Since the new term kicked off last month, I’ve upped my goal of getting some nutrition down the kids before they head off to school. Smoothies are a great option for breakfast because they’re easy and quick to slurp down. The trick is to make them sweet and appealing enough for kids (and picky adults) to enjoy them, whilst shoe-horning in as much nutrition as possible…particularly protein and good fats, which so many of us miss out on in the morning to the detriment of our mental focus, mood and long-term health.
Although I created this mango-based smoothie with my kids in mind, it’s so delicious and filling that it’s become a firm favourite with all of us. I hope it’ll put a smile on your face, too, and see you sailing through your morning having got your gut, brain and whole body off to a spectacular start.
Mangoes have been in the spotlight recently for new research pointing to their gut-healing, diabetes-fighting properties. They’re also high in vitamin C and are an amazing source of beta carotene. They happen to be something of an obsession in our family. My dear late Dad often used to buy us whole boxes of honey-tasting Alfonso mangoes and we still look forward to mango season every year when we can get hold of these. For now, though, I use bags of frozen mango, which are super quick and convenient to chuck in my mixer.
This smoothie is packed full of the good fats which will keep the whole family full and with stable blood sugar right through to lunch. For any kids suffering behavioural or focus issues at school, it’s a far better bet than a refined carb bomb like breakfast cereal, which has been shown to encourage ADHD-like behaviour.
I’ve included flax seeds as they’re a brilliant source of omega-3 fats and fibre plus essential vitamins and minerals. They also contain some potent anti-cancer, hormone-balancing phytonutrients called lignans.
Lastly there’s another fantastic source of Vitamin C: Baobab powder has as a lovely, sherbet-like flavor and one of the highest antioxidant content of any fruit in the world.
Here’s how to make it:
- First put one tablespoon flaxseeds in the mixer and grind for a few seconds till they’re a powder. (If you don’t have a high speed mixer, try using a coffee grinder to grind your flax seeds).
Then add:
- One cup frozen mango
- One banana
- Four walnuts
- One tablespoon virgin coconut oil
- One cup unsweetened almond milk
- One cup water
- Two teaspoons Baobab powder
Blend and enjoy!
Over to you now. I’d love to hear how you get on with this smoothie, so feel free to share over on my Facebook page. See you there!
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