Kathryn’s Vegan Smoothie

The vegan protein comes from both pea protein powder and hemp hearts, which you should be able to find in the refrigerated section of your local health food store. Both of these contain all the essential amino acids, which makes them complete proteins, used by the body to build muscle.

Coconut oil gives this smoothie its creamy taste and adds your medium chain triglycerides, aiding in nutrient absorption, heart health, increased energy and weight loss.

The benefit of Chia Seeds are almost too many to mention here, but a few of the top reasons to eat them are:  low calorie / massive nutrition; helps fat soluble vitamins to be absorbed; vegan source of Omega 3; both soluble and insoluble fiber; an aid to weight loss; generates the same performance as a sports drink without all the chemicals and additives. Soak a teaspoon of Chia seeds in about 3 ounces of filtered water overnight in the fridge or even for as little as 10 minutes if in a hurry. The outer fibers will open and hold onto about 9 times their weight in water, helping to hydrate your colon.

The main, potent ingredient in Turmeric is Curcumin which is a powerful anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory that has been documented so much in regards to tissue repair and fighting inflammation-based diseases. The black pepper that is added to the smoothie makes the Curcumin up to 2000 times more absorb able and the coconut oil helps with this as it is another fat soluble spice. Studies have shown that adding Turmeric into your diet helps with your overall general health as well as specific conditions.

For this vegan smoothie, I have chosen to add mostly berries as they are fiber-rich, powerful anti-oxidants and have a low glycemic level, making them an excellent choice for anyone wishing to cut down on natural sugars.

The following makes 1 large (14 ounce) smoothie. You can save some for later, or add an extra scoop of Pea Protein Powder and divide between 2 people.

Kathryn’s Vegan Smoothie

1 tsp Chia seeds with 3 ounces of filtered water that they have been soaked in.

1 large leaf of Kale

3 or 4 sprigs of parsley

a 2 inch chunk of cucumber -cut up

1 scoop of Pea Protein Powder

1 tsp of good quality honey

1 Tbsp of pure, unrefined Coconut oil

1/2 tsp Turmeric

1/4 tsp of real salt (such as Alaea, Maras, Himalayan, etc)

pinch of ground black pepper or 2 cracked black peppercorns

1/4 lemon (include the pith, rind and seeds)

3 ounces of mango nectar (available in small,8 oz cans at the grocery store) – or use filtered water

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1 Cup of chopped fruit – any berries are the best, but you can also use 1/2 an orange and 1/2 a banana, or 1/2 a mango

Toss everything into the blender except the Chia seeds and gel.

Puree until fairly smooth (do not totally liquefy or you will destroy the nutrients)

Stir in the Chia seeds and gel