Energizing Green Berry Smoothie

,Jump start your day with an energizing smoothie that takes less than 5 minutes to make.  This tasty green berry smoothie is the perfect breakfast choice or snack for those on the go.  

Packed with low glycemic fruits, powerful greens and fiber this smoothie is essential to balance your digestive system and give you the protein and nutrients your body needs. Topped off with essential fatty acids crucial for your body to function, it ensures the stay-power to keep you satisfied until lunch or in between meals. 

Essential fatty acids are important to take in as our bodies do not make them. We need to eat foods rich in fatty acids like chia seeds, flax seeds, walnuts, salmon, or other sources.  They are also known for their anti-inflammatory effects.
 
By adding the South American superfood chia seeds to your smoothie, you are getting a powerhouse of omega 3’s and nutrients. Grown in Mexico and South America, ancient civilizations believed that the chia seed provided supernatural powers. In Mayan, “chia” means “strength.”  Chia seeds have little to no flavor and can be added to a wide range of foods for texture.
 
Flax is another rich source of plant-based omega-3 fatty acids, called alpha-linolenic acid (or ALA). Flaxseeds are most beneficial when ground into flaxseed meal as it helps absorb the fiber it contains keeping you full until your next meal.

Ingredients
½ cup organic blueberries, raspberries or other berry of choice
½ banana (may be frozen)
1 scoop plant-based protein powder (Orgain is my favorite brand)
Handful of greens - organic spinach or kale (may be frozen)
½ to 1 cup Almond, Cashew Milk or water if preferred
2 Tbsp Chia seeds or ground flax seeds
Add squeeze of lemon or lime (optional)
 
Instructions
Mix liquid and greens in blender or Vitamix
Blend everything until creamy and smooth, adding water as needed for desired consistency.
May add ice if desired
 
Additional Ideas

• Alternate between chia seeds and flax seeds for variety in your smoothie recipes.
• For variety, add different fruits to your smoothies such as frozen mango paired with pineapple or pears, apples with melons.
• Experiment by adding  a variety of greens to pack a nutritional punch. Light fruits pair nicely with cucumber; dark leafy greens such as organic spinach or kale with your berry smoothies. ​
• Adding avocado gives a creamy texture. It is a super food loaded with healthy fats, nutrients and fiber which may help with metabolism and weight loss.
• Lemon and lime have great antioxidant effects to reduce the signs of aging and hydrate your skin.  
• Adding herbs, such as mint or basil, adds nice flavor as well as antioxidant/anti inflammatory properties.

  Enjoy!