5 Ways To Boost Your Smoothie

5 Ways To Boost Your Smoothie

Have you heard about different ‘superfoods’ that can be added to smoothies to make them even more healthy?

There’s a long list of them; so many that it’s easy to get overwhelmed in the land of superfoods.

I always recommend to keep things simple, but I can understand the urge to test out something new, especially if there are health benefits attached to it.

To save you the time and energy required to sort through all the superfoods out there, I’ve put together a short list of my favourite smoothie boosters. Check them out and give them a try!

5 Ways to Boost Your Smoothie

1. MACA POWDER

Known for its hormone balancing effects. Maca has been studied to help normalize the symptoms of premenstrual/menstrual symptoms, as well as the symptoms of menopause including hot flashes, night sweats, cramps, fatigue and lethargy. Look for gelatinized maca for easier digestion and absorption. Add 1 tsp.

2. COLLAGEN

The ultimate anti-aging smoothie booster! As we age, our bodies’ natural production of collagen starts to slow. Collagen supplementation has proven to be effective in supporting the strength and flexibility of bones, tendons and cartilage, as well as the appearance of skin and nails, and GI tract health. Incorporating a collagen powder into your smoothie is an easy way to support many areas of your health and stay forever young. Learn more about the benefits of Whole Body Collagen. Add 1-2 scoops.

 

Whole Body Collagen

A unique blend of THREE collagen peptides supported by clinical research showing their efficacy for supporting collagen production, bone strength, joint & gut health, skin elasticity + more.

3. CACAO NIBS

These little guys are loaded with antioxidants, even more so than tea, wine and blueberries! In addition, cacao nibs are a high source of magnesium, iron and fibre. A great way to add extra nutrition and crunch to your smoothies. Stir in 1 tbsp.

4. SEA SALT

Not only will a high-quality sea salt enhance the flavour of your smoothie, but it will add life-giving nutrients. Sea salt is rich in trace minerals that are hard to obtain from food due to the lack of nutrient-rich soil. Sea salt can help promote vascular health, healthy pH & electrolyte balance, as well as increase energy, regulate sleep and improve symptoms of adrenal fatigue. Look for Pink Himalayan or Celtic. Add a pinch.

5. CINNAMON

Popular for its blood sugar lowering effects, but also has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and immunity-boosting abilities. Great way to naturally sweeten your smoothies as well. Opt for Ceylon cinnamon over Cassia (aka “fake”) cinnamon. Cassia cinnamon contains a higher amount of coumarin, a natural plant chemical that can be toxic to the liver and kidneys, and it may also be carcinogenic, in large doses. Add 1/2-1 tsp.

Lemon & Pine Nut Kale (Plant-Based, Keto, Paleo)

Lemon & Pine Nut Kale (Plant-Based, Keto, Paleo)

Lemon & Pine Nut Kale is a simple & healthy side to any meal! It takes less than 10-minutes to prepare and the combination of lemon, garlic, pine nuts and olive oil makes kale exciting and flavourful. Enjoy this healthy green side with meat or fish. Plant-based, low-carb, keto & paleo. AIP version provided.

To be honest, before this recipe I really wasn’t a big fan of kale–and the only way I would incorporate it into my diet was by hiding it in a smoothie.

The BF managed to change my mind about kale in our early dating days …

It was Halloween 2018 and I was heading to his house for the very first time. The plan was to dress-up and hand out candy to the trick-or-treaters in his neighbourhood.

I showed up as Organic Farmer Jen (no surprise there) and he dressed up as Superman (padded abs, biceps, quads and all).

We really didn’t discuss dinner plans before I arrived (I was mentally prepared to eat my stash of organic dark chocolate and SmartSweets for dinner), but to my surprise this man had some dinner ideas up his jacked Superman sleeves.

He busted out a gluten free keto pizza from the freezer and then grabbed a bunch of kale from the fridge. Now, the kale didn’t excite me as much as the pizza did, BUT I was extremely impressed that this bachelor had something green in his fridge and was prepared to do something with it.

I decided not to mention that I wasn’t a big fan of kale, after all I did show up as Organic Farmer Jen and what organic farmer doesn’t eat kale, right?!

So, after 10-minutes of methodical kale prep and warming up keto pizza, there we were, the organic farmer and jacked Superman enjoying our first at home dinner–that he made!!!

I realized two important things that night:

  1. I actually do like kale, I just needed the right combo of ingredients to make it tickle my palate.
  2. Jacked Superman and his kale recipe might be keepers!

We now make this kale recipe on a regular–and I enjoy it just as much today as I did when I tried it for the very first time.

The combination of lemon, garlic, pine nuts and olive oil makes kale exciting and flavourful. It’s the perfect low-carb, paleo side to any fish or meat dish (or gluten free keto pizza!).

Sautéed Lemon & Pine Nut Kale (Plant-Based, High-Fiber, Low-Carb)

What you need for Lemon & Pine Nut Kale:

  • Kale
  • Pine nuts
  • Lemon
  • Garlic
  • Avocado oil
  • Extra virgin olive oil

Looking for more healthy sides? You’re going to love these …

Lemon & Pine Nut Kale

Lemon & Pine Nut Kale is a simple & healthy side to any meal! It takes less than 10-minutes to prepare and the combination of lemon, garlic, pine nuts and olive oil makes kale exciting and flavourful. Enjoy this healthy green side with meat or fish. Plant-based, low-carb, keto & paleo. AIP version provided.
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Keto, Low-Carb, Paleo, Plant-Based
Servings: 2

Ingredients
 

  • 1 bunch kale, roughly chopped
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts, omit for AIP version
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon
  • 1 clove garlic, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp avocado oil
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • Sea salt, to taste

Instructions
 

  • Using a large stove-top pan sauté garlic in avocado oil until fragrant.
  • Add kale to pan. Use tongs to coat kale in oil and garlic. Add sea salt.
  • Once kale has wilted down, add pine nuts and allow them to toast slightly.
  • Add in lemon juice, turn off burner then finish with olive oil. Toss one last time and serve.
Keyword gluten free, grain free, healthy side, kale, leafy greens, lemon, pine nuts, soy free
Chocolate Covered Almond Smoothie (Dairy Free, Paleo)

Chocolate Covered Almond Smoothie (Dairy Free, Paleo)

Chocolate Covered Almond Smoothie is rich & creamy–and bursting with rich chocolate and almond flavour! This smoothie is the perfect meal in a cup. It’ll leave you feeling energized, nourished and satisfied.

Do you want to create chocolate flavoured smoothies, like this one, but only have vanilla or unflavoured protein powder?

Here’s a quick tip to help you achieve a rich chocolate flavour from your smoothies when using a vanilla or unflavoured protein powder!

Just add 1-2 teaspoons of cacao powder into your blender along with the other smoothie ingredients. Blend & enjoy! That’s it!! Told ya it was a quick tip.

Cacao is the purest form of chocolate which is why I recommend it. It’s an easy find since most grocery stores carry it nowadays. You can also find cacao powder online.

Now, whether your protein powder is vanilla, chocolate or unflavoured, give this addicting smoothie creation a try. I promise, it’ll be love at first sip!

If you’re looking for more gut friendly smoothie recipes, get my FREE Quick-Start Guide To Smoothies or grab my smoothie e-book which has over 30 dessert-inspired smoothie recipes for IBS & weight loss!

What you need for Chocolate Covered Almond Smoothie:

Want more delicious smoothie recipes? You’re going to love these …

chocolate covered almond smoothie

Chocolate Covered Almond Smoothie

Chocolate Covered Almond Smoothie is rich & creamy--and bursting with rich chocolate and almond flavour! This smoothie is the perfect meal in a cup. It'll leave you feeling energized, nourished and satisfied. Dairy Free & Paleo.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Course: Breakfast, Lunch, Smoothie
Cuisine: Low-Carb, Paleo
Servings: 1

Ingredients
 

  • 1 cup frozen greens, spinach, kale, and/or broccoli
  • 2-3 soft dates
  • 1 tbsp dry-roasted almond butter
  • 1-2 tsp cacao powder, see notes
  • 1 scoop PurePaleo Protein (chocolate or vanilla), or other high-quality protein powder
  • 1 cup water , or unsweetened nut milk

Instructions
 

  • Blend all ingredients using a high-powered blender.
  • Pour into your favourite smoothie cup and enjoy!

Notes

  • If you're using vanilla or unflavoured protein powder, add 2 tsp of cacao powder. If you're using chocolate flavoured protein powder, add 1 tsp.
  • Get PurePaleo Protein powder here.
Keyword almond butter, almonds, dairy free, gluten free, grain free, healthy breakfast, protein powder
Mango & Avocado Salsa Halibut (AIP, Paleo)

Mango & Avocado Salsa Halibut (AIP, Paleo)

Halibut with Mango & Avocado Salsa is a fresh and delicious fish dish! Perfect for the warmer months when you’re craving something light and fresh on the palate. Feel free to use any fish (or chicken) with this flavourful mango & avocado salsa. AIP friendly, paleo & low-carb.

DID YOU KNOW? Avocados are rich in fiber — half an avocado (roughly 100g) packs 7 grams of fiber, which is 27% of the RDA. Fiber has been shown to have important benefits for weight loss, metabolic health and gut health.

Roughly 25% of the fiber in avocado is soluble, which is known for feeding the friendly gut bacteria in your intestine. The number and type of bacteria is very important for optimal gut health and overall health.

So, if you’re dealing with IBS or weight loss resistance, I recommend replacing grain-based foods with high-fiber whole foods like avocados, vegetables and other fruits.

Here are a few way to incorporate avocados in your diet:

wild halibut with avocado and mango salsa

What you need for Halibut with Mango & Avocado Salsa:

  • Wild Pacific halibut (or other fish of choice)
  • Avocado
  • Mango
  • Red onion
  • Cilantro, basil or parsley
  • Lime
  • Avocado oil

Healthy sides to pair with this fish dish …

Halibut with Avocado & Mango Salsa (AIP, Paleo)

Halibut with Mango & Avocado Salsa

Halibut with Mango & Avocado Salsa is a fresh and delicious fish dish! Perfect for the warmer months when you're craving something light and fresh on the palate. Feel free to use any fish with this flavourful mango & avocado salsa. AIP friendly, paleo & low-carb.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: AIP, Low-Carb, Paleo
Servings: 2

Ingredients
 

  • 1 lb wild Pacific halibut, or other fish of choice
  • 1 avocado, chopped into small chunks
  • 1 small mango, chopped into small chunks
  • 1 tsp red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp cilantro, basil or parsley, finely chopped
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Sea salt & black pepper to taste, omit black pepper for AIP version
  • Avocado oil

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 400F and grease or line baking dish with parchment paper.
  • Coat halibut with avocado oil and season with sea salt and black pepper.
  • Place halibut in oven and cook for 10-15-minutes (more time may be needed for thicker pieces of fish). Halibut should be opaque and flake when cut with a fork.
  • While halibut is cooking, combine mango, avocado, red onion, fresh herbs, lime juice and seasoning in a bowl and mix until well combined.
  • When halibut is done, let rest for a few minutes then top with fresh mango & avocado salsa and serve.

Notes

  • If you can't find wild Pacific halibut or it's too expensive, try wild cod or another similar fish. If you're not a fan of fish, this salsa works great with chicken too!
  • Omit black pepper for AIP version.
Keyword avocado, dairy free, gluten free, grain free, herbs, mango, soy free, wild fish
Chocolate Banana Chia Pudding (Plant-Based, Keto)

Chocolate Banana Chia Pudding (Plant-Based, Keto)

Chocolate Banana Chia Pudding is a delicious and easy snack or dessert recipe! Naturally sweetened with banana & bursting with rich chocolate flavour. Only 4 simple ingredients and 5-minutes needed to prepare this chia seed pudding recipe! Plant-based, low-carb, keto & paleo.

DID YOU KNOW? Chia seeds are a great plant-based food to help with weight loss.

Chia seeds rank high on the list of plant-based protein foods, making them great for putting on lean muscle, burning fat, and managing hunger and appetite.

Studies show that increasing your intake of protein can promote weight loss by curbing cravings and therefore reducing your caloric intake. Additionally, other research shows that following a high-protein diet rich in foods like chia seeds could reduce the hunger stimulating hormone, ghrelin.

So, if you’re looking for an easy and delicious way to add chia seeds into your diet, I highly recommend chia seed pudding. It makes for a great snack or dessert!

Check out more delicious chia pudding recipes …

Chocolate Banana Chia Pudding (Plant-Based, Keto, Paleo)

What you need for Chocolate Banana Chia Seed Pudding:

Turn this recipe into a satisfying breakfast by mixing in 1-2 scoops of Whole Body Collagen.

Want more healthy & delicious treats? You’re going to love these …

Chocolate Banana Chia Pudding (Plant-Based, Keto, Paleo)

Chocolate Banana Chia Pudding

Chocolate Banana Chia Pudding is a delicious and easy snack or dessert recipe! Naturally sweetened with banana & bursting with rich chocolate flavour. Only 4 simple ingredients and 5-minutes needed to prepare this chia seed pudding recipe! Plant-based, low-carb, keto & paleo.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Soaking Time: 1 hour
Course: Dessert, Snack/Treat
Cuisine: Keto, Low-Carb, Paleo, Plant-Based
Servings: 3

Ingredients
 

  • 1.5 cups unsweetened almond or coconut milk, use canned full fat coconut milk for a more rich & creamy pudding
  • 1 large banana, ripe
  • 6 tbsp chia seeds
  • 2 tbsp cacao powder
  • 1 tsp maple syrup, optional

TOPPINGS: (optional)

  • Cacao nibs
  • Sliced banana
  • Dark chocolate chips

Instructions
 

  • Add milk, banana and cacao powder to blender and blend until smooth. Taste for sweetness, add maple syrup if desired and blend again to combine.
  • Pour into glass container, add chia seeds and whisk until well combined.
  • Let pudding thicken in fridge for a minimum of 1-hr before consuming. The longer you let the chia seeds soak the more thick and delicious the pudding becomes (I like to soak my chia seeds for at least 8 hours before enjoying).
  • Transfer to small serving bowl, add toppings and enjoy!

Notes

  • Use canned full fat coconut milk for a more rich & creamy pudding.
  • The longer you let the chia seeds soak the more thick and delicious the pudding becomes.
  • Turn this recipe into a satisfying breakfast by mixing in 1-2 scoops of Whole Body Collagen.
Keyword banana, cacao, chia seeds, dairy free, gluten free, grain free, healthy dessert
Tostone Taco Bites (AIP, Paleo)

Tostone Taco Bites (AIP, Paleo)

It’ll be love at first bite with this Tostone Taco Bites recipe! This dish is packed with all the good stuff including healthy fats from grass-fed beef and avocado, PLUS loads of fiber thanks to plantains and avocado, once again. So whether it’s Taco Tuesday or just a regular night, you’ve got to try this paleo & AIP friendly dish!

You know that feeling when you try a recipe for the very first time and after just one bite you can’t wait to make it again and again?!

Well, that’s the feeling you’ll get when you try this dish!

These bite-sized tostone tacos are to die for and super fun to eat. I replaced the traditional taco shell with tostones since they are grain free, gut friendly and so delicious! 

Just in case you’re wondering what tostones are, they’re slices of unripe plantains that are fried, flattened, then fried again (in heat stable oil, of course!). Learn more about plantains and tostones here.

You can find plantains at most grocery stores. They look like big green bananas and tend to be located next to regular bananas. I’ve been able to find them at stores like Walmart, Fortinos & Longos.

How to assemble Tostone Taco Bites:

  1. Spread guacamole on tostone.
  2. Add beef on top of guacamole.
  3. Grab with your fingers (or use a fork) and bite into your delicious creation!

This meal is packed with all the good stuff including healthy fats from grass-fed beef and avocado PLUS loads of fiber thanks to plantains and avocados, once again. I highly recommend adding this recipe to your list of “must try”, it’ll be love at first bite!

Tostone Taco Bites (AIP, Paleo)

What you need for Tostone Taco Bites:

Want more healthy dinner recipes? You’re going to love these …

Tostone Taco Bites AIP Paleo

Tostone Taco Bites

It'll be love at first bite with this Tostone Taco Bites recipe! This dish is packed with all the good stuff including healthy fats from grass-fed beef and avocado, PLUS loads of fiber thanks to plantains and avocado, once again. So whether it's Taco Tuesday or just a regular night, you've got to try this paleo & AIP friendly dish!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: AIP, Paleo
Servings: 3

Ingredients
 

  • 1 lb ground beef⁠, grass-fed
  • 1 small yellow onion, chopped⁠
  • 2 cloves garlic, ⁠sliced
  • 1 zucchini, chopped⁠ (optional)
  • 1 pack mushrooms, sliced
  • 2 large green plantains, peeled and cut into 1 inch slices
  • 1-2 avocados
  • ½ lime, juice only
  • Avocado oil
  • Sea salt & black pepper, to taste

TACO SEASONING:

  • 2 tsp dried oregano⁠
  • 1 tsp garlic powder⁠
  • 1 tsp onion powder⁠
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon⁠
  • ½ tsp sea salt⁠

Instructions
 

  • Sauté onion and garlic in 1 tbsp avocado oil until fragrant, then add in zucchini and mushrooms. Cook for 5 minutes.
  • Add ground beef and taco seasoning. Break a part meat and cook until liquid evaporates and meat is browned.⁠
  • While beef is cooking, use another large pan to cook the plantains. Cover bottom of pan in avocado oil, heat oil then add plantain slices and fry on both sides until golden (roughly 2-minutes per side).⁠ Season with salt.
  • Remove plantains from pan and gently smash until flattened (I smash my plantains between two pieces of parchment paper with a mug or can).⁠
  • Add smashed plantains back to the pan and fry again on both sides until golden brown.⁠ Now you have tostones!
  • Mash avocado in a bowl, add lime juice, sea salt, black pepper and a pinch of garlic powder.
  • Place everything onto a dish, as shown in photo, and assemble your tostone tacos as you eat them!
Keyword autoimmune protocol, dairy free, gluten free, grain free, grass fed beef, healthy dinner, paleo diet, plantains, quick meals, tacos