tropical turmeric smoothie

Turn up your morning routine with a Tropical Turmeric Smoothie!

Tropical Turmeric Smoothie ~ Turn up your morning routine with this anti inflammatory smoothie! ~

I’ve been trying to include a smoothie (or smoothie bowl) and a salad to my diet every day for increased energy and immune support.  I need all the help I can get these days!  The USDA recommends 5-13 servings of fruits of vegetables per day for optimal health.  (Aim for 13 for best results!)  This may seem like a daunting task to undertake.  However, if you get into the habit of adding a smoothie and salad to your day it’s a piece of cake!

This smoothie has turned into one of our favorites as it is super refreshing and energizing!  Tropical fruit is blended with hemp seeds and turmeric…yes, turmeric!  The same spice that is typically used in savory recipes such as curries.  Turmeric is insanely high in anti inflammatory compounds, namely curcurmin.  This compound has shown promise in improving cardiovascular disease, diabetes, digestive disorders, Alzhiemer’s disease and delayed cell growth of certain types of tumors.  Turmeric has an earthy, spicy and bitter taste.  However, it’s practically undetectable in this recipe.  If you’re not sure about adding it to smoothies, try it in soups, stews, curries or rice dishes!

Tropical Turmeric Smoothie ~ Turn up your morning routine with this anti inflammatory smoothie! ~

tropical turmeric smoothie
 
Prep time
Total time
 
Makes 1 smoothie
Author:
Recipe type: Drinks
Cuisine: Vegan
Serves: 1
Ingredients
  • 1 banana
  • 2 cups frozen mango
  • 1-2 tablespoons hemp seeds
  • ⅛-1/4 teaspoon turmeric
  • 6 oz pineapple juice
  • Additional Add-Ins:
  • coconut oil
  • coconut flakes
  • baby spinach
  • chia seeds
  • oats
  • cashews
  • almond butter
Instructions
  1. Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.
  2. Enjoy!

Tropical Turmeric Smoothie ~ Turn up your morning routine with this anti inflammatory smoothie! ~

Hemp seeds add a balance of protein, healthy fat and fiber.  You can add a dollop of coconut oil for an extra dose of healthy fat or a scoop of your favorite protein powder to hold you over longer.  I added Dang coconut flakes because I’m obsessed with them!  Other add-ins are old-fashioned oats, chia seeds, cashews or almond butter.

You can always add spinach and transform this into a green smoothie, which I highly recommend!

superfood hot chocolate

Yesterday the weather was relentless and we got close to another foot of snow!  I’m worried it’s going to be June before we see the ground again.  What to do on a snowy day?  Make mugs of Superfood Hot Chocolate to warm you up!

Superfood Hot Chocolate ~vegan~

In addition to using raw cacao powder, I added ginger, cinnamon, turmeric and coconut oil, which are all immune boosting and anti-inflammatory ingredients.

Check it out!

Superfood Hot Chocolate ~vegan~

Cacao:  Contains high amounts of magnesium and high levels of  flavonoids, an antioxidant responsible for decreasing inflammation and ridding the body of free-radicals.  If possible, buy raw cacao powder instead processed cocoa powder.  Cocoa powder is heated to high temperatures, which destroys some of its healing qualities.

Ginger:  A reliever to GI upset, but also a potent anti-inflammatory.  Gingerols, a substance found in ginger is responsible for decreasing pain and inflammation in people suffering from osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Cinnamon:  Similar to ginger, cinnamon has anti-inflammatory and antioxidants properties.  Some studies even suggest that cinnamon helps with insulin resistance.

Turmeric:  A very potent anti-inflammatory agent due to curcurmin, the compound that gives turmeric its bright yellow color.  In addition to decreasing inflammation and pain in those suffering from arthritis, turmeric protects cells from oxidative stress.

Coconut Oil:  Contains lauric acid, which may fight off bacteria, fungus and viruses.  Also, a good source of medium chain triglycerides that contain anti-aging properties.

Superfood Hot Chocolate ~vegan~

superfood hot chocolate
 
Makes 2 large portions
Author:
Recipe type: Drinks
Cuisine: Vegan
Serves: 2
Ingredients
  • 2 cups of milk of your choice (hemp, soy, almond, etc.)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ginger
  • ¼ teaspoon turmeric
  • 2 tablespoons cacao powder (or cocoa powder if you don't have cacao!)
  • 2-3 tablespoons maple syrup (adjust according to your taste)
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil
  • pinch sea salt
Instructions
  1. Warm all ingredients in a saucepan over low heat, whisking occasionally.
  2. Transfer to a blender and pulse until frothy. (optional step)
  3. Top with coconut, soy or rice whip for fun!
  4. Enjoy!

 I am NOT a winter person.  I turn purple when I go outside, seriously.  I am so ready for winter to be over!  However, each storm we get continues to amaze me.  It is so beautiful out there!  Plus, Al Roker promised me this morning that the worst of the winter chill is over…I hope he’s right!!!

Superfood Hot Chocolate ~vegan~

 Superfood Hot Chocolate ~vegan~

Superfood Hot Chocolate ~vegan~

Stay warm :)