I do love my smoothies!

I have a few favorites: a green one with spirulina, a fresh peach and pineapple one, a banana and blueberry one—depending on what I’m in the mood for or what health benefit I’m after.

Sometimes I use smoothies as an extra meal if I’m training for something and need an extra meal.

Other times I use smoothies as a meal replacement if I’m hoping to lean down.

Recently my daughter put me on to this turmeric/maca smoothie that she’s been making for herself after surfing, and now it’s my new favorite.

I use turmeric regularly in the kitchen. It’s great for rice dishes, East Indian recipes, soups and stews. What I love about it is its vibrant color; we eat with our eyes before we eat with our mouths, and actually, it is our eyes that first trigger a salivary response and therefore better digestion.

I also value turmeric for its health benefits which include anti-inflammatory/anti-bacterial properties, balancing blood insulin, enhancing brain function and memory, plus amazing benefits for the skin.

Maca is fairly new to my palate and use. Originally known as Peruvian Ginger, maca is a godsend to anyone experiencing symptoms of menopause/hormone imbalance.

It also assists with sexual function, appetite, bone density, memory, fertility and energy.

I’ve included two links for you to explore further about turmeric and maca.

I am now an addict of this delicious and healthy super smoothie. It was the boost I was looking for.

The Recipe: Blend together

• 1 cup coconut water or almond milk (you can also use plain water)
• 1/2 cup frozen mango
• 3/4 cup fresh pineapple chunks
• 1/2 or 1 fresh banana
• 1/2 tablespoon coconut oil (great to keep the colon lubricated)
• 1/2 to 1tsp. turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (another super-spice)
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger (do try to use fresh, finely chopped, but powder will do in a pinch)
• 1 teaspoon chia, hemp seed or a blend
• 1 teaspoon maca powder

Do experiment with this recipe and tweak to your own liking if necessary. I don’t add any honey or other sweeteners, I find the fruit sweetens adequately, but you can decide for yourself.

Need more protein? If vegan, add pea or brown rice protein powder, I like fermented formulas for better digestibility. If not vegan, you can also add one raw organic egg or a 1/2 cup plain yogurt. If you’re like me and become easily hypoglycemic, or your brain shuts down mid-afternoon without an early day protein load, adding in the protein powder, egg or yogurt helps to keep blood sugar in balance.

Enjoy!

Resources: 

Turmeric / maca root for women

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Relephant:

Slimming Super Green Smoothie for Immunity & Sexy Skin. {Vegan Recipe}

Relephant bonus:

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Author: Monika Carless

Editor: Renée Picard

Image: Wiki Commons