5 Superfood smoothie recipes I Sassy Organics

Warm weather means it’s smoothie season! Whatever your health goals may be this year, there is a smoothie that can help.

Hormone modulator
If you suffer from irregular menstrual cycles, PMS including irritability, insomnia, bloating and acne breakouts before your period, you may need some extra nutritional support to help balance your hormones. For men, an imbalance in testosterone may lead to fatigue, low libido, low mood, irritability and an increase in oestrogen leading to excess weight around the middle and ‘man boobs’. Maca is a South American root vegetable, well known for its hormone balancing effects in both men and women. With a nutty, caramel like flavour, maca powder is delicious in smoothies or bliss balls.

Macca Smoothie

1 tbsp flax meal
1 tsp cinnamon
1 small banana
1 tsp maca powder
250 ml almond milk
1 tbsp almond butter

Detox
Spring and summer are the best times to undertake a detox, although summer often sees us overindulging in food and alcohol. If this is the case, incorporating a detox smoothie into your daily routine will help to rejuvenate your cells and detoxify the liver. Green leafy vegetables are nutrient dense, providing essential vitamins and minerals needed for detoxification, while fresh ginger provides anti inflammatory support. For an extra boost, adding a greens powder containing chlorella will help to draw out toxins through the gut.

Green Detox Smoothie

1 small banana
250 ml coconut milk
1 tsp greens powder
1-2 tsp fresh ginger (skin off)
1 tbsp maple syrup (optional)
1 handful of baby spinach or kale
½ green apple (peel if desired, otherwise just leave the skin on)

Antioxidant boost
For anti aging nutrition, you can’t go past anti oxidants. Known for reducing cell damage, a diet rich in antioxidants and vitamins C is essential for healthy ageing and maintaining collagen for radiant skin. While blueberries are an excellent source of antioxidants, acai berry goes above and beyond to deliver the highest concentration of antioxidants per serve.

Acai berry smoothie

1 tbsp chia seeds
1 tsp acai powder
¼ cup blueberries
250 ml dairy free milk
¼ cup pink dragon fruit
2 tbsp coconut yoghurt

Weight loss
For weight loss, a low carbohydrate diet with adequate protein is key. A low carb, high protein smoothie is the perfect way to kick start your morning on any weight loss regime. Adding cinnamon will help to balance blood sugar levels, reducing energy spikes and dips and reducing sugar cravings. Coconut oil is beneficial for weight loss due to the medium chain triglycerides (MCT) which are accelerate fat loss when used in conjunction with a low carb diet.

Skinny Smoothie

1 tsp cinnamon
250ml almond milk
½ cup of frozen berries
1 tbsp LSA or flaxseed meal
1 tbsp coconut oil or MCT oil
1 scoop or 2 tbsp vegan protein powder

Weight gain
Not surprisingly, to gain weight you need to do the opposite to lose weight, which is high carb. Adding oats to a smoothie is a healthy way to increase the carbohydrate content, along with a banana. Adding a spoonful of natural peanut butter provides healthy fats and extra protein. For weight gain, macronutrients (fats, carbohydrates and protein) all need to be increased. Adding a smoothie in between meals and after exercise will help to increase calories and nutrients needed for weight gain.

Bulk Up Smoothie