Power Smoothie

This vintage wooden beaded necklace was a gift from my mother-in-law Judi.  The necklace belonged to her beloved mother, Irene.  It is one of those perfect gifts that is both sentimental and proves that Judi really knows my style.

(Thank you Judi!  Now I owe you that recipe you’ve asked for, so here goes…)

When Judi visited back in December I made her a smoothie and she LOVED it.  She asked for the recipe and I promised her that I would post the ingredients so that she could make her own version of this plant-based-protein-rich-smoothie.  After finally taking the time to list all the ingredients that go into what I now call “Judi’s Smoothie” I realize that the recipe is quite lengthy.

I’ll break the recipe down to the essentials and the extras so that you can make it as simple or as complex as you’d like.  Having all the ingredients within reach is key.  I drink one of these everyday for breakfast, and it is so incredibly nutrient-packed that it keeps me satisfied until 1 PM for lunch.  It’s also a great post-workout meal (and easily made vegan too)!

Judi in her garden in North Carolina

Judi’s Smoothie

The essentials:

1 cup rice milk (or water)

1 handful of spinach or kale (Lacinato Kale is my favorite)

1 banana

Put the rice milk, banana and ripped up greens into a blender and pulse a few times to make a pulp.  This will keep your blender from getting overworked by the rest of the ingredients you’re about to add.

Now add 1 large scoop of protein powder.  I like MRM Dutch Chocolate Whey because it doesn’t have a lot of sugar.  A good non-sugary, vegan option is Vega protein powder.

Add 1 small scoop of Green SuperFood powder.  I like Amazing Grass Greens SuperFood.

And 1/2 cup (or more) fresh organic berries.  I like to use mixed, frozen berries because it makes the smoothie thicker, but this could make you feel cold.

Add a few drops of ChlorOxygen Chlorophyll Concentrate.  I promise that this won’t make anything taste weird but it will add a dark, greenish color and it is very good for you.

Those are the essential ingredients.  Now pulse and blend to your liking!

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OR…..keep going (highly recommended) and add the extras.

I toss in a bit of any/all the following, then pulse and blend: 

flax seeds

organic raw cacao nibs or cacao powder

goji berries

100% pure Vitamin C crystals (this will give it a tart taste)

ground cinnamon

one drop of Vitamin D

one drop of Potassium Iodide

Hawthorn and Cranberry pills (I open and empty the contents of the capsules right into the smoothie)

small scoop of honey (skip this if you’re vegan)

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And if you’re feeling really indulgent add a garnish:

a tiny piece of organic 75% dark chocolate, basil or mint leaves

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This recipe will generally make a light smoothie for two people, or a very hearty meal for one (about one full pint glass plus a lil’ bit extra).  Despite how long the full recipe might seem, all you have to do is blend the ingredients together so it is absolutely worth the effort.

Taylor Judi’s Smoothie to your particular nutritional needs and make your very own power smoothie!