5 Ways to Jumpstart Your Smoothies

Y'all.....first let me apologize for being absence for awhile. For some strange reason, I thought it was a good idea to work a full time job, take 9hrs worth of credit for my masters degree in ONE semester and live my life. #GeniusMove It should be against the law to have a full time job and get your masters degree. Personally, I think I should get a weekly check until I graduate but enough of my whining.

With the long nights I've recently experienced, it was even more important that my morning smoothie had a little extra "jump" in it to make it through the work day. I am not the nicest person when I'm sleepy AND hungry so my smoothies must be filling, full of energy and tasty. (I get mad at bland food too)

Hi! Im Jerica and I occasionally get Hangry. 

Anywho!! Here are some of my favorite things to add to my morning/afternoon (depends on how I feel) smoothies to make them healthier and full of energy. 

Flax Seeds

Flax seeds are an amazing way to add some omega fatty acids and fiber to your diet. Seriously, the omega fatty acids in this small seed pack a punch in the body by helping the immune system, brain function, joints and the skin. You can find this seed whole or ground on the baking aisle by the flour but personally, I prefer the ground version. 

Tip:You want to add about 1 tablespoon in your morning smoothie to really get the full benefits. 

Avocados 

When I manage to pick a good ripe avocado (#WorldsWorstAvocadoPicker), I love to add it to my smoothies. Before you gag and mutter "Ewwwwww", I PROMISE you won't even taste it, especially if you use a nice sweet fruit with it. Besides being loaded with heart healthy fats, an avocado is filled with about 20 different vitamins and minerals. This gem will give your green smoothie a richer, creamier consistency  and the fats will give your skin a healthy glow! 

Tip: I add this, along with spinach to give my green smoothie that healthy boost and to keep my tummy full longer.

Cacao Nibs/Powder

Confession Time: Sometimes I enjoy dessert for breakfast...BUT that doesn't mean it has to be unhealthy! Cacao is basically what chocolate is made of, without the truckload of sugar added. It has a strong deep rich dark chocolate flavor and are perfect for adding that chocolate note in your smoothies. This little treat is filled to the brim with antioxidants that will help boost your immune system and satisfy your sweet tooth at the same time. 

Tip:My personal favorite is to add about 1 tablespoon into my peanut butter, banana smoothie. #Yummy 

Coconut Oil/Coconut Water 

Besides being amazing moisturizer for your skin and a great product for your hair, coconut oil is also great for your health. Many people substitute it in their cooking for a healthier oil but not a lot of people know you can add it directly to your smoothie! The fatty acids in this super oil convert into energy within the body instead of adding to your body fat. 1 tablespoon will give your smoothie the boost it needs.

Another great coconut product for your smoothies and your body is coconut water. Athletes use this to add back important electrolytes that sweat out during a workout, plus it has MORE potassium then a banana! Coconut water will add a nice sweetness to your smoothie while giving your body that supercharge it needs through the morning.

Tip: Freeze your coconut water in ice cube trays to keep your smoothie nice and cold. 

Nut Butters

Nothing is easier to make your smoothies more filling then to add a nut butter. Not only to make the smoothie more filling, they always add a nice flavor to it as well. Don't fret, yes all the nut butters contain some kind of fat BUT it is the good fat you want to have. It is the added sugars, oils and salt manufactures add to them that turns them bad for you. Peanut butter is a classic but there is also Almond butter and Cashew butter. Almond butter goes very well with fruits like berries and Cashew butter is so mild tasting, it goes so well with nearly anything. 

Tip: When you are looking for a nut butter, be sure to choose one labeled natural with nothing else added. 

XoXo,

Jerica