SMOOTHIE'S FOR YOUR HECTIC HOLIDAY WEEK!

Ever noticed how the week leading up to Christmas is pure and utter chaos? As much as we tell ourselves that this year we're going to relax more and not go overboard with holiday festivities, we don't listen and who are we kidding, we go above and beyond what we did the previous year. Our eating patterns get thrown out of whack, our daily chores get tossed aside and our sleeping patterns- wait, what sleeping patterns? We are on constant overload and we're not getting enough nutrients, yet getting sick is not an option. Well, take one deep breath because we've got a smoothie a day to keep your stress [and grey hairs] of the holidays away. It's not like we're asking you to make a gourmet breakfast, so if you have a blender and can only spare five minutes of your time – this is your best solution.


Cran-Orange Smoothie
Add a burst of flavour to your morning with the tartness of cranberries, complete with antioxidants, and the sweetness of oranges, which makes up for your Vitamin C intake. Vega One protein powder is a great addition because one serving has 15g of protein, 6g fibre, 3 servings of greens, 2.7 cups of antioxidants, 1 billion probiotics and 1.5g of omega-3. If that doesn't make you're day seem  productive, we don't know what will.

1/4 cup whole cranberries, fresh or frozen
1 orange, peeled
1 scoop Vega One (berry flavour)
1 pinch cinnamon
1 cup water
1/2 cup ice cubes


 
Almond Cinnamon Date Smoothie
Besides its lovely smell, cinnamon helps regulate blood sugar – making it a great choice for diabetics. It reduces LDL cholestrol levels, has many anti-infectious compounds and contains fibre, calcium, iron and manganese. Adding even a small amount into your daily diet is a fabulous place to start. The added coffee will give you a wake up call and the turmeric helps to cleanse your liver and act as an antiseptic for any cuts and burns.

1 cup morning chia almond milk 
1 tbsp almond butter
2 dates
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
1 tsp coffee or 6-7 coffee beans
1/2 tsp turmeric
1 tsp maca [optional]
4 ice cubes
Cinnamon for garnish


Santa's Green Smoothie
The colour of this smoothie is one thing [can it get anymore festive?] but it's the health benefits, that makes this smoothie a winning pick for your morning. We can't stress enough how important it is to get your greens. They play a key role in reducing blood clots and the vitamin K source will help you looking young, even in this time of stress. It can help lower cholesterol and its high in calcium which is where the bitter taste comes from (good thing this smoothie hides it so well). Just make sure you check your face in your mirror, it would be a little harder explaining the green moustache then the health benefits of this smoothie.



1/4 cup avocado, mashed
1 1/2 cups of greens [kale, spinach, chard etc.]
1 cup coconut water
1 pear, remove stem
2 tbsp lemon juice
1/2 cup ice
1-2 pinches of cayenne/ginger [optional]




Turn Beet Holiday Red Smoothie
Beets are an amazing source of potassium, magnesium, fibre, phosphorus, iron, vitamins A, B & C as well as beta-carotene. They are great tonics for the liver, work as a blood purifier and can prevent various forms of cancer – not to mention the natural energy they give you – perfect for the morning after a late night of holiday socializing over a glass of vino. 

 
1 small beet
1 cucumber 
1 banana 
1 scoop protein powder
1 cup water
2 tsp ginger, freshly grated




Cocoa Berry Smoothie
Sometimes a little chocolate in the morning is just what the doctor ordered for a jump start to the day. And right your doctor is! Packed full of antioxidants, cocoa powder is also high in magnesium and iron, yet they won't give you the downing effect hours later that sugar will, because it doesn't contain any. This is the perfect smoothie to down before you dive into your housekeeping chores.


1 scoop Vega protein smoothie [bodacious berry flavour]
2 tsp cocoa powder
1 cup almond milk 
1 cup frozen berries
1/4 tsp vanilla
Generous handful of chopped mint leaves




Ginger, Peach, Chamomile Smoothie
A little zest of ginger never hurt anyone, and it's certainly not just a flavour that should be saved for your stir-fry night! Ginger really is great for everything, however it's well known for its great anti-inflammatory source and as an aid in digestion, including its relief from sickness. That, paired with the calming effects of chamomile, will have you ready to tackle the busy shopping mall, all-day-long.

1 chamomile tea [steeped in a 1/2 cup of boiling water]
1/2 cup soy/almond/coconut milk
1 peach, skinned, stone removed
1 tsp grated fresh ginger
1-2 tsp wheatgerm 



You're Fig-in' Kidding Me Smoothie 
Often overlooked, figs are a great addition into any sweet-tooths diet. Naturally high in sugar, minerals and soluble fibre, figs are also rich in potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron and copper and are a great source of antioxidants as well as vitamins A, EE & K. Making this the perfect smoothie to consume the morning after a big dinner that was high in sodium.

2 handfuls, figs
1 handful, blueberries
1 plum
Lime juice
1/2 cup water/coconut water/milk
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Dash of cardamom 
1-2 medjool dates





Smoothie/Image Sources:
Cran-Orange – vega.com
Almond Cinnamon Date – meghantelpner.com 
Santa’s Greens – kblog.lunchboxbunch.com 
Cocoa Berry – vega.com
Ginger, Peach, Chamomile – taste.com.au 
Beet Red – pinterest.com
Fig-ing Crazy – food-alovestory.com