DIY Brunch Special Pt. 1: Carrot Cake Smoothie + Stuffed Bell Peppers

             

                                                                                                                                                             

How's it going wellness fam?! 

Although I have been at this smoothie operation for a while, I never once stopped being a student, especially now since I am bringing awareness to a wider audience.  Browsing through my recipe books and scouring the Internet in search of new material, I slowly realized I was on a quest for something new and exciting!  So late last night I was on a mission for one thing and then I realized I hadn't created an orange smoothie in years!! This DIY brunch special is a combination of my "stuffed bell peppers" and Deryn's "Vegan Carrot Cake Smoothie" (@runningonrealfood blog), and we're going to focus on the health benefits and versatility of both. 

Orange = Immunity) One fun fact about smoothies that you may or may not know is that the color of your smoothie determines the health benefits. So when you think of the color orange, think "Immunity". Back at the height of European conquest and exploration in the 16th & 17th centuries many crews which set sail would die from scurvy. Since humans cannot naturally produce Vitamin C, we have to get it through our food. However, once people realized that you could use

oranges and limes to treat a simple vitamin C deficiency, scurvy related deaths dramatically decreased over the years. 

The Smoothie Operation)

So what we have here in this powerhouse of a smoothie, are all natural whole foods that you can purchase from any local grocery store, farmers market, or Costco. At some point in time, most of us have heard (probably from an elder) that we should eat carrots because they are good for our eyes. The main thing that I would advocate for is buying organic and adding color to your overall diet.

Ingredients/Recipe) 1 cup of Pineapples + 1 Medium Sized Carrot + 1 Banana + 2 scoops of Vanilla Protein Powder(optional) + Almond Milk to the Max line + A Couple Dashes Of Cinnamon = Bliss

Health Benefits)

• Pineapples- According to Natures Prescription For Optimum Health "Pineapples are loaded with bromelain which is known for alleviating inflammation associated with arthritis, sinusitis, tendonitis, sprains, and other conditions"

• Bananas- Come equipped with antioxidants, prevent cramps, aid in digestion, may support heart health, and also aid in weight loss. 
  

• Carrots-Are chock full of vitamin A which protects the body against infection, and also supports vision, bone, and skin health
• Cinnamon- Has been known for controlling blood sugar, lowering bad cholesterol, is packed with antioxidants, and may help treat type 2 diabetes. 

Gather Your Ingredients

Step 1) Fill Up Your Bullet 

Step 2) Watch the Magic Happen 

     Step 3) Enjoy!

                               

Versatility) A few personal favorites about this smoothie is that it tastes great and goes down with a smooth finish.  Also, this a great post workout smoothie that you can prepare overnight that will leave you feeling refreshed after an intense session. Say for instance you are running short on time and do not want to go to work hungry. The maximum amount of time it takes to put this smoothie together is five minutes. So feel free to give this "vegan carrot cake smoothie" a go. 

Brunch Special Part 2) Stuffed Peppers Coming Saturday...

Sources)
www.organicauthority.com/health/11-health-benefits-of-cinnamon.html)
11 Health Benefits of Bananas
Natures Prescription For Optimum Health, Pg.49,50 and 63