Green Smoothie with Maca
What's more health trendy than a green drink? Although I appreciate a fresh green juice, I do find a creamy green smoothie more satisfying and delicious. This particular smoothie packs a nice dose of nutrients from the spinach including Vitamin K, Vitamin A, and iron. When spinach leaves are added to a fruit smoothie and blended thoroughly, there is no trace of spinach flavor whatsoever.
A couple times a month, especially during specific times in my menstrual cycle, I add Maca Powder to my smoothies. Maca is considered a superfood and an adaptogen, which means it helps the body adapt in a healthy way to stressors. It's well known for its ability to help balance hormones which is important for reproductive health. Specifically, it helps to balance estrogen levels. It can help to regulate menstrual cycles and ovulation. For pre-menopausal and menopausal women, it can help with symptoms such as hot flashes. Maca can also help mitigate symptoms of PCOS due to its ability to control the amount of estrogen in the body. Additionally, this superfood is also good for female sexual health, improving libido, improving mood, and increasing energy. No wonder why it's considered a superfood!
*Totally Low-FODMAP, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup almond milk
- 1/2 frozen banana
- 1.5 cups frozen pineapple
- 1 cup baby spinach leaves
- 1 tsp. maca powder
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (*optional*)
Note: If omitting the protein powder, use 1 whole banana
- Toppings of your choice (I used shredded coconut and sliced almonds)
Directions:
- Add all ingredients except for toppings to a high speed blender and blend to your desired consistency
- Use a whole banana if not using protein powder in order to make it more creamy and substantial
- Add toppings of your choice and enjoy!