I'm on a superfood kick right now and I'm eating and researching all sorts of yummy super foods to fuel my workouts and long bike rides. Hey, there's other things one can do with their time, but I prefer to geek out on nutrition.
My latest mixture is a thick superfood smoothie. Yes, it was supposed to be a gel, but it became a smoothie instead. I drank this mixture half way through my 40 mile ride along with plenty of water and 1 honey stinger gu. I survived with plenty of energy left to burn. Check out the ingredients listed below to make your own superfood smoothie mix. I gathered them all for a group photo. Say "superfood!"
Maca Powder - also known as Peruvian Ginseng, maca is a powerful adaptogen and assists the body balance hormones and increase stamina, immunity, and energy. The powder comes from the maca root grown high in the Andes and is well known for its ability to increase libido in men and fertility in women. It mixes well with coffee and chocolate with an earthy pungent flavor.
Spirulina Powder - this blue green algae is a complete protein, providing all essential and non essential proteins. (Non essential proteins must be absorbed through the diet as the body cannot manufacture these.) Spirulina is a potent heavy metal detoxer, blood purifier, and antiseptic. Spirulina powder and its vitamins and minerals are quickly and easily absorbed into the body.
Coconut Oil - This oil is all sorts of good for your skin, hair, nails, digestion, and blood pressure as it is high in unsaturated fats. The lauric acid in coconut oil can kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi so be sure to add some to your daily smoothies.
Coconut Water - a powerful natural electrolyte loaded with potassium and used to cure heat stroke in the caribbean. Just be sure you're getting pure coconut water. Check the label. If you see added sugar, flavorings, hi-temp processing, or anything claiming its fortified, be weary. Ingredients are usually fortified if they have been stripped of their nutrients during production. Stay away from ZICO and Naked Juice, these are both Pepsi Co owned.
Honey - raw honey from an organic farm. Otherwise, you might as well just use sugar.
Banana - any banana, i'm not picky :)
Chia Seeds - the runners food. These seeds are high in omega 3, fiber, unsaturated fatty acid, and loaded with protien. 4.7 grams per 1 oz!
Directions:
For this mixture, I ground the chia seeds in a spice grinder since I didn't want them to expand overnight in the liquid and change the consistency of the mix. Once the chia seeds were ground, blend all ingredients together into a liquid that easily squeezes from the sport gel container.
Easy on the spirulina and maca. Just use 1/2 teaspoon of each. Their flavors can be a bit...overwhelming. Balance with banana or other fruit.
Easy on the spirulina and maca. Just use 1/2 teaspoon of each. Their flavors can be a bit...overwhelming. Balance with banana or other fruit.
Enjoy!