Orange, Almond and Chia Smoothie:

A Great Energy Smoothie For Night Shift!

What’s great about this smoothie?

  • Almonds contain healthy monounsaturated fats, protein, potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc and vitamin E.  The proteins and healthy fats provide a slow source of energy release, and also help to slow down the release of simple carbohydrates or sugars into the bloodstream.  This helps to keep our blood sugar levels steady thereby reduce sugar cravings – something almost every shift worker struggles with thanks to ongoing sleep deprivation.
  • The oranges are bursting with immune boosting benefits including vitamins B and C, along with Flavonoids, Folic Acid, Carotenoids, Potassium and Dietary Fibre.  Vitamin C is also critical for adrenal function, one of our stress regulating glands which bear the brunt of a sleep-deprived lifestyle.
  • The Chia seeds are also high in protein and fibre, both of which help to keep us feeling full and have been shown to aid weight loss.

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Chai and Almond Butter Smoothie: A Winter Smoothie To Help Warm You Up!

It’s another wet, chilly day here in Brisbane so after walking out of the airport and into the somewhat “fresh air” after my early shift, I felt like I needed a little something to help warm me up.

This Chai and Almond Butter Smoothie (which I’ve adapted from Nutritionist Lola Berry’s 20/20 Diet Cookbook) is caffeine free, full of antioxidants, super nourishing and contains spices which help to stimulate the circulatory system and warm us up.

Ingredients

1 frozen banana
4 medjool dates, pitted
2 tablespoons almond butter
1/2 teaspoon chai spice mix
500 ml (2 cups) almond milk
1 teaspoon chopped almonds, to serve

Method

Pop the banana, dates, almond butter, spices and almond milk into a blender and whizz till smooth. Pour into glasses and served topped with a pinch of chai spice and a sprinkle of chopped almonds.

Tip: If you can’t find any chai mix, you can make your own. This is Lola’s recipe …

Ingredients

2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons crushed cardamom seeds
3 tablespoons ground turmeric
1 tablespoon ground cloves
2 tablespoons ground ginger

Method

Combine the spices in a sealable glass jar and store in the pantry to use as required.

Now that I’m all fuelled up, I’m off to a hot yoga class to help warm myself up even more!