5 Ingredients you SHOULD Add to your Smoothies

There are so many times I see people in the blogosphere post recipes, but not explain what the different ingredients do for your overall health or explain why they are even beneficial. I grew up making smoothies every morning to jumpstart my day and digestion, so it was only fitting that I worked with nutritionists Ellie Sethness from NAO Wellness to come up with 5 ingredients that you can to add any smoothie to kick-start your day in the best way!

1) Hemp Seeds: Hemp seeds are rich in protein, fiber, and fatty acids like omega-3's. Adding this to your daily smoothie will benefit your heart, joints and skin plus it contains all nine essential amino acids. As an added bonus it also reduces inflammation!

2) Flaxseeds: Flaxseeds are full of antioxidants and fiber which will give your smoothie some extra goodness. Flaxseeds are also known to improve digestive health.

3) Protein Powder: Protein powder is a great way to make you morning smoothie a little more filling (and no protein powder isn't just for post-workouts). Protein powder will help keep you full which in turns will curb cravings.

4) Raw Cacao: Raw cacao is one of my favorite things to add to a smoothie plus it gives your smoothie a chocolate-y flavor (who doesn't love that). Raw cacao is full of great nutrients like magnesium plus it contains protein and fiber.

5) Chia: Chia is loaded with antioxidants, high in fiber and protein. So kick start your morning by adding chia to your smoothie to ensure you stay full throughout the morning, reduce inflammation and get a dose of calcium (hello bone health).

How to incorporate theses superfood ingredients into my favorite smoothie recipes below!

Matcha Madness

¾ Cup Unsweetened Coconut Milk

1 or 2 Large Ice Cubes

2 Tbsp Chia Seeds

2 Tbsp Unsweetened Hemp Protein

2 Cups Organic Spinach or Kale

¼ Cup Strawberries, Blueberries or Raspberries (or combo)

1 tsp Matcha Powder

Filtered Water to taste

Benefits:

- Hemp: rich in protein and fiber, and fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6. Good for heart, joints and skin. Contain all nine essential amino acids. Reduce inflammation

- Matcha: boots metabolism, detoxifies body, rich in fiber, cholorophyll and vitamins

- Chia seeds: loaded with antioxidants, high in fiber and protein, chia seeds expand in water (or stomach) making you feel full, contain calcium so good for bone health, reduce inflammation

Blueberry Nut

¾ Cup Unsweetened Coconut Milk

½ Cup Frozen Blueberries

2 handfuls spinach

4 Raw Walnuts

2 Tbsp Unsalted Almond Butter

¼ tsp Cinnamon

1 to 2 Large Ice Cubes

Pinch of Sea Salt

½ Lemon’s worth of Juice

⅓ Avocado

Benefits:

- Lemon: aids digestion, good source of Vitamin C

- Almond butter: magnesium (regulate muscle and nerve function, stable blood sugar levels, makes protein) fat, protein, fiber, will help reduce hunger, Vitamin E

CocoNUTS

¾ Cup Unsweetened Coconut Milk

1 or 2 Large Ice Cubes

2 Tbsp Chia Seeds

2 Tbsp Unsweetened Hemp Protein

2 Cups Organic Kale or Spinach

½ Avocado

½ Cucumber

Filtered Water to taste

Benefits:

- Hemp: rich in protein and fiber, and fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6. Good for heart, joints and skin. Contain all nine essential amino acids. Reduce inflammation

The Zinger

¾ Cup Unsweetened Coconut Milk

1 or 2 Large Ice Cubes

2 Tbsp Hemp Protein Powder

2 Cups Spinach, Kale or mix

1 Cup Strawberries

1 tbsp grated fresh ginger

Filtered Water to taste

Benefits:

- Hemp: rich in protein and fiber, and fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6. Good for heart, joints and skin. Contain all nine essential amino acids. Reduce inflammation

- Ginger: anti-inflammatory, treat nausea (or morning sickness), help reduce muscle pain or soreness

Green Goddess

¾ Cup Unsweetened Coconut Milk

1 or 2 Large Ice Cubes

1 Cup Chopped Kale

1 Cup Chopped Chard

½ Lemon’s Worth of Juice

2 Tbsp Hemp Protein Powder

1 Tbsp Fresh Ginger

¼ Tsp Ground Turmeric

Filtered Water to taste

Benefits:

- Hemp: rich in protein and fiber, and fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6. Good for heart, joints and skin. Contain all nine essential amino acids. Reduce inflammation

- Ginger: anti-inflammatory, treat nausea (or morning sickness), help reduce muscle pain or soreness

- Lemon: aids digestion, good source of Vitamin C

- Turmeric: anti-inflammatory

Almond Butter Cup

1 Cup Unsweetened Coconut Milk

1 or 2 Large Ice Cubes

2 Tbsp Unsalted Almond Butter

2 handfuls Spinach

2 tbsp Raw Cacao

1 tbsp Coconut Oil

Handful pitted cherries (optional)

Benefits: