If you are anything like me, you don’t have a large appetite in the morning. In fact, I have a hard time getting any solid food down until at least 10 am. For years, I simply skipped breakfast and went about my day, having my first meal at or after lunch. Recently, I decided to try the breakfast smoothie lifestyle and I LOVE IT! It fills me up, tastes amazing and I feel energized throughout my morning. If you are always on-the-go or don’t feel hungry in the morning, blend yourself a liquid breakfast and drop the processed protein bar aka Frankenfood. Super food smoothies are delicious and can help you improve your health. The basis behind liquid nutrition is that the nutrients are made available for complete absorption without decreasing the nutrient level (which happens when you heat or process it). Also, your body doesn’t have to spend any extra time and energy breaking it down. It’s fast, convenient and efficient!

Before we start, understand that non-organic fruits and veggies lack essential nutrients because the are sprayed with toxic pesticides and are grown in soil that is overused. Not only are GMOs harmful to your health, they make the fruits and vegetables you’re buying useless! For starters, buy organic. Second, learn about super foods. These are foods made and grown in other parts of the world that are studied for their health benefits. So, what foods and nutrients are a must in your to-go breakfast? To give you the best answer, I turned to Dr. Alan Gruning, author of “Prescription For Health” and a CIRS specialist in Southwest Florida.

HEMP (4 tablespoons)

Did you know that George Washington and Thomas Jefferson were hemp farmers? Hemp is widely grown all over the world and hemp products used for consumption (free of THC) are available is various forms. You can buy hemp powder, seeds and oils. Hemp seeds are abundant in protein, fiber, chlorophyll, iron, omega 6 and 3 fatty acids and other nutrients. Hemp is one of the only complete proteins in the plant kingdom. Dr. Gruning recommends the Hi-fiber Nutivia for organic hemp protein powder. 4 tablespoons of hemp powder is plenty for your morning smoothie.

Bone Broth (2.5-3 tablespoons)

Chia and Flax Seeds (1 tablespoon of each)

Chia seeds are high in omega 3 fatty acids, fiber, iron, easily digestible protein and other nutrients. They were commonly used amongst the Aztecs, Mayans and Incas. Flax seeds are a good source of healthy omega 3 fats, fiber and protein. You can buy both in powder or seed form but make sure to opt for organic. If you purchase the seed form of chia seeds, soak them for 5-10 minutes to allow them to turn into a gel and not get stuck in your teeth.

Cacao (1-2 tablespoons)

Açaí

Açaí berry is one of the highest antioxidant fruits on earth. It is grown in the Amazon rain forest and is loaded with vitamins, minerals, omega fatty acids, and other health promoting nutrients. Use only organic Açaí powder in your smoothie. If you don’t want to purchase the organic powder, a small amount of the juice (available at Costco) will also suffice.

Pomegranate (1 tablespoon)

Pomegranate is frequently mentioned in the Bible. It is high in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and fiber. You can eat the seeds raw or they can be freeze dried into powder.

Maca (1 tablespoon)

Maca is a root grown in the Andes Mountains. It helps balance Adrenal function during stress and is rich in nutrients and fiber. Dr. Gruning recommends Food to Live Organic gelatinized Maca because it removes some substances that can upset your gut.

Wheatgrass (1 teaspoon)

Turmeric (1/2 teaspoon)

Turmeric is an orange spice that is loaded with antioxidants and is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent. It can help your immune system and joints. The great thing about turmeric is that if you use a small amount, you won’t taste it in your smoothie.

Aloe Vera (2 ounces)

Aloe Vera can help in healing your gut lining. The biggest con with aloe vera juice is that it’s often bitter. Dr. Gruning recommends George’s Aloe, which is made from the Aloe plant and isn’t as bitter as other options.

Alan Gruning, D.O

Dr.Gruning is a Christian physician in Southwest Florida who seeks to heal the whole person-body, mind and spirit-because that is what provides the greatest long term success for patients.  He is the author of Prescription for Health, a comprehensive guide to living a balanced life in a toxic world, and was the host of his own TV program of the same name, still visible on his YouTube channel.  He is the founder, Executive and Medical Director of the Southwest Florida Free Pain Clinic, the only free medical clinic in the US specializing in the comprehensive treatment of low income, uninsured patients with acute and chronic pain.  Dr. Gruning speaks frequently about numerous topics to many different groups around SW Florida.  

Dr. Gruning’s smoothie recipe:

1/2 cup vanilla coconut milk or almond milk + 1/2 cup George’s Aloe + 1 cup water
4 tbsp organic Hi-Fiber Hemp protein powder or 2.5-3 tbsp organic grass fed bone broth protein
1 tbsp organic Flax powder
1 tbsp organic Chia Seeds (soak for 5-10 minutes before blending to make a gel)
2 tbsp organic Cacao powder
1 tbsp organic Baobab powder or 1 tsp Açaí or Pomegranate powder or 1-2 ozs Açaí juice
1 tbsp Maca powder
1/2 tsp organic Turmeric powder
1/2 Banana
1/2-1 cup frozen organic berries

Combine in blender or Ninja. Add a little organic cane sugar or stevia if it is not sweet enough. Add less Cacao if you like less chocolate. Use a frozen banana if you want it colder. This provides about 16 ozs.

Total nutrition:

24+g protein
37g fiber
450 calories (if no sugar added)
8,000+mg Omega 3 (converted to EPA/DHA at 20-25% in the body)

This smoothie has so many vitamins, minerals and antioxidants in their raw form that one a day will improve your overall health! In-between meals, eat organic nuts, dried organic berries, and raw cacao nibs. Eat more raw organic fruits and vegetables and watch the new you come to life!