Smoothie Guidance & Recipes
/Smoothie Guidance
Include protein and fat
Avoid glucose spikes
“Chew” smoothie slowly
Avoid ice cold
Recipe Examples
Example 1:
3/4 Can full fat coconut milk
1/2 pear
1/2 Plantain
1/2 cup cilantro
1/2 cup parsley
Handful of spinach
Splash of OJ
Optional additions:
1/2 avocado
1 tsp vanilla
1-2 tsp fresh ginger root, 1 scoop of unflavored protein or collagen powder, 1 TBS of chia seeds
Example 2: Adapted from Dr. Uma
1 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
1 scoop of protein powder for collagen powder
2 tsp of unsweetened cacao powder
1 TBS cashew or almond butter
1 cup spinach
1/4 cup parsley
8 ounces of hemp milk or milk of choice
Blend until smooth
I recommend smoothies be enjoyed slowly and always include vegetables, protein and fat. When we slow down and“chew” food thoroughly our bodies release salivary amylase into the mouth, which begins the breakdown of food. This reduces the digestive burden on our stomach and intestines while bringing our bodies into our parasympathetic state of the nervous system (rest and digest).
In east asian medicine we recommend avoiding ice cold beverages to support digestion. Allowing smoothies to shift more towards room temperature or be lightly cooled is preferred. Lastly, ensuring adequate proteins, fat and vegetables are included in smoothies helps keep blood sugar stable. Regulating our blood sugar is an important foundation in reducing stress, supporting menstrual, mental and gut health while managing anxiety, improving sleep and curbing cravings. Even if you are not a diabetic, you can still be suffering from the impacts of glucose spikes.

