Good morning to all!
Here's a great breakfast shake recipe that is a blend of nutritional energy to start your day! Naturally, you can add different fruits or healthy items to make it "your own". Breakfast is an important part of the day - try not to skip it! Since, I'm not usually that hungry early in the day, I just make a shake and drink it on the way to work or once I get there. It's filling and yummy!
Here's the lo-down:
6 fresh strawberries
1 handful blueberries, raspberries or blackberries
1 teaspoon wheatgrass powder
1 teaspoon ground flax seed
1 cup almond milk (vanilla flavour)
1 teaspoon almond butter
3-4 ice cubes
1 scoop iso-whey protein (optional)
Put all ingredients in a blender. First on crush ice setting and then on blend. Add liquid (water, almond milk or juice of your choice) if too thick for your liking. There are many substitutions that can be made. You can replace the almond milk, with yogurt (I suggest Activia as it contains probiotics) but add so more liquid so that the shake is not too thick. If using plain yogurt, you may want to use honey or organic maple syrup for sweetening. You can also add a banana (excellent source of potassium) instead of all the berries (it tends to give me a tummy ache, so I usually don't have it often).
My start shake has the following nutritional benefits:
Strawberries' unique phenol content makes them a heart-protective fruit, an anti-cancer fruit, and an anti-inflammatory fruit, all rolled into one. They also serve as potent antioxidants that have repeatedly been shown to help protect cell structures in the body and to prevent oxygen damage in all of the body's organ systems.
Blueberries improve the integrity of support structures in the veins and entire vascular system. Packed with antioxidant phytonutrients called anthocyanidins, blueberries neutralize free radical damage to the collagen matrix of cells and tissues that can lead to cataracts, glaucoma, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, peptic ulcers, heart disease and cancer. Anthocyanins, the blue-red pigments found in blueberries.
Raspberries' anthocyanins give these delectable berries unique antioxidant properties, as well as some antimicrobial ones, including the ability to prevent overgrowth of certain bacteria and fungi in the body (for example, the yeast Candida albicans, which is a frequent culprit in vaginal infections and can be a contributing cause in irritable bowel syndrome).
Unlike animal milk, almond milk contains no cholesterol or lactose and is gluten-free. It is low in sodium and enriched with Calcium and Vitamins D and E, contains a high level of unique phytonutrients, and is a good source of Vitamin A. Almonds can significantly lower heart disease risk.
Wheat grass contains chlorophyll, amino acids, minerals, vitamins, and enzymes. It promotes a healthy immune system.
Alpha linolenic acid, the omega-3 fat found in flaxseed promotes bone health. Omega-3 fats are used to produce substances that reduce the formation of blood clots, which can reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in patients with atherosclerosis or diabetic heart disease.
Iso-Whey protein is a great addition for athletes and those who lead an active lifestyle. It is low in fat, contains amino acids and proteins that help to rebuild muscles.
So tomorrow morning, get a healthy start to your day and try this awesome shake recipe!!!
Footnote: although my recipe is slightly modified, thanks to a good friend who introduced me to this breakfast/pre/post exercise option!
When Opportunity knocks, it's not polite to shut the door. Or as I did yesterday, slam the door right in Opportunity's face.
