Brain Boosting, High Protein, Dairy Free Super-food Smoothie
~~ WATCH RECIPE VIDEO ~~
BRAIN BOOSTING SMOOTHIE: THE ORIGIN STORY
Some odd March days in Upstate New York, it feels a little like Spring… which means I get to go for a lovely outdoor run. After coming back in from one the other day, I was CRAVING a good smoothie. I’d recently tried the new Smoothie King in my area, but besides from being a little pricey, I was shocked to see how high the calories and sugar were, even in the healthiest ones!
I decided I’d begin to blend at home.
I’d made smoothies before, but they were mostly just almond milk, protein powder, banana, ice. The USUAL. I wanted something different. Something better with even more benefits.
About the same time, I had been doing so leisurely research on nootropics and their benefits.
“Nootropics are drugs, supplements, and other substances that may improve cognitive function, particularly executive functions, memory, creativity, or motivation, in healthy individuals.” – Wikipedia
When I finally found the ones I wanted to try, my brain “lightbulbed” and I had the idea to mash my high protein smoothie with brain boosting supplements! I’ve been drinking this shake now everyday after my workout for about 2 weeks now and LET ME TELL YOU. I feel more energized (especially during that afternoon “slump”) but without the jitters, more focused, stronger, calmer, and just more alive! I feel so passionately about this smoothie recipe that I decided to make a recipe video (view above) and do an entire write up … so here’s the deets:
BRAIN BOOSTING SMOOTHIE: THE BASE INGREDIENTS
UNSWEETENED VANILLA ALMOND MILK
Low in calories, fat and sugar compared to dairy milk, and is vegan-friendly.
FROZEN FRUIT
I’ve been buying Dole Frozen Fruit + Veggie packs because they come in such convenient little pouches the perfect size for smoothies! (I buy mine at my local BJ’s) Of course you can use any kind… this one has bananas, mangoes, apples + pineapples.
TIP: If you use fresh fruit, make sure to compensate with ice. This recipe does not need ice because of the frozen ingredients I use.
FROZEN SPINACH/KALE
Another beautiful bag from BJ’s that’s a frozen organic mix of kale and spinach! Spinach and kale are known to:
- improve heart health
- boost immunity
- improve eyesight
- prevent damage to brain + nervous system
Again, you can use fresh stuff, or any other frozen brand, but remember to add more ice if you’re using fresh.
BRAIN BOOSTING SMOOTHIE: THE ADD-INS
EGG WHITE PROTEIN POWDER
As someone with a strong dairy sensitivity (it makes my face breakout!) I was thrilled when I found a protein powder I actually liked! Plus, the one I like is unflavored so it simply absorbs whatever flavors you use it in. I use this PALEO THIN EGG WHITE PROTEIN POWDER every. single. day. Benefits include:
- Low-Calorie + Dairy-Free
- Supports Muscle Growth + Recovery
- Improves body composition + performance
RHODIOLA ROSEA EXTRACT
This can be purchased as a powder or in liquid extract form as shown here.
“It is also used as a so-called “adaptogen” to help the body adapt to and resist physical, chemical, and environmental stress.” – WebMD
This one of the top 3 nootropic supplements experts agree on and does the following:
- Improves brain function
- Fights fatigue
- Decreases stress
MACA ROOT POWDER
Maca has a number of benefits, including:
- boosts energy + endurance
- improves libido + vitality
- improves mood
- balances hormones
- boosts immunity
PEA PROTEIN POWDER
Pea protein is a secondary protein I like to add. I don’t use a TON of it because it doesn’t have the most pleasant taste, but it’s important to diversify your protein sources. I prefer to purchase the pure single-ingredient PEA PROTEIN POWDER, as opposed to the powdered mixes with all sorts of additives and such. But you can purchase flavored ones if you like! PLUS, it has it’s own list of health benefits, including:
- aids in weight loss + builds muscle
- regulates blood sugar
- supports a healthy heart
- vegan!
MATCHA GREEN TEA POWDER
Despite it being a super modern and trendy new ingredient, matcha green tea powder has been around for a VERY LONG TIME. When purchasing, be sure to check for ceremonial grades over culinary grades for the most benefits. Also, stick to 1 tsp or less a day, as it does have a natural, but significant amount of caffeine. Matcha:
- is loaded with antioxidants
- boosts metabolism + burns calories
- calms the mind and body
- enhances concentration
LION’S MANE MUSHROOM POWDER
Widely respected for it’s place in the nootropic world, Lion’s Mane is an all-natural mushroom powder with some AMAZING benefits:
- fights depression + anxiety
- fights cancer, diabetes + heart disease
- improves cognitive function through nerve repair
COLLAGEN PEPTIDES
Collagen is another super trendy supplement, that is well-known for playing a vital role in skin health! You can also purchase collagen protein as well — but be aware, it is not a complete protein so it cannot be substituted for egg white, whey, soy, or pea protein for muscle building. It CAN however:
- improve skin health
- prevent bone loss
- relieve joint pain
STEVIA LEAF EXTRACT
Now you have to be careful when shopping for stevia because many cheaper products also contain fillers like erythritol, monk fruit, or other sugar substitutes. I like the pure, untouched stuff and it lasts FOREVER because you need such a small amount! Stevia is great for:
- 0 calorie, all natural sweetener
- helps control blood sugar + insulin levels
- reduces risk of cavities
Please let me know if you have any questions in the comments below! I hope you LOVE this recipe and really enjoy the benefits of all the ALL NATURAL supplements I’ve described above!
Brain Boosting Smoothie
Equipment
- blender
Ingredients
The Smoothie Base
- 1.5 cups unsweetened, vanilla almond milk
- 1 package Dole frozen fruit + veggies
- 2 handfulls frozen spinach/kale
- 1 scoop egg white protein powder
The Add-Ins
- 1 tbsp maca powder
- 1 tbsp pea protein powder
- 1 tsp Lion's Mane mushroom powder
- 1 tsp matcha green tea powder*
- 1 dropper Rhodiola Rosea extract
- 1 scoop collagen peptides
- 2 shakes stevia leaf extract
Instructions
- Add half the almond milk to blender, along with half of your frozen fruit and spinach. (if using fresh fruit, replace some of the milk with ice) Blend until well combined, adding more almond milk as needed.
- Add all powders / supplements / extracts and blend.
- Add remaining fruit and any almond milk, and blend until done!
Video
Notes
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