I've been trying to figure out a way to work more exercise into my life. Ok, to be honest, I should say that I've been trying to figure out a way to work exercise into my life. I can't really use the word more because I currently don't get any official exercise. Sure, there's running after a almost-3-year-old and an occasional walk, but those don't really count.
I've always enjoyed swimming but haven't taken lessons except for a week here and there at summer camp. To kick start a swimming habit I decided to take swimming lessons. I absolutely love it! I've learned so many new things in just 3 weeks and am already feeling better.
The downside to the lessons is that they're at 12:45 on Saturday afternoon which is hard because it's right around lunch time. I generally try to get a snack around 11:30 and then make a smoothie when I get home. This recipe is a smoothie I've been making for a while, but I keep improving on it and I love where it is now.
The two shining star ingredients are hemp seeds and cinnamon. I recently learned here that hemp seeds are very high in protein, have a complete amino acid profile, and are a sustainable crop! Cinnamon is a natural anti-inflammatory, among a host of other benefits, which is excellent for a person with autoimmune diseases.
One thing that I've discovered about smoothies is that yellow squash adds a creaminess without adding any flavor! I have a high-speed blender, so I'm not sure how well the yellow squash works in a regular blender.
Chocolate Feel-good Protein Smoothie
- 1 c milk (I use either almond milk or coconut milk beverage in the carton)
- 1 tbsp nut butter (I usually use almond or peanut)
- 1 tbsp cocoa or carob powder
- 1 banana
- 1/2 small yellow squash (optional)
- 1 tbsp hemp hearts
- 1/4 - 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- Place all ingredients in a blender.
- Blend on high until smooth, about 45 to 60 seconds (in a high-speed blender).
This recipe has been shared on Diet, Dessert and Dogs' Wellness Weekend, Vegetarian Mamma's Gluten Free Fridays, The Daily Dietribe's 5-Ingredient Mondays, and Allergy Free Alaska's Whole Food Fridays.
Good for you for taking swimming lessons! And your smoothie is a great way to fuel your activity. Love how you snuck a veggie in there! Keep up the exercise. It's a gift that will keep giving back!
ReplyDeleteI'm hoping I can keep up the enjoyment factor, because that will keep me doing it! Hope you enjoy the smoothie and thanks for stopping by!
DeleteJohn would probably love that minus the cocoa. Our blender is crap though.
ReplyDeleteDitch the cocoa and increase the nut butter a bit. Even a crappy blender can make it minus the squash and possibly the hemp hearts. Give it a "whirl"!
DeleteAlso? I love swimming laps. I was doing it once a week for a while. I need to get back to it.
ReplyDeleteIt really is the most satisfying exercise! I'm in love with the back crawl now! We learned that last week.
DeleteI have been trying to add in more smoothies to get more protein in my daily diet. I have been adding more protein because I am exercising more too :) Swimming sounds fun! Once the boys get in school, I could try that! Thanks for linking up at our Gluten Free Fridays party! I have tweeted and pinned your entry to our Gluten Free Fridays board on Pinterest! :)
ReplyDeleteThe party will be GREAT this week! We are giving away a tote full of goodies from Namaste Foods! The items are gluten free and allergy friendly! Can't wait to see what you bring to the party!
Cindy from vegetarianmamma.com