Happy New Year, everyone!!
It’s January, and that means it’s obviously time to detox, right?? What’s the latest in cucumber water/detox soup/dandelion juice, anyway? I’m not sure… because I don’t detox. Why? Two reasons:
One: my basic food philosophy is to nourish yourself “well” all the time. By that I mean eating enough calories, not skipping meals, not punishing yourself by either under-eating or over-eating… eating mostly plant-based foods- healthy, yummy, delicious foods that truly satisfy.
By doing this, your body will be filled with health-preserving nutrients and will do a great job of self-regulating, therefore you’ll never feel the need to “detox.” Eating this way also allows you to indulge once in awhile without going overboard or feeling totally out of control. Like over the holidays.
Two: our bodies have built-in detox systems already: our liver and kidneys. Unless we’re seriously abusing drugs or alcohol, these organs do a fabulous job of filtering out all of the not-so-good substances we ingest (consciously or unconsciously) on a daily basis. And flooding our bodies with healthy foods provides our detox organs with all the necessary nutrients (proteins, anti-oxidants, essential fatty acids, phytochemicals, etc.) to function optimally. Most “detox” programs provide far too few calories and too few nutrients to support our vital detox organs.
So I say, “LET’S EAT!!” (…healthfully!)
It’s a much nicer way to do January, right?
Sara & I discovered awhile back that blending frozen bananas, cocoa powder, & almond milk makes a thick, creamy shake that obliterates the need for a chocolate milkshake. Score! I’ve since amped it up by adding peanut butter and hemp seeds. These additions add protein, fiber, and healthy fats, making this smoothie an ideal post-workout snack or quick breakfast. It’s also a fantastic dessert or afternoon snack, especially for kids.
Feel free to add a scoop of vegetarian protein powder, use soy milk instead of almond milk (or substitute part coconut milk, yum!), use chia seeds instead of hemp seeds, sprinkle cacao nibs on top…you know I love it when you personalise your recipes. Speaking of personalising, I used homemade almond milk, and I found it was sweet enough without the stevia drops.
The bottom line is, please nourish yourself well in January… and February… and next December… and every day of this beautiful year.
Here’s to a fabulous 2016!! Filled with chocolate peanut butter banana smoothies and more…
Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 frozen banana, cut into chunks
- 3/4 c. vanilla almond milk (I used homemade)
- 1 T. natural peanut butter
- 1 T. unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 T. hemp seeds
- a few drops of liquid stevia, optional (I didn't need it)
- 2-3 cubes ice
Instructions
- Blend all ingredients until smooth. Makes one smoothie.
Nutrition Facts
Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie
Serves: About 12 fluid oz (360 ml)
|
Amount Per Serving: 12 fl oz (360 ml)
|
||
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 300 | |
| % Daily Value* | ||
| Total Fat 14 | 21.5% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0 | |
| Trans Fat | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 | |
| Sodium | 0 | |
| Total Carbohydrate 33 | 11% | |
| Dietary Fiber 5 | 20% | |
| Sugars | ||
| Protein 10 | ||
| Vitamin A | Vitamin C | |
| Calcium | Iron | |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
The Expat Dietitian