would look something like this:
+ Start with a low calorie liquid base.
+ Veggie
- Spinach is a smoothie favorite!
- Kale
- Cucumber
- Powdered greens
+ Protein
- Protein powder (watch out for artificial sweeteners- YUK!)
- Low fat greek yogurt
- Nuts or nut butters
- Flax, chia or other seeds
+ Carbohydrate
- Fruits: bananas, berries, oranges (try your fruit frozen!)
*** Crazy add ins:
- My favorite is unsweetened organic cacao. This is great for a sweet treat.
- Extra anti-oxidants can pack an anti-aging punch.
- Throw in your vitamins and probiotics.
“Mix it up” – Have some fun trying new things! You might even come up with your own signature smoothie!
ENJOY!