Probitocs, prebiotics, protein, healthy fats, fiber, vitamins and minerals are everything you’ll sip in this decadent and oh so pretty Smoothie to enjoy as a meal replacement for breakfast, lunch or dinner, or as a boost in between meals. This mesmerizing swirly, cloudy Smoothie is made with three layers; a frozen Strawberry Puree, a Whipped Yogurt and a Strawberry Banana Smoothie. The layers are whipped, blitzed and assembled in no time leaving space for a little creativity on your end. I love the combination of Strawberry and Rose, so a splash of Rosewater and a sprinkle of Rose Petals make my heart sing. More than anything, I love fueling our bodies with foods that are supportive and beneficial, and as much as this looks and feels like a dessert, it’s really a superfood concoction of whole food ingredients from mother nature that support every cell in our bodies from our heads to our toes. It’s my hope that this recipe feeds your soul as well as your tummies.
The technicalities:
Strawberries, as well and honey and bananas, are prebiotic foods which feed beneficial gut bacteria promoting digestive and immune health. This beautiful fruit which grows from the center of a flower is rich in antioxidants, including vitamin C, Potassium, ellagic acid, and anthocyanins. Strawberries are also heart protective and are a good source of fiber.
Raw Honey is rich in antioxidants namely, phenolic compounds and flavonoids which protect our cells from free radicals. This miracle gift of the bees contains enzymes that support our immune system as well as antibacterial and antiviral properties.
Greek Yogurt is a rich source of probiotics supporting gut and overall health. This nutrient dense powerhouse is a high protein food, helping build and repair muscles. Boasting high levels of calcium, Yogurt supports our bones and teeth; as well as Vitamin D, Potassium and Phosphorus. Greek yogurt’s high probiotic content can also increase our bodies tryptophan levels, which in turn increase serotonin, the happy hormone.
Avocados are rich in soluble fiber which feed our beneficial gut bacteria. Rich monounsaturated fats this superfood helps us maintain healthy cholesterol levels. Avocados are a good source of Potassium which helps regulate blood pressure. They contain lutein and zeaxanthin which are antioxidants that help protect our eyes from damage caused by blue light exposure. They also benefit from brain protective antioxidants as well as choline which support cognitive function and memory. They’re a good source of Vitamins C, E and K as well as folate (essential in pregnancy) and copper (which aids in Iron absorption).
Bananas are a prebiotic, high fiber food that help nourish our gut flora. They are rich in potassium, as well as magnesium and vitamin B6 which are essential for regulating various systems in our bodies. For example, Vitamin B6 helps transfer carbohydrates into energy. Bananas are a source of tryptophan, an amino acid that boosts serotonin production, which helps support mood. They’re a good source of Vitamins C and D, as well as folate and antioxidants.
A2 Milk comes from brown jersey cows and contains only the A2 beta-casein protein which is easier to digest. A2 milk is an excellent source of protein, vitamins and minerals, helping support a healthy immune system, as well as muscle growth and bone health. This nutrient dense food has been shown to reduce inflammation in the gut and improve athletic performance.