Early last week I introduced you to adaptogens. I was inspired to create a 5 part smoothie recipe series highlighting each of these amazing plants and herbs! Each week for the next 5 weeks you will get a smoothie that is geared towards a specific adaptogen. If you’ve read my recent blog on adaptogens, you may recall that these are plants and herbs that not only help increase your resistance to stress and anxiety, but also help with fatigue. Yes, please!!
You may be thinking where do I get this stuff? Don’t worry almost all of these adaptogens can be purchased off Amazon or at your local health food store. There will be a link where you can order on Amazon at the bottom of the blog near the recipe to make it easier for you :).
Stress reduction what I had in mind while creating the Chocolate Yellow Maca Smoothie. In addition to wanting a feel-good chocolaty flavor, I wanted to also have an impact on how our levels of stress can be minimized naturally.
What could be better than having a yummy smoothie to help you drink your way to reduced stress?!
Yellow Maca
Maca is actually a plant from the broccoli family. ‘Maca root’ refers to the root of the plant, which resembles a cross between a turnip and a big radish. Maca is divided into categories based on the color of the root, which can be red, black, pink or yellow.
So why yellow maca? The varied colors all have different effects on the body, as well as different tastes. In order of sweetness, maca goes: red, yellow, black. Maca tends to have a very strong earthy taste, which can be err, a bit “unpleasant” to some (I personally like it!), so choosing which color really comes down to your personal preference. (You can use any type of maca powder if you can’t find yellow maca)
Let’s get blending….
Gather all the ingredients…
Add the ingredients into your blender.
Don’t forget the almond milk! :)
Starting the blender on a low speed, blend until smooth. If needed gradually increase to higher speeds and blend until smooth.
Enjoy!
Consuming maca regularly is believed to be a great way to have your body adapt to stress by counteracting the negative effects of tension and anxiety. Because of maca’s prized gift of managing stress, is it any wonder why I chose to add it to my first Adaptogen Smoothie?
It’s a true nutritional powerhouse and a new superfood for your arsenal! ;)
Click here to purchase your maca powder to get started with this amazing new smoothie! I like the brand Navitas Naturals but feel free to use whatever brand you are comfortable with… but just make sure it is organic! :)
Check out the full smoothie recipe below…
- 8 ounces almond milk
- 1 ripe banana
- 2 tablespoons carob powder
- 1 tablespoon yellow maca powder
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Add the almond milk, banana, carob powder, yellow maca powder and vanilla extract to the blender. Starting the blender on a low speed, blend until smooth. If needed gradually increase to higher speeds and blend until smooth.
- Enjoy!
Sending love,
Kimberly
Hi Kimberly! Is it okay to use cacao powder to substitute the carob powder? Thanks!
Hi Angeline…thanks for checking out my new smoothie. If it’s a matter of taste, please feel free to substitute cacao powder. You will still gain many health benefits. I love cacao as well because it promotes feelings of love and joy and opens up the energy of the heart chakra. It contains the neurotransmitter anandamide known as the “bliss chemical.” In yoga, ananda means bliss. Even better- cacao also contains anandamide inhibitors, keeping the compound from breaking down quickly and the feeling of cacao anadamide lasting longer, so we feel great longer! Sending lots of love! ;)
I live far from a place where I can get fresh greens so sometimes I don’t have everything on hand for my morning GGS. Is this an okay once in a while substitute for my morning meal? Or is it not recommended to have this first thing? Thanks!
Hi Sally and thanks for your great question. I always recommend starting your day with the GGS since it’s easier to digest than other meals, and easy on your body. If on occasion you need to have another meal, then do what you can. But for the most part, all of your mornings should start with the GGS. Progress not perfection, right?! Lots of love! ;)
Peruvian Maca is very amazing. You won’t be able to quit using the root after you’ve experienced its health advantages. Thank you for sharing the recipe. I will definitely try it out.