Wake up, work out, smoothie. It’s my morning routine 95% of the time and I’m hooked! This smoothie has been on repeat since the beginning of the year and I’ve definitely perfected it. It’s the right amount of healthy superfoods to refuel my muscles after a workout, keep me full all morning, and maintain my glowy-looking skin.
A definite winner in my book.
I always stick with an unsweetened nut milk, always! So many sugars tend to hide in most flavored (even unflavored) nut milks, so I make sure the carton states, “unsweetened.” Next up is about 1/3-1/2 cup frozen fruit to further keep it low-sugar. I like to include organic blueberries or raspberries most often for the combination of antioxidants, nutrients and flavor.
Next is greens & fiber: frozen spinach and either ground flax, hemp seeds or chia seeds. I prefer frozen spinach (I typically just buy two bags organic spinach at the store and toss one straight in the freezer for my smoothies. It keeps great!) because I find it hides the flavor better, it adds coldness to the smoothie & it blends better. Try it out! The flax/hemp/and or chia is for a boost of fiber, omega-3’s and plant based protein.
I’m kiiiiind of a big chocolate fan, which is why I like to add cacao. I shared all the benefits here in a recent blog post. It’s sugar free and adds the perfect touch of chocolate flav. I’ll add cacao nibs in the smoothie, as well as on top for a yummy chocolate “chip” texture. The cacao nibs are a bit bitter FYI! Exclude if you prefer not to have texture in your smoothie.
Ceylon cinnamon is one of my most used spices in my cabinet, hands down. It contains antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects and in my opinion, has such a stronger flavor compared to plain cinnamon. I often go with the Simply Organic brand.
Lastly, I’ll add a quality plant-based protein. I’ve spent the past few years struggling to find one with good flavor / not chalky / and not super processed since my stomach is overly sensitive. I can become bloated immediately after consuming certain vegan proteins. I finally found one that I love– Nutraorganics. It’s based out of Australia… but what great product isn’t?? We also use this protein as a vegan option at Toast Society, my café in Las Vegas. Shipping is very expensive, but I’ve been in touch with the company and they should be coming to Amazon SOON!
Once it’s all blended, I always need a good crunch on top. I like crushed pecans, grain-free granola and maybe a few fresh organic berries. Enjoy! xx
My Glow-To Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 handful ice cubes
- 1/3 cup frozen blueberries
- 1 cup frozen spinach
- 1 tbsp ground flaxseed
- 1 tbsp cacao powder
- 1 serving plant protein (I've been loving Nutraorganics-- their Coconut Chocolate flavor is amazing)
- 1 tbsp cacao nibs
- 1/4 tsp ceylon cinnamon
- 1/2 tbsp coconut oil
Instructions
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Blend all ingredients & top with grain free granola and crushed pecans. Enjoy!
Hi! Do you ever add oats to your smoothies?
I used to, but now I prefer just fruit as my carbohydrate post-workout 🙂
Have you experimented at all with adding cauliflower or zuchinni for extra veggies (I’ve heard Cauliflower makes it creamy)
Yes! TBH my stomach is pretty sensitive and still had a difficult time digesting the added veggies. I like to keep it simple and add frozen organic berries & spinach 🙂
What brand of almond milk do you use? I’m looking for a good brand. 🙂
I like MALK best due to its few ingredients, followed by So Delicious coconut milk, Califia and New Barn 🙂 I also like making my own!
What can you sub for the coconut oil? nut better perhaps?
Nut butter would work great!! xx
Not being a big breakfast person, this will hold me over from my morning workout till lunch—It atleast gives me SOME vits and mins and TBH, my skin has never been so soft + clear and more often than not I won’t wear make up, rather a daily moisturizer and some mascara👌🏻
So yummy!!
I have been making this and just purchased your 7 Day Sugar Detox. What other plant proteins do you recommend? Nutraorganics is still not on Amazon and every other one I have tried has been grainy and gross. Also, with the 7 day sugar plan, most have some type of added sweetener like stevia. Is this ok? Thank you!
Doesn’t taste horrible but doesn’t really taste like anything. I made it exactly as described but put vital proteins collagen peptides (unflavored) in as the protein.
Danielle– the unflavored collagen peptides is probably the reason why 🙂 The chocolate protein really adds a lot of the flavor.. try it with that if you’re able to find at the store next time! xx
Hey Rachael! Your recipes, workouts, smoothies—love it all! So, I just found out recently I can’t have chocolate or cacao…such a bummer! I have a huge bag of cacao powder! Is there anything you recommend as a replacement??
Thank you!
Can I use cacao powder instead of nibs?
Stumbled upon this recipe last night and tried it this morning. It is SO good! I was getting tired of my usual morning smoothie, so this is definitely going to be a new staple. Thank you!
Oh WOW. I just made this and I am SHOCKED at how amazing it is. I don’t know if its the cacao powder or the little shake of cinnamon, but this totally curved my sugar cravings. I am currently doing the 7 day (added) sugar detox (on day 5!) and I was so excited that there was only 1/3 cup of fruit in it. This totally transformed my life and also made me realize that I having been putting an unnecessary amount of fruit in my smoothies.