The cold weather might have you in hibernation mode, but before you take up permanent residence under the covers, give yourself a vitality boost with energizing foods! To help jump start your energy, enrich your immune system, and lose weight the healthy way, I recommend adding the following Energy Smoothie recipe a few times a week to a well-balanced diet, as a breakfast substitute or as an afternoon snack.
Energize with a Tasty Smoothie!
The high-protein, low-calorie smoothie recipe below is packed with antioxidants and other health-giving foods that will boost your energy level. Here are a few of the many benefits of these powerful foods.
1. Blueberries bring antioxidant benefits
Among fruits, fresh blueberries have one of the highest levels of antioxidant activity, helping to reduce the risk of certain cancers while adding various anti-aging benefits. Blueberries have neuroprotective properties that can delay the onset of age-related memory loss, and they have also been shown to help lower blood cholesterol and lipid levels. They are high in manganese and vitamin K, and have a very low glycemic load, making them an ideal fruit for diabetics.
2. Almond milk adds essential fatty acids
Almond milk not only adds delicious flavor, but also provides essential fatty acids and calcium. Essential fatty acids support healthy skin and hair while also improving your body’s ability to regulate blood pressure, blood clotting, thyroid, and adrenal activity. Almond milk contains no cholesterol and only 5 mg of sodium per serving. Consuming foods low in sodium and cholesterol helps lead to better heart health and normal blood pressure. Almond milk contains 30% of our recommended daily value of calcium and 25% of Vitamin D. Vitamin D also helps improve immunity and cell function.
3. Bananas help maintain energy levels
Bananas are a nutritional powerhouse fruit. They are very high in potassium and very low in sodium, which helps normalize the heartbeat and regulate the body’s water balance while providing your body with energy throughout the day. Instead of drinking coffee or having a sugary snack, grab a banana! They provide a level of energy that lasts longer without the dramatic crash caused by caffeine. Bananas are also high in B vitamins, which have been shown to improve overall nerve function. They are also relatively high in iron, which improves the body’s hemoglobin functions so your blood can clot faster in case of a cut or serious injury.
You can put it all together in the recipe that follows! If fresh fruit isn’t available, I recommend using frozen organic varieties instead. You can also substitute another milk choice depending on your preferences and dietary needs – rice milk, light soy milk, and other choices will all work. The recipe calls for High Performance Powder and Five Elements Powder, which are two very potent health-boosting blends that are available at The Wellness Living Store in Santa Monica. While these blends will take your smoothie to the next energy-boosting level, you can make the recipe without them and still reap plenty of health rewards.
ENERGY SMOOTHIE RECIPE
Serves 2
• 1 1/2 cups almond milk
• 1 banana
• 1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
• 1/2 cup plain coconut yogurt
• 2 tablespoons wildflower honey
• 2 tablespoons High Performance Powder
• 2 tablespoons Five Elements Powder
Put all of the ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. Divide between two glasses and serve immediately.
May you Live Long, Live Strong, and Live Happy!
--Dr. Mao Shing Ni, best known as Dr. Mao is a bestselling author, doctor of Oriental Medicine and board certified anti-aging expert. He has recently appeared on The Ricki Lake Show, Dr. Oz, and contributes to Yahoo Health and The Huffington Post. Dr. Mao practices acupuncture, nutrition, and Chinese medicine with his associates at the Tao of Wellness in Santa Monica, Newport Beach and Pasadena. Dr. Mao and his brother, Dr. Daoshing Ni, founded the Tao of Wellness more than 25 years ago in addition to founding Yo San University in Marina del Rey. To subscribe to his tip-filled newsletter please visit www.taoofwellness.com. To make an appointment for evaluation and treatment please call 310-917-2200 or you can email Dr. Mao at [email protected].