My Daily Superfood Smoothie

Throughout my holistic health studies, I have heard the word “superfoods” come up often.  What exactly is a superfood?  A superfood is a food rich in antioxidants, fiber or fatty acids that is beneficial for one’s health.  There is a long list of them and each one has its own unique set of health benefits.

My toddler and I share a superfood green smoothie every single morning.  It has become a part of our routine.  My son watches in awe as I load my blender full of bright colourful plants. He claps his hands and nods his head when I ask him “should we have our smoothie now?” As I stuff everything into the blender, I tell him all of the wonderful health benefits each ingredient has. He smiles and nods while keeping his eyes on the blender swirling around beautiful bright colours. It may sound silly to do this right now but my intention is to make him excited about healthy foods and all of the wonderful health benefits they bring us!  By bringing awareness to what we put in our bodies and how it makes us feel it will allow my son to make decisions on what he eats and not feel pressured to eat what the other kids are eating.  I have had many people tell me to just “let him be a kid” in an attempt to allow me to give him a slice of cake or a package of gummy bears, but my response is always “I’m letting him be a healthy kid, what’s better than that?”

Setting him up with healthy habits now will benefit him so much in the future.  So many kids are addicted to refined sugar and refuse to eat healthy foods and I decided that this would not be my child. By showing him just how great whole foods can be, he is more likely to incorporate healthy habits well into his adult life.  It is very important to me that he get as many nutrient rich foods into him as possible, while still allowing him to enjoy what he is consuming. During our “smoothie time” we cuddle, sing, or sit outside in the sun, connecting with each sip.  This is not only our morning snack, it is also part of our bonding time.

Our daily superfood smoothie consists of zero refined sugars or seed oils and all organic produce. Each sip nourishes our bodies and souls.   

Our Daily Superfood Smoothie Recipe:

• 1/2 of an Avocado – healthy fat, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, great source of fibre.
• 1 tsp honey – good for blood-sugar regulation, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, natural sweetener.
• 1/2 cup of ionized water (9.5 PH) – great for detoxification, immunity, antioxidant, etc.
• 1 tsp chlorella – detoxification, binds to heavy metals and helps body eliminate them, boosts immunity.
• 1/2 cup full fat yoghurt – high in calcium, probiotic (great for gut health), immunity, anti-inflammatory.
• 1 small banana – antioxidant, great source of fibre, lowers LDL cholesterol.
• Handful of broccoli sprouts  – high in vitamin K & calcium, antioxidant.
• Handful of frozen kale – antioxidant, lowers LDL cholesterol, great source of nutrients.
• Handful of frozen spinach – anti-inflammatory, great for immunity, high in iron.
• 6-8 Strawberries – great source of magnesium & phosphorus, anti-inflammatory.
• 1 Tbsp. of chia seeds  – great source of fiber & omega- 3.
• 1/2 cup of coconut water – electrolytes, antioxidant, maintains healthy blood pressure, lowers blood sugar.
• Handful of blueberries– antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, boosts memory, high in vitamin c.
  

My son is always watching so I always try my best to lead by example, showing him how great whole foods can be.  He has only consumed refined sugar once in his short little life (without my knowledge.)  I steer him away from refined sugars and seed oils as much as possible and offer him a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, grass-fed dairy products and antibiotic-free meats.  I know that I will not be able to control his eating forever, but for now I am showing him healthy alternatives to sugary junk food.