Got smoothie gas? How to tweak your smoothie

Got smoothie gas? How to tweak your smoothie

Are you experiencing smoothie gas or other gut issues like bloating, pain, diarrhea or heartburn after consuming your smoothie?

These symptoms can be a problem for some people. To be honest, there was a time in my smoothie journey where smoothies were causing baby to have a little too much gas for her liking.

It took a bit of time for me to realize that some ingredients in my smoothies were causing me to run into isolated rooms throughout the day.

After some experimenting, I learned that too much kale or broccoli were triggers for my gas problems. So, I now use mainly spinach as my green base and only add small amounts of kale and broccoli.

I also learned a while back that I had a slight intolerance to avocados (an intolerance that developed during a stressful time in my life) and if I ate them in excess I would get heartburn. So, instead of using avocados as a healthy fat source in my smoothies, I opt for other healthy fats that my body responds well to.

Now, this doesn’t mean that kale, broccoli and avocados are unhealthy foods – it just means that they don’t work well for my body at this time in my life. How I react to these foods months or years down the road might be very different (or may be the same).

Our bodies are constantly changing – what works for you today might not work for you tomorrow. It’s important to be in-tune with your body and experiment with foods in your diet, so you can consume more of the foods that serve you well and avoid the ones that don’t.

If you’re experiencing smoothie gas or gut issues after consuming your smoothie, I strongly recommend that you don’t give up on this healthy habit, but instead make some tweaks so your body is better able to digest, process and absorb this nutrient-rich drink.

I’ve put together some practical tips you can experiment with if you’re experiencing any gut distress with your daily smoothie.

How to tweak your smoothie if you’re experiencing smoothie gas or gut issues

1. Reduce the amount of greens you put in your smoothie.

Some guts do a better job of digesting greens than others. If your gut is struggling, try reducing veggies to 1/2 a cup. You can increase this amount over time and see how your gut responds (I don’t recommend going over 1.5 cups of greens).

2. Avoid or reduce high sulfur vegetables like kale, broccoli and spinach.

Although high sulfur veggies are extremely good for your health they can sometimes cause and/or aggravate symptoms like gas and bloating. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, try using vegetables like lettuce, celery, watercress, mustard greens or zucchini instead. I also recommend avoiding any other ingredients you suspect are causing symptoms.

3. Re-evaluate the protein powder you’re using.

Protein powders are a big culprit when it comes to gut issues. Low-quality and high-allergen protein sources (and a long list of ‘other’ ingredients) can cause digestive problems and/or other health issues. If you’re uncertain whether your protein powder is causing symptoms, I suggest trying it on its own (with water only) and see how your body responds. Also, check out my protein powder checklist to help guide you with finding a high-quality protein powder.

4. Drink your smoothie slowly and in a calm state.

I know it may be tempting to pound back your delicious tasting smoothie, but this approach can be overwhelming for your gut. Drinking a smoothie should be no different than eating a meal – it’s important do to both slowly and in a stress free state. The slower you consume your food, the easier it is for your gut to process, digest and absorb nutrients. This is particularly important for those dealing with IBS.

In addition to experimenting with the above, I also recommend that you support digestion with these simple and practical tips.

Drew (drink + chew) your smoothie

Drew (drink + chew) your smoothie

Are you hesitant to give smoothies a go because you feel you won’t be completely satisfied with drinking your food–and maybe you just prefer chewing your food?

I completely understand the need for chewing. After all, we’ve been wired to chew food to obtain nutrients and calories which are used to fuel our bodies.

Chewing is important because it stimulates digestive enzymes, which are essential in breaking down food therefore allowing us to process and absorb nutrients. In addition, chewing plays a significant role in oral health.

In my early smoothie days I felt that I was missing an important part of what consuming food is all about – chewing. So, I began to add different crunchy/chewy foods into my smoothie after blending to create a smoothie that I could sip on and chew through at the same time.

Not only has this little hack made smoothies more filling and satisfying for me, but it has also allowed me to add more nutrients into my already nutrient-packed smoothie.

So, before you write-off smoothies completely, I highly recommend trying this …

After blending your smoothie, stir in 1-2 tbsp. of the following:

Check out some of my go-to brands by clicking on the links above.

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Go wild and mix 2 or more of these crunchy and chewy foods into your smoothie.

Even if you’re completely satisfied with the current way you prepare your daily smoothie, I still recommend giving this smoothie hack a try. You might just be pleasantly surprised at how much you enjoy some chew/crunch to your smoothie.

Would love to hear about the crunchy and/or chewy foods you add to your smoothie after blending. Share in the comment section below.

Check out more of my smoothie hacks here.

Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Smoothie (Dairy Free, Paleo)

Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Smoothie (Dairy Free, Paleo)

If you’re a fan of mint chocolate chip ice cream then this smoothie recipe is for you! Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Smoothie is chocolatey, refreshing and delicious–and filled with all the right ingredients to make a healthy & complete meal. Enjoy it for breakfast, lunch or dinner!

What makes Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Smoothie so healthy

  1. The right balance of macronutrients including high-quality protein, which is often missing in most smoothie recipes. Protein is not only a source of vital nutrients required for optimal health, but it’s also essential for sending healthy hormonal signals throughout your body.
  2. No excess fruit or juices, which keeps your blood sugar levels in check while still giving you small doses of powerful nutrients and fiber found in whole fruits.
  3. Healthy fats for optimal health and a smaller waistline! Healthy dietary fat not only fuels every cell in your body, but also allows you to absorb fat-soluble vitamins found in fruits and vegetables.
  4. Loaded with green goodness which provides antioxidants to combat free radicals & essential vitamins and minerals + supports detoxification, collagen production, gut health, weight loss, & disease prevention.
  5. Gut friendly & healing ingredients that are FREE OF gluten, dairy, eggs, soy, grains, fillers, artificial flavours, colours, preservatives or sweeteners + other common gut irritants.

Feel free to use your favourite protein powder in this recipe or you can try my go-to protein powder. This awesome & gut friendly protein powder will make all your smoothies taste like dessert in a cup! It’s squeaky clean, free of common gut irritants & naturally sweetened with stevia (so no blood sugar spikes).

If you’re using vanilla flavoured protein powder

To achieve a rich chocolate flavour from your smoothies when using vanilla flavoured protein powder just add 1-2 teaspoons of cacao powder into your blender along with the other smoothie ingredients. Blend & enjoy!

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.

Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Smoothie

What you need for Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Smoothie:

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

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 32 dessert-inspired smoothie recipes for IBS & weight loss!

Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Smoothie

Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Smoothie

If you’re a fan of mint chocolate chip ice cream then this smoothie recipe is for you! Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Smoothie is chocolatey, refreshing and delicious--and filled with all the right ingredients to make a healthy & complete meal. Enjoy it for breakfast, lunch or dinner!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Course: Breakfast, Lunch, Smoothie
Cuisine: Keto, Low-Carb, Paleo
Servings: 1

Ingredients
 

  • 1 cup spinach, frozen
  • 2-3 soft dates, pitted
  • 1-2 tsp cacao powder, see notes
  • 1 scoop PurePaleo Protein, chocolate or vanilla
  • 4-5 fresh mint leaves , or 1 drop peppermint essential oil (food-grade) or 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
  • 3/4 cup full fat or light coconut milk, canned
  • A few ice cubes, optional
  • 1 tbsp cacao nibs, stirred in after blending

Instructions
 

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

Notes

  • If you're using vanilla protein powder, add 2 tsp of cacao powder. If you’re using chocolate protein powder, add 1 tsp of cacao powder. Feel free to add more cacao powder for a smoothie that's rich in chocolate flavour.
  • Get PurePaleo Protein powder HERE or check out my protein powder checklist to source out a different high-quality protein powder.
Keyword cacao, dairy free, gluten free, grain free, healthy breakfast, healthy smoothie, peppermint essential oil, protein powder, sugar free

 

5 ways to simplify smoothie making

5 ways to simplify smoothie making

In this article you’ll discover ways to simplify smoothie making, so that time will never come in the way of making healthy food choices.

Is lack of time really the reason you can’t turn new, healthy eating habits into permanent ones?

I call bull$#!%.

Making a smoothie is one of the fastest and easiest ways to fuel your body with nutrient-rich foods.

You literally throw all your ingredients in a blender, pour into a cup and voila!

There’s no cooking involved and you can even dodge the washing and chopping if you choose. Cleanup couldn’t be more easy with only a blender and cup to wash.

OK – I get it! As easy as making a smoothie might be, maybe your life and daily schedule are just jam-packed with things like family responsibilities, work, extra-curricular activities, social events, you time, etc.

My goal with this article is to help you simplify smoothie making even more.

I don’t want time to ever be a barrier for you when it comes to making healthy food choices, so check out my tips below.

5 ways to simplify smoothie making

1. CREATE A SMOOTHIE STATION

It can be a hassle to constantly reach under your kitchen cabinet to pull out and set up the blender. I suggest creating a smoothie station.

Keep your blender, smoothie tools and dry ingredients in a corner on the kitchen counter, so everything is ready to go when it’s smoothie making time.

2. PREP FRESH PRODUCE AHEAD OF TIME

On the weekend, decide what fruits and greens you plan to use in your smoothie for the upcoming week. Wash, chop, and separate equal portions into bags, containers or glass jars and store in the refrigerator or freezer.

This makes the ‘grab and throw’ method come to life. Just grab your portion and throw it in the blender along with your dry ingredients.

3. GO FROZEN

Using frozen fruits and greens is probably the BEST way to save you time. Taking trips to the grocery store every few days to get fresh produce can be time-consuming. Then, you still need to wash and chop your produce before it’s ready for blending.

I recommend buying frozen fruits and greens in bulk and stocking up your freezer with them. It’s a great way to ensure you always have ingredients on hand.

Also, you don’t have to worry about wasting money on produce that ends up going bad. I personally create all my smoothies using frozen produce and wouldn’t do it any other way.

4. MAKE YOUR SMOOTHIE HOURS BEFORE DRINKING IT

What if you could make your smoothie hours before consuming it? Might this make smoothies more suitable to your daily schedule?

The trick here is to make your smoothie the extra thick way–using avocado and only 1/2 – 3/4 cup water. This will help hold your smoothie together without it separating. Store in a mason jar or cup with lid and keep cold until you consume it. If refrigeration isn’t an option, use a small cooler bag with an ice pack.

If I have a busy day ahead and know there’s going to be no time for lunch or dinner prep, I double my morning smoothie and take the extra to go. This saves me from making poor choices later in the day when there’s limited time, healthy food options and willpower.

5. REPLACE FRESH OR FROZEN PRODUCE WITH A GREENS POWDER

I feel for you if you’re just super strapped for time and find what should be quick and easy, not quick and easy enough. So, in my mission to help busy people feel great through simple and natural approaches, I decided to provide a modified way of preparing your smoothie that is even more time-friendly than my original smoothie formula.

Greens Powder Smoothie

1 tbsp PaleoGreens powder
1 scoop PurePaleo Protein powder
1/2 avocado or 1 tbsp coconut oil
1 cup water
A few ice cubes (optional)

Blend for 30-60 sec and enjoy!

Easy Green Smoothie with Protein

Now how’s that for simple?! Basically, you’ll be replacing fresh or frozen produce with 1 tbsp of PaleoGreens (or other greens powder of choice) that will provide you with a combination of powerful and antioxidant rich vegetables and fruits.

I know there are many greens powders on the market, so you can learn more about why I choose to use this particular one, here.

PaleoGreens unflavoured Canada

 

 

 

 

 

 

I hope you found these tips helpful. Reach out in the comments section below if you need additional guidance or support.

4 ways to effortless weight loss & better health

4 ways to effortless weight loss & better health

There are many different approaches to weight loss, health and fitness – so many that it’s easy to get overwhelmed when trying to figure out which approach will work best for you.

Looking back, I spent most of my life struggling to maintain my weight through intense and excessive exercise and a “healthy” diet that probably ended up doing more harm than good. Learn more about my health journey HERE.

I did my fair share of experimenting with diets and exercise for weight loss and optimal health, so I’m aware of the frustrations and disappointments that can come about.

I can sympathize with those who feel like they’ve tried it all (and have genuinely put their full heart and energy into programs), but nothing seems to work for them – and if it does, the results are often short-lived.

When working with clients, my approach to sustainable weight loss and health is NOT one-size-fits-all. Each person and body is unique which means customized programs are often the best approach – and yield greater results.

Although the approach you take to health and fitness is important, it’s not the only part of the equation.

The one thing that most healthy and physically fit people have in common is consistent healthy habits.

They don’t dabble in a diet or exercise program for 1-month then stop without rhyme or reason and jump on board another trendy program the following year only to fall off the wagon again.

They’re more consistent than not when it comes to healthy eating, exercise and/or lifestyle practices – whatever their idea of “healthy” is at a given time.

I often get asked the question – “Jen, what’s your secret to always looking healthy and fit?”

Well, my secret in my early 20s is definitely different than my secret today. I’d argue that my current secret is much juicier given that I’m both fit and healthy today vs. just being fit (and not very healthy) years ago.

Without question, my approach to health and weight loss has evolved over the years given new research that has shaped my perspective and opinion.

My years of experimenting and gaining knowledge have led me to a formula of healthy habits that I can say with confidence have allowed me to not only lose extra weight I was holding onto, but also sustain a healthy weight effortlessly – all while gaining back my health.

Check out my top 4 healthy habits for effortless weight loss and better health …

4 ways to effortless weight loss & better health

#1: 7-9 HOURS OF QUALITY SLEEP

Research suggests that 7-9 hours of quality sleep is the ideal dose for feeling good and functioning optimally the next day (although we’re all wired different and some people do report feeling better with less sleep).

According to Chinese medicine, it’s not only how much sleep you get that matters, but also when you get it. The window from 11 PM – 3 AM (which correlates to the liver and gallbladder) is most important in terms of maintaining health, especially as we age. A bedtime of 10:30 PM is recommended so that you are asleep by 11 PM when the liver and gallbladder start to regulate qi (energy), process emotions, balance hormones and detoxify the body – all key players in weight loss.

If you’re a night owl, it may not be realistic to fall asleep by 11 PM in one or two attempts, but small steps can get you closer to this optimal window. Try heading to bed 30-minutes earlier and slowly build on that number over time.

In addition to the above, the quality of your sleep is equally important. 7-9 hours of interrupted sleep (e.g. waking up 5 times to pee then another 3 times because of your snoring partner) probably isn’t going to lead to that “well-rested” feeling the next day.

Sleep should be uninterrupted, deep and in ideal bedroom environment – no artificial lights, room temperature on the cool side, cell phone off or in airplane mode to avoid EMFs, etc.

#2: ONE NUTRIENT-RICH SMOOTHIE A DAY

Let’s face it, life is a chaotic mess most of the time and it’s not always realistic to get 3 healthy meals down the pipe.

Smoothies are a simple, affordable and realistic way to obtain the nutrients your body needs to function optimally, making weight loss and maintenance effortless. They have played a large role in my health journey which is why they made it to my top 4. 

I suggest replacing your weakest meal with an easy nutrient-rich smoothie. For most people, breakfast tends to be the weak link given the rush to get to work and/or get the kiddies ready for school.

Most convenient breakfast foods (ie. high-sugar cereals, yogurts, muffins, granola bars, bagels, etc.) don’t put your body into an optimal state to conquer the day.  These nutrient-void “foods” often leave you searching for the next convenient, high-sugar food in order to keep your sugar burning body from collapsing on the office floor.

Replacing one nutrient-void meal with a nutrient-dense smoothie that contains quality protein, healthy fats, and smart carbohydrates (in the right ratios) can make a world of a difference. It truly is a simple step towards weight loss and better health.

Free quick-start guide to smoothies

A simple and natural approach to weight loss & better health

All the info you need to start blending healthy smoothies TODAY! You'll get the build-your-own-smoothie formula, a shopping list, helpful tips + 8 delicious smoothie recipes--all for FREE!

#3: INTERMITTENT FASTING

Have you ever tried a 12-16 hours fast? Most of us already practice 12-16 hour fasting without even realizing it.

These short and easier fasts are a great opportunity for your body to tap into existing fat stores and focus energy on clean-up and repair of cells (instead of digestion). So, not only is it helpful for weight loss, but also healing your body.

For some, this may sound like the impossible, but it’s actually a lot simpler than you think.

Here’s an easy way to implement a 12-hour fast:

1) Finish eating your last meal (dinner) between the hours of 6-8 PM (no snacks after dinner, just water or herbal teas if desired).

2) The next day, eat breakfast no sooner than 12 hours from your last meal (if you finished eating dinner at 7 PM, you would have your breakfast at 7 AM). If your dinner hour is earlier or later just adjust your breakfast to 12 hours from that time.

Once a 12-hour fast becomes easy, you can start bumping up the hours between dinner and breakfast until you reach 16 hours. Intermittent fasting can be done as often as you like (or your body allows). Start with 2-3 times per week.

Do you usually eat something soon after waking up? It may take some time and practice to recondition your body to not want/need food upon waking, especially if it’s been a long-standing habit. Try satisfying your hunger with a large glass of water, black coffee or green tea first. This can be an effective way to reduce hunger so you can extend your fasting time.

#4: 20-MINUTE MORNING WALK OR MOVEMENT ROUTINE

Did you know that your body is in fat-burning mode the minute you get out of bed? You can easily amplify the amount of fat stores you burn from your body by adding in a light walk or movement routine first thing in the morning.

Give this a try … Before eating breakfast, head outside for a light 20-minute walk. No jogging, speed walking or anything that jacks up the heart rate – just light movement.

If going outside isn’t an option because of cold weather conditions, I recommend the following:

• Use an indoor cardio machine (treadmill, stationary bike, elliptical, rower), if you have one. Just remember to keep the intensity low for 20-minutes.

• Pull out a yoga mat and do some easy sun salutations and stretches for 20-minutes (check out an easy morning flow here).

Aim for 2-3 times per week to start. Once that becomes easy and habit-like, increase to 3-4 times per week and so on.

I usually do a light walk or movement routine in conjunction with my 12-16 hour fast – it’s a powerful fat burning combo!

Is your morning routine already packed with a long list of things-to-do, so even 20-minutes seems like the impossible? Before you write-off walking or movement completely, try fitting in your walk during lunch hour or after dinner. OR join a yoga class after work or dinner. Movement is medicine for the body (and calories burned) no matter what time of the day you decide to do it.

I hope you found this article helpful. Feel free to reach out to me in the comment section below.

Learn about what your scale isn’t telling you + how to track healthy weight loss, HERE.

How to winterize your smoothie: From cold to room temperature

How to winterize your smoothie: From cold to room temperature

Do you find yourself drinking your smoothie with your shoulders up to your ears, teeth chattering, lips turning blue — all while you have a mini heater blasting at you and a blanket thrown over your shoulders?

I get it – a cold smoothie on a chilly fall or winter day can be uncomfortable to drink and may not be very appealing, unless your body runs hot all year round.

Well, my body tends to run more cold than hot, so I came up with some simple smoothie hacks that allow me to enjoy my daily smoothie during the cold months–without icicles forming from my nose!

Check them out below …

How to winterize your smoothie: From cold to room temperature

HACK #1

If you are using frozen veggies and/or fruit, add ½-1 cup hot or boiling water instead of room temperature or cold water.

This hot trick will help balance the temperature of your smoothie so it’s closer to room temperature. You may have to play around with the amount of hot water you add to get your desired temperature, but it’ll be smooth smoothieing (yep, I made up that word) once you figure it out.

HACK #2

Use fresh veggies and fruit instead of frozen.

This one isn’t rocket science. Frozen produce will make your smoothie cold, so you can always switch to fresh produce during the colder months to create a smoothie that is room temperature.

If you prefer the simplicity of using frozen produce or know that using fresh produce is not realistic given your busy schedule, then I highly recommend trying Hack #1.