A Morning Fully Loaded Smoothie

What we do when we are well affects us when we are not well. Most of the time. I think about adding many of the things my intuition nudges me to do.

This morning, I enjoyed a water-based drink with frozen pineapple and raspberries. I included two types of collagen powders (Vital and Agent Nature holi (mane)), two types of protein powders, SAKARA metabolism mix (cocoa bean powder, coconut milk powder, coconut sugar, monk fruit, horsetail powder, laminaria kelp powder, black pepper, Gymnema Sylvester), and SAKARA protein and greens mix (spirulina, pumpkin seeds, pea protein, hemp protein, wheatgrass, barley grass, chlorella, coconut sugar, coconut milk powder, stevia leaf extract), matcha powder, three drops of liquid vitamin D/K2, 200+ manuka honey, chia seeds, cocoa nibs, and white sesame seeds.

I made some great ones this week on the fly. This one is an obviously fully loaded smoothie to get me through a fully loaded morning. I found it worth sharing. The pineapple and raspberry flavors provide a sweet-tart zing, while the matcha powder adds just enough oomph. The seeds keep it unboring, and the honey adds perfect sweetness. Vitamin D; I certainly don’t get enough.

Some ingredients break down also worth mention in case you’re not familiar. What do I mean? The difference between types honey or types of ingredients incorporated into smoothie powders.

What is the difference between manuka honey and your regular honey? Welp, although I did attend a beekeeping class for a season several years ago and can test for mites in a hive, I still had to ask this question.

Manuka honey is a type of honey that is produced in New Zealand by bees that pollinate the manuka bush. It is known for its unique flavor and potential health benefits, including antibacterial properties. Regular honey is produced by bees from the nectar of various flowers and plants. The main difference between manuka honey and regular honey is basically the source of the nectar and the specific properties attributed to manuka honey. One of mine has bee pollen mixed inside the actual honey. Manuka honeys are high levels of methylglyoxal. I had to look that up. Higher levels of methylglyoxal means higher levels of antibacterial properties. Manuka honey is also typically more expensive than regular honey due to its specialized production process and perceived health benefits. I love honey and our little honey bees. I certainly recommend beekeeping for a season. If you can.

Then comes the protein powders. SAKARA Metabolism contains L-Glutamine which promotes healthy gut, horsetail eases bloating , kelp and Gymena Sylvestre is an Ayurvedic herb that supports in curbing cravings as well as cortisol levels. Says so on the packaging.

SAKARA Protein & Greens detoxifies and energizes with its pumpkin hemp pea wheatgrass barley spirulina blend. This blend used to have sesame seeds which they have taken out but I add back in often. I recommend this. I wrote to them asking what was different. They told me so.

Oh and least not the matcha powder. There are many types. Daily to the ceremonial. I only have ceremonial left in my inventory. Into the smoothie it went. Oomph. Oh and what’s the difference in the matcha powders?

Ceremonial grade matcha (the most vibrant in color) is the highest quality and most expensive type of matcha powder. Been my experience this far. It is made from the youngest tea leaves, which are shade-grown to enhance flavor and nutrient content. Daily, or culinary matcha is a lower quality (this doesn’t mean bad) and more affordable type of matcha powder. It is made from more mature tea leaves and may not be shade-grown, resulting in a slightly bitter taste and a less vibrant green color. It is more suitable for cooking and baking purposes, such as adding to smoothies, desserts, and savory dishes.

Touching base on the collagen. Not all collagen powders are alike. Marine collagen powder is derived from marine sources like fish and is known for its bioavailability and skin benefits, while bovine collagen powder is sourced from cows and offers benefits for joint, bone, and gut health. The choice between marine and bovine collagen powders often depends on individual dietary preferences and health goals. I use marine collagen daily. Agent Nateur and Great Lakes Wellness are my favorites.

A Morning Fully Loaded Smoothie

Ingredients

1 scoop SAKARA Metabolism

1 scoop SAKARA Protein & Greens

1 scoop of Agent Nateur (Holi) mane collagean powder

1 heaping spoonful of 200+Manuka honey

1-2 teaspoon(s) of Hikari matcha powder

1/2 cup of Whole Foods 365 brand frozen pineapple chunks

1/2 cup Whole Foods 365 brand frozen raspberries

3 drops of Thorne liquid vitamin D/K2

1/2 cup of filtered water

1 teaspoon of each cocoa nibs, white sesame seeds, and chia seeds for the garnish. These babies are antioxidant-filled goodness adding crunch and texture, keeping each sip interesting

Method

Add all ingredients to blending tumbler. Blend until smooth. Pour into a bucket glass and garnish with seeds and cocoa nibs.

Glass: bucket glass

Garnish: sesame seeds, Navitas cocoa nibs, chia seeds

***Please note that this works for me, and you should always check with your medical provider before incorporating any new ingredients, alcohol, or exercises into your wellness routine.

Where to buy the goods? Bucket glasses, blending machines and protein powders and stuff? Blonde Behind the Bucket Storefront.

*please know I may receive commissions from eligible purchases. Thank you thank you.

Could’ve Been Smoothie

Could’ve Been Smoothie

Ingredients

3 tablespoons of carob powder

1/2 cup of frozen blueberries

1/3 cup of raw cashews

1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract or scrape a vanilla pod

3-5 pitted dates (size varies)

1 1/2 frozen bananas

1/2 of a frozen green apple without skin

3 tablespoons of hemp seeds

2 tablespoons of cacao nibs

1 cup of unsweetened vanilla almond milk

2 tablespoons of Ancient Nutrition multi collagen protein

2 tablespoons of agave or honey

Method

Reserve a few slices of bananas and some cocoa nibs for garnish. Add all ingredients to a blender. Combine until smooth. Pour into bucket glass and garnish.

Glass: bucket glass

Garnish: fresh slices banana and cacao nibs

Bar Chef Notes: Carob is often used as a substitute for chocolate, especially by those who are sensitive to chocolate or caffeine. The flavor of carob is earthy and not as bitter as chocolate, with a slight natural sweetness. It has a distinct taste and is often lower in calories than chocolate.

Where to buy the good? You know bucket glasses, blending machine, carob powder and stuffs?

Blonde Behind the Bucket Storefront

*I may earn commissions from eligible purchases

Cacao the Dragon

Cacao the Dragon

Ingredients

1 whole chopped frozen banana

I cup of Whole Foods 365 brand frozen black cherries

1 frozen packet of PITAYA Dragon Fruit

1 scoop of VEGA Vanilla Protein & Greens powder

2 tablespoons of Vital Proteins hibiscus beauty collagen powder (this one contains 120 mg of Hyaluronic Acid, which is great for your joints – confirmed by my running coach). The hibiscus flavor adds a unique taste and flavor to the mix. That certain something.

1 cup of 365 Whole Foods unsweetened vanilla almond milk

10+ PRI Manuka honey for the rim of the glass or any honey will do. Manuka has that extra extra.

2 Tablespoons Navitas Organics cacao nibs for the rim of the glass and to blend into smoothie. A little more doesn’t hurt though. These are considered nature’s dark chocolate chips and a superfood. Add a great texture and earthy flavor to the smoothie.

Method

Take a tablespoon of cacao nibs and grind them in a coffee grinder. Alternatively, you can place them in a zip-lock style bag and crush them with a mallet. Then, pour the crushed cacao nibs onto a plate. Roll the rim of the glass in manuka honey (scoop some honey with a spoon – use plastic or wood as metal can affect the enzymes in the honey) and then roll it in the cacao nibs. Place the glass in the refrigerator to chill until needed.

In a blender, in my case the Cuisinart To Go cylinder, add all ingredients. Blend until smooth. Remove the glass from the refrigerator and pour smoothie inside to enjoy.

Where To Buy:

*This is an affiliate link and I may receive commissions from purchases.*

Blonde Behind the Bucket Amazon Storefront