This is a delightfully tasting smoothie that features a blend of tangy and sweet flavors, along with a rich and creamy consistency. It features the nutrient-density of almonds and fruits, which make it an excellent smoothie to have any time an energy boost is required. It can be consumed in the mornings, afternoons, and before or after a workout. It is rich in healthy fats, carbohydrates, and protein, as well as vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, and antioxidants. This smoothie is also naturally low in sodium, free of cholesterol, and high in fiber. The addition of the adaptogenic Ashwagandha provides rejuvenating, energizing, and stress-reducing benefits. The inclusion of whole cranberries also supports a healthy bladder and urinary system.
Characteristics
TYPE: Snack, Treat, Side to a Meal
PREPARATION: < 5 mins (+ soaking time)
SERVINGS: makes about 2 cups (16 oz) to 3 cups (24 oz)
- 100% Real food
- 100% Whole food
- 100% Vegan (Plant-based)
- 100% Raw food
- Wheat-free
- Gluten-free
- Soy-free
- Whey-free
- Corn-free
- Peanut-free
- Oil-free
- Sugar-free
- Protein powder-free
Goodies Needed*
INGREDIENTS:
- 1/2 cup Organic Cranberries (fresh or frozen)
- 1 Organic Banana (fresh and fully ripe)
- 2 Organic Medjool Dates
- 1/2 cup Organic Raw Almonds (soaked)
- 1 - 2 tsp Organic Ashwagandha Powder
- 1 cup Filtered Water
TOOLS:
- Vitamix High-Powered Blender (or a similar unit)
- Spatula
Preparation Steps
- Soak the almonds the night before making your smoothie by placing about 1/4 to 1/3 cup of dry almonds into a bowl, covering them fully with water and leaving them to soak overnight. They will expand in size to yield roughly 1/2 cup of soaked almonds. The next morning discard the soaking water and rinse the almonds well several times until the water runs clear. You can skip this step 1 if you already have pre-soaked almonds on hand.
- Peel the banana, cut or break into smaller pieces and place into the blender.
- Wash the cranberries, if using fresh ones, and add them to the blender.
- Add the soaked almonds into the blender, along with the Ashwagandha powder and water. (Adjust the amount of water to your preferences, whether you want a very thick or runny smoothie.)
- Blend on high until a uniformly smooth and creamy consistency is achieved (about 15 seconds in the Vitamix.)
- With the help of your spatula, transfer the smoothie into your glass(es) and enjoy.
Meal Nutritional Benefits
Cranberries
- provide healthy carbohydrates, fiber, protein, and are virtually fat-free
- provide lots of phytonutrients, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory benefits
- provide vitamins, including vitamin A, C, E, K, and some B vitamins
- provide minerals, including potassium, phosphorus, and calcium
- support optimal health, weight, healing, and prevention
- support optimal urinary tract health and immune health
- support healthy blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar
- protect against cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes type 2, and other diseases
Bananas
- provide healthy carbohydrates, fiber, protein, and are virtually fat-free
- provide lots of phytonutrients, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory benefits
- provide vitamins, including vitamin A, C, E, K, and most B vitamins
- provide minerals, including potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, iron, and zinc
- support optimal health, weight, healing, and prevention
- support healthy digestion, blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels
- protect against cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes type 2, and other diseases
Medjool Dates
- provide healthy carbohydrates, fiber, protein, and are virtually fat-free
- provide phytonutrients and antioxidants
- have anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties
- provide vitamins, especially the B vitamins
- provide minerals, especially potassium, copper, manganese, magnesium, calcium, and iron
- support optimal health, energy, weight, healing, and prevention
- support digestive, immune, and cardiovascular health
Almonds / Almond Butter
- provide healthy fats, protein, some carbohydrates, and fiber
- provide phytonutrients, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory benefits
- provide vitamins, especially vitamin A, E, and most B vitamins, including folate
- provide minerals, especially potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, selenium, and manganese
- support optimal health, weight, healing, and prevention
- support healthy blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels
- protect against cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes type 2, osteoporosis, and other diseases
- Tips: Choose organic and raw almonds and almond butter, as conventional almonds and roasted almonds have pesticide, toxin, and other health concerns.
Ashwagandha
- an adaptogenic Ayurvedic herb, regenerative tonic, and nerve tonic
- not a significant source of calories, carbohydrates, fats, protein, fiber, vitamins, or minerals unless consumed in large quantities
- provides antioxidants, phytonutrients, anti-inflammatory, and anti-stress benefits
- supports optimal immune, cognitive, brain, and nervous system health
- supports optimal adrenal health and energy management
- supports optimal endocrine health, hormonal balance, and fertility
- provides neuroprotective properties and support for neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s, Huntington’s and Alzheimer’s diseases
- provides anti-arthritic properties and support for rheumatoid and osteoarthritis diseases
- provides anti-tumor properties and support for cancer diseases
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