This week’s feature recipe is a super tasty, simple and healthier alternative to the humble milkshake. It features the ever-so- popular ALMOND which fortunately is available throughout the year and has a light, delicate taste making it the perfect nut to add to an array of recipes.
Almonds are high in mono-unsaturated fats which have been associated with reduced risk of heart disease. This is obviously when they are combined with a healthy and active lifestyle. It’s very important to keep moving and lifting! In addition to their cholesterol-lowering effects, almonds have been known to help reduce heart disease risk, partly due to the antioxidant action of the Vitamin E present. Together with healthy fats and Vitamin E, a quarter – cup of almonds contains 62mg of magnesium plus 162mg of potassium. All the more reason to go nuts!
RECIPE PLEASE!
Ingredients
- 2 cups unsweetened almond milk
- 2 tblsp. almond butter
- 1 large, organic banana (peeled)
- 1 tsp. cinnamon
- 1 tsp. chia seeds (heaped)
- 1 tsp. maca powder
- 1 tsp. vanilla paste
- Pinch Himalayan Rock Salt
Optional: dates or sweetener of choice if you have a super sweet tooth.
Method
Put all the ingredients into the Vitamix 2L container in the order listed and secure the lid.
- Select Variable 1. Turn the machine on and quickly increase the speed to 10, then override to High.
- Use tamper to press the ingredients into the blades if required.
- Blend for 45-60 seconds or until smooth.
- Stop the machine and serve.
We love using the best high powered blender around, the Vitamix!
Why Maca Powder?
Maca Powder has an interesting taste and quite strong for someone who is using if for the first time. This is the perfect smoothie to disguise its taste if you are starting to experiment with new superfoods.
The benefits of Maca powder are endless so make it one of your new superfood friends! (If it suits your needs)
It boasts an array of Vitamins including vitamin B, C and E and provides plenty of calcium, zinc, iron, magnesium, phosphorous and amino acids. It is known to boost libido and increase endurance at the same time balancing your hormones and increasing fertility.
Good news for the ladies! Maca relieves menstrual issues and menopause by helping to alleviate cramps, body pain, hot flashes, anxiety, mood swings and depression. Steer clear of Maca Powder if you are pregnant or lactating.
Overall, your health can be benefited in many ways once adopting Maca powder into your diet.
- Helps with energy levels and increases stamina along with mental clarity and focus.
- Supplies iron and helps restore red blood cells which aids anaemia and cardiovascular diseases.
- Helps heal wounds more quickly
- Keeps your bones and teeth healthy
- It is known to help clear acne and blemishes and may help your skin withstand extreme temperatures.
They say to be VERY CAUTIOUS if you have a cancer related to hormones like testicular and ovarian, among others. If you have liver issues or high blood pressure you should always ask your doctor or health professional before taking MACA.
We’re all different so require and don’t require varying things for our body. Whilst there are so many fantastic lotions and potions out there it is really important to become in tune with your body and see what it needs. This can take a while. Just be patient. In a world full of #fitspo and #thighgap and hashtags that have us constantly picking at our flaws and wanting unrealistic results fast, it’s easy to get caught up with the hype. Take the time to see what you need. Visit a naturopath or medical professional that can help spark your journey towards loving and nourishing your body… not constantly hassling it!
I have been looking for recipes with chia seeds and this one looks yummy and healthy!
Thanks!!!