>U Mom Knows Best: Smoothies
Showing posts with label Smoothies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Smoothies. Show all posts

Lemon Pie Smoothie For Muscle Recovery

   This delicious lemon pie smoothie is so delicious and is perfect for after the gym. From the sweet lemon flavor to the Graham cracker crumbs, it tastes like a piece of lemon pie. The added turmeric and plant-based protein will help your muscles recover.


 Protein smoothies are a great way to get plenty of protein after a workout, but the reality is, they can get boring quickly. Most protein powders come in a couple of flavors, like vanilla or chocolate, not leaving you with much variety. Sure, there are other flavors of protein powder, but they tend to have artificial flavors or artificial sweeteners in them. 

 I like to use unflavored protein powder for my morning smoothie and add fruit for the sweetness. Sometimes I will sweeten my smoothie with a bit of honey or peanut butter. The awesome thing about buying plain protein powder is that I can use it in my oatmeal or add it to recipes. 

I love making a bowl of savory oatmeal with protein powder and salt. Then I top it with cooked kale, avocado, and sunflower seeds. My oatmeal is transformed into a high-protein meal with the addition of protein powder.

This Lemon Pie Smoothie uses plain protein powder along with honey, plant milk, and lemon juice. There is no artificial crap in this smoothie. It offers a new flavor variety to your smoothie routine.


My favorite plain, unflavored protein powder is Huel

My favorite plain, unflavored protein powder is Huel. Huel is different and is not like other protein powders. Huel is more than a protein powder; it is a nutritionally complete food powder. Huel is a perfectly balanced and nutritionally complete meal powder.  It can be used as a meal replacement.
This powder is high in protein and fiber, low in sugar and salt, rich in phytonutrients, and contains all 27 essential vitamins and minerals. 

 Huel is my fuel that keeps my body going on busy days. I love that Huel is packed with vegan plant-based protein and is also gluten-free. Huel is available in many other flavors and also comes in ready-made bottles. They also have these Complete Savory Meals that are perfect for quick meals.

Use code MOMKNOWSBESTHUEL to save $20  on all Huel products through July 15, 2026. After that, my code takes off 15% on any size order



 Huel contains just the right amount of protein, essential fats, fiber, carbohydrates, and all 27 essential vitamins & minerals. It’s vegan, lactose-free, soy-free, GMO-free, high in protein, and contains less than 2% sugar.

I love the way Huel is packaged

 Most protein powders are packaged in big plastic tubs that take up a lot of space in your recycling bin.  These plastic tubs also use a lot of resources to make and recycle. Huel packages their powder into lightweight, multi-serve pouches. While not recyclable, they account for less than 3% of the product's carbon footprint. 


Use code MOMKNOWSBESTHUEL to save $20  on all Huel products through July 15, 2026. After that, my code takes off 15% on any size order 


Can this smoothie be made vegan or gluten-free?

 If you have dietary restrictions or food allergies, this delicious smoothie can be made allergy-friendly. It can also be made gluten-free and vegan. Huel protein powder is already vegan, gluten-free, soy-free, and nut-free, you will need to make simple ingredient swaps. 

  + Use oatmilk or coconut milk instead of the cashew milk
  + Use agave syrup in place of the honey
  + Use gluten-free Graham crackers

Lemon Pie Smoothie For Muscle Recovery


 Lemon Pie Smoothie With Turmeric

  Makes 1 serving

Ingredients

  + 1 cup cashew milk, almond milk. or oat milk

  + 1 scoop Huel unflavored powder

  + 6 ice cubes

  + 1/2 teaspoon turmeric

  + 2 tablespoons of  honey or agave syrup

  + 2 tablespoons lemon juice or 1 teaspoon True Lemon Crystallized lemon

  + 1 Graham Cracker, crushed or gluten-free Graham cracker

Combine all ingredients, except Graham Cracker crumbs, in a blender and blend until smooth. Pour into a cup and sprinkle the Graham cracker crumbs on top. Enjoy!

Nutritional Facts of Huel Protein

One scoop of plain Huel contains 15 grams of protein, 4 grams of fiber, and 1 gram of sugar. 

Use code MOMKNOWSBESTHUEL to save $20  on all Huel products through July 15, 2026. After that, my code takes off 15% on any size order 


Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie Bowl

Instead of drinking a smoothie through a straw, eat your smoothie with a spoon. Smoothie bowls are similar to a smoothie but usually thicker and served in a bowl.


 I am a smoothie person when it comes to enjoying my daily protein shake, I am a pour that smoothie into a glass and drink it with a straw. Smoothies are an easy healthy breakfast option. I love smoothies for how you can pack the nutrition into a glass. The options for healthy ingredients are endless for creating healthy smoothies. 

 My smoothies always contain plant-based protein, fruit, chia or flax seeds, and matcha green tea powder. It is the flavor of vegan protein powder and the type of fruit that determines the flavor of my smoothie. From strawberry smoothies to chocolate smoothies, the smoothie choices are many. Smoothies are a healthy grab-and-go breakfast option or any time of day healthy drink.

A smoothie bowl is a smoothie eaten from a bowl instead of consumed from a cup. 

 Then it dawned on me that I could enjoy a smoothie for dessert with a smoothie bowl. A smoothie bowl is similar to a smoothie in a glass. A smoothie is a glass you drink with a straw and a smoothie is a bowl is eaten with a spoon. You can also add toppings to a smoothie bowl. Some smoothie bowls can be made with the same texture as ice cream. So I decided to make a peanut butter chocolate smoothie vegan ice cream bowl.


 Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie Bowl is

+ Delicious

+ Healthy

+ Vegan

+ Dairy-Free

+ Full of Protein

+ Creamy

+ Gluten-Free

+ Chocolatey

+ Plant-Based

+ Easy To Make

Homemade Nut Milk In Minutes With Nutr Milk Machine 


Ingredients needed for a Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie Bowl

+ Frozen Bananas

+ Plant-Based Protein 

+ Peanut Butter Powder

+ Cocoa Powder

+ Oat Milk ~ Check out my recipe for homemade oat milk

+ A High-Speed Blender

Discover a powerful high-speed blender at an affordable price

My high-speed blender has seen better days. I guess my daily smoothies for 6 years have put some wear and tear on the blender. So I decided to replace my current high-speed blender with a Pro-Blender from Brandless. I had heard good things about the Brandless high-speed blender and read good reviews. The price of the Brandless Blender is what made me consider purchasing this blender. I had read that the Pro-Blender from Brandless was comparable to high-speed blenders that cost over $600!

The Pro-Blender from Brandless is priced at $200.00 and is on sale for $149. At that price, I knew that I had to replace my old blender with a Brandless Blender. The Brandless blender is perfect for smoothies, shakes, and more! This powerful blender has 6 stainless steel blades that can chop, puree and blend.


The Most Blender 

 + Super-Fast ~ Powerful 2 HP Motor

+ Super-Size ~ 64 oz

+ Super Durable ~ BPA-Free, Shatter-Proof Carafe

+ Super Sharp ~ 6 Stainless Steel Blades

+ Super Safe ~ Tamper-Proof Safety Controls

+ Super Versatile ~ Smoothies, Soups, Sauces, Hummus, Nut Butters, Dips, Milks

+ Super Simple ~ Dishwasher Safe (just blend with soapy water first)

+ Super Reliable ~ 3 YEAR PROMISE

How to make a smoothie bowl

Making a smoothie bowl is super easy and super fun! You simply add the smoothie ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. Then you place the blended smoothie in a bowl and add the toppings. Grab a spoon and enjoy.

My favorite protein powder to use for smoothies is Nuzest Plant-Based Protein



Nuzest protein powder is

+ Dairy-free

+ Gluten-free

+ Soy-free

+ Vegan

+ Plant-based

+ Low-carb

+ 20 grams of protein

+ Allergy-friendly

+ Many delicious flavors like wild strawberry and coffee coconut

+ Mixes smoothly

Save 15% on Nuzest with code MOMKNOWSBEST15

Smoothie topping suggestions

+ Granola ~ Check out my recipe for homemade granola

+ Coconut

+ Dried Fruit

+ Fresh Fruit

+ Nuts

+ Chocolate Chips

Vegan Coconut Whipped Cream

Pin this recipe on Pinterest 

Recipes that you can make in the Brandless Blender

+ Spicy HARISSA Hot Chili Hummus

Easy Beet Hummus

Spicy Carrot Hummus

+ Natural Homemade Honey Sunflower Seed Butter 

Homemade Blender Free Freezer Smoothie Cubes

Purchase the Brandless Pro-Blender here 

The Best Superfood Supplements For Smoothies

 Take your smoothies to a whole new level of nutrition with these amazing superfood supplements. Keep reading to discover my favorite superfoods that I add to my morning smoothie.


 I love smoothies for breakfast. I got on the smoothie thing about six years ago when I discovered that my body needed more protein to heal from an ankle injury. Long story short is my teen accidentally hit my ankle with a shopping cart. The X-rays showed no broken bones and several months of steroid shots and wearing a walking boot did nothing. While I could walk, my ankle was swollen and I could not run. So after consulting with Dr. Google, I discovered that protein and collagen might help with healing.

 So I tried a protein powder that had collagen in it and after a couple weeks, my ankle started to heal. My research led to discovering that I most likely injured my ankle joint tendon. So I continued to consume a protein shake every day to keep my joints healthy. I wanted to keep running.

 I enjoy running, and I want to be that pink-haired lady who is still running at 93!

 After several months of my morning protein smoothie and being able to run again, I began to notice that my flabby arms were starting to lose the flab. I did not change my exercise routine or my diet, I just added in that protein smoothie. So further research and I realized that my body was lacking protein. The 20 grams of protein that I was getting from the protein powder in my smoothie was helping my muscles. 

 So I made the decision to include a smoothie a day in my meal planning. At first, my smoothies were just protein powder and fruit, sometimes I added veggies. Then I started to change my diet for the better and added weights into my fitness routine. That is what turning 50 can do as one discovers that their body is turning on them. I started to consume my smoothie in the morning after I exercise and started to add superfoods to my blended protein drink. I wanted to make this protein drink super healthy. 

 Through trial and error, I discover superfoods that not only give me awesome nutrition but also make my smoothie taste delicious. So my morning smoothie drink gives me plenty of protein for my muscles and superfood supplements for a healthy body. My pantry is stocked with several flavors of protein powder and a wide assortment of superfood supplements. Food is my medicine and my pantry is my smoothie bar. Keep reading to discover my favorite superfood powder supplements that I add to my smoothies. 

My favorite smoothie superfood powders

 Below is a list of the superfood supplements and protein powders that you will always find on the top shelf of my pantry. Some of the supplements I add to every smoothie that I make and others I rotate depending on the flavor profile of my smoothie concoction. While superfoods are good for you, you may not want to overdo and combine too many superfood powders in your drink. The taste may not be appealing. So don't go crazy with adding supplements to your smoothies.

This page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases 

1. Nuzest Protein Powder

 My superfood smoothies always start out with plenty of protein. Since I have a dairy allergy, I use plant-based protein powder. If you are confused about which protein powder is best for you, you need to read this article about protein powder. My favorite vegan protein powder that I always have in my smoothie mix-ins is a clean ingredient vegan protein that is also super allergy-friendly. Nuzest protein is free of the top 8 allergens like nuts, dairy, soy, and contains no gluten. This delicious protein is also low in carbs and comes in the best flavors like Wild Strawberry, Creamy Vanilla, and Coffee Coconut. 


 I find that Nuzest blends the best in any liquid and is the best protein powder for baking. Nuzest protein can be used just like flour in gluten-free recipes and even blends well into other recipes like pancakes. So my kids have no clue that I added protein powder to their pancakes. I made 4 Mocha Coconut Breakfast Cookies with Nuzest protein and they were so delicious.

Save 15% on Nuzest with code MOMKNOWSBEST15


2. Matcha Green Tea


 My morning smoothies also always contain matcha green tea. We all know how healthy green tea is so matcha is green tea leaves made into a powder. So my smoothie is getting the power of several cups of green tea. Matcha Green Tea is the main ingredient in Green Tea Lattes. Matcha powder is great for the skin and for metabolism. Matcha is also great for lasting energy. So I look at this superfood as my anti-aging powder. A little bit goes a long way so I just add 1/2 teaspoon to my smoothie. Matcha may be green and taste like green tea on its own but when I add it to my smoothie along with fruit, I don't notice the taste.

3. Flax ~ Chia ~ Hemp Seed

 Another main ingredient that I always combine into my daily smoothie is some form of an omega-3 superfood. That omega ingredient may be chia seed, flaxseed, or hemp seed. Omega-3 is rich in essential fatty acids (EFAs) and fiber. These superfood omega-3 supplements are also great for healthy cholesterol. Not only do I add flax, chia seed, or hemp to my smoothies but they also make great vegan egg substitutes for replacing eggs in vegan recipes.


 I sometimes use all three of the above omega-3 superfood ingredients in my smoothies for super nutrition. So lately I have been using an amazing product that combines chia seed, flax, and hemp seed all in one bag. So I can just reach for one bag. BetterBody Foods Super Seed provides 5700mg of Omega 3 in every deliciously nutty serving along with 8 grams of fiber and 6 grams of protein. So this superfood blend takes my protein smoothie to a whole new level of nutrition. These Organic Super Seeds are gluten-free, non-GMO, Kosher, and USDA Organic certified. This blend of healthy omega-3 also has an amazing taste and I love using it in baking and in oatmeal.

4. Beet Root Powder

 Beets have some amazing nutrition and health benefits. Beets are highly nutritious and loaded with health-promoting properties. Beets have plenty of fiber which is good for controlling your sugars. Beets are also great for blood pressure, inflammation, brain health, and even lung health. Since discovering that my lungs need healing from my many asthma problems, I make sure to add a beetroot powder to my smoothie a couple times a week. Beetroot is part of my lung healing from the trauma plan.


 I find that beetroot blends best in smoothies with fruits like strawberries, blueberries, and peaches. This red powder gives my smoothie a pretty purple color. Since beets are sweet, the beetroot powder also adds some natural sweetness to my protein smoothie. While making your own homemade beetroot powder is simple, it is also messy and makes your hands pink. I discovered that it is more economical to buy a bag of beetroot powder and I now purchase Alovitox Organic Beet Root Powder from Amazon. This bag of beet powder has 112 servings for an amazingly low price. I love that the bag is resealable. 

 Some people also swear by this red root superfood for energy to help energize their workouts. So I decided to mix the beet powder into a glass of water to make beet juice. I then drank the beet juice before I exercise and I felt more energetic while running on my elliptical. The beetroot powder has helped me through my fitness challenge of 9 miles a day. 

5. Green Juice Powder

 On the days that I don't use beet powder in my smoothies, I add a superfood greens powder in my smoothie blender. My greens juice powder is loaded with plenty of green veggies. So essentially a greens powder is a great way to add veggies to your smoothie without having to suck pieces of kale through a straw. Having some type of green powder in your pantry will also eliminate having to buy tons of green vegetables that usually go bad before you have a chance to use them. 


Shop Organifi Green Juice Today 

 My favorite way to use green juice powder is in a chocolate-based smoothie. I find that the taste of chocolate overpowers the green veggie taste. I also love to add peanut butter to my chocolate smoothies. I will also add my green powder to my smoothies that contain pineapple or blueberries for the same reason.

6. Cocoa Nibs

 If you love the taste of chocolate in your smoothie but don't want the added sugar, you need to add Cocoa Nibs to your smoothie. Cacao Nibs are the rawest & nutritious form of chocolate. Cocoa nibs are also vegan. These pieces of chocolate add a great chocolate taste without adding carbs or sugar. 


 My favorite way to use cocoa nibs is in a chocolate mint smoothie. I use the above green juice powder, vanilla protein powder, and these Alovitox naturally sweetened cocoa nibs that I found on Amazon. These cocoa nibs are naturally sweetened with Yakon syrup so they have a way better taste when compared to regular cocoa nibs. These cocoa nibs taste great straight out of the package! Cocoa nibs are rich in flavonoids. Flavonoids have potent antioxidants and anti-inflammatory effects. They are also keto-friendly and gluten-free!

7. Regular Girl

 I use my morning smoothie as a way to add awesome nutrition to my body. The protein is great for my muscles and the above superfoods add other amazing health benefits. I also use my morning smoothie as a high-fiber drink so it is like consuming a high-fiber cereal. Adding additional fiber to my smoothie helps me stay regular and avoided gut problems like constipation. It also helps me get my bathroom business done in the morning so I don't have to worry about having to go number 2 while I am out of the house.


 The best way to add fiber to a smoothie is with Regular Girl fiber. Regular Girl is a probiotic fiber supplement that has no taste. So you can add it to almost any liquid or soft food. This fiber supplement is different as it is not like those harsh fiber supplements that can upset your stomach. Regular Girl is made with clean ingredients that work with your body’s natural ability to get back in balance and keep it in balance. So you can have a healthy digestive system and not experience gut problems like constipation. Flight attendants love Regular Girl as it is not only easy to take but it keeps them regular in the bathroom department despite their crazy schedules. You have to try Regular Girl! Make sure to read all the Regular Girl reviews here to understand why people love Regular Girl.

Use Code MOMKNOBEST10 to save on Regular Girl

8. Collagen

 I recently started adding collagen to my smoothies for the skin, hair, and nail benefits. Collagen is also great for healthy joints. I used to add collagen to my coffee but I find it easier to just toss it into my smoothie blender jar. Collagen is a tasteless powder so it won't affect the taste of your smoothie. Collagen is sourced from bovine hide and is also rich in protein.


Since I drink my smoothie after I workout, I knew that the additional protein would be good for muscle recovery. I also lift weights 3 times a week so my body needs extra protein. I know that my skin looks younger due to adding collagen to my diet and also with my regular use of a facial laser device.

 Use code MOMKNOWSBEST to save 10% off this amazing laser facial device that helps eliminate fine lines and wrinkles.

9. Splendid Spoon Smoothies

 Sometimes life gets busy, and you don't have time to make a smoothie. So, rather than grabbing something unhealthy for breakfast, grab a ready-made smoothie from your fridge or freezer. I always have a stash of plant-based ready-made smoothies in my freezer. That way I can grab one out the door for a healthy breakfast.


 I am not talking about meal-prepping those smoothies that you have to still blend up. I am talking about stocking your freezer with delicious vegan smoothies from Splendid Spoon. These smoothies are so delicious and come in 18 delicious flavors. The plant-based smoothies are loaded with nutritious clean ingredients and low in sugar. My favorite Splendid Spoon smoothie is the Mint Java Chip. 

 Sundays are busy for me and I have to be out the door early in the morning for church. So I always grab a Splendid Spoon ready-made smoothie from my fridge. That way I have a healthy breakfast to eat while driving to church. I love Splendid Spoon as they are allergy-friendly and they list their ingredients on the website and on the smoothie bottles. So with my many food allergies, I know that I have food that is safe for me to eat.

What is your favorite superfood supplement?




Homemade Blender Free Freezer Smoothie Cubes

 Smoothies are a delicious way to get an abundance of nutrition but can be a pain to make. Ready-to-drink smoothies are expensive and usually loaded with sugar. So, learn how you can stock your freezer with smoothie cubes that don't require a blender.


 I am obsessed with my morning smoothie. While I love all the protein and superfoods that I get in a deliciously creamy smoothie, making smoothies is time-consuming. Sure you can make the smoothie, the night before but even that can be a pain. Then there is always the chore of cleaning the blender.

You know the smoothie routine ~ dig in the freezer for frozen fruit, add several powders like protein powder, greens, and other superfoods. Blend up the ingredients in a loud high-speed blender and then pour the smoothie into a glass. Then wash the blender. Then try to do all of this while trying to get the kids ready for school and yourself for work. Your perfect morning never happens, so you give your child a bowl of cereal or worse yet you head to the fast-food drive-thru. 

Prep the smoothie in Mason jars ~not!

 I remember when Pinterest was filled with premade smoothies made in Mason jars, that you store in your freezer. The concept was to grab a smoothie jar, add liquid, and place it on your blender, for a ready-made smoothie. Who has that kind of storage in their freezer? Who is brave enough to store glass jars in their freezer, that will break?


Then there was prepping the smoothie ingredients in plastic bags. That still involved using a noisy blender and having to clean the blender. All while trying to get out of the house. So the idea of healthy smoothies for your kids simply does not happen.

Quick and easy blender-free smoothies

The other day while I was on Instagram, I saw this video from a company that makes blender-free smoothie cubes. The video showed a person taking these colorful frozen smoothie cups and adding them to a jar with liquid. They shook up the jar and within minutes, they had a delicious nutritious smoothie. 

 I love my morning smoothies so I had to have those superfood smoothie cubes and I headed to their website. Only to find out that the smoothie cubes to make one smoothie was $5 and they did not ship to my state! The smoothie cubes also contained ingredients that I was allergic to. I then realized that I could make Homemade Blender-Free Superfood Smoothie Cubes.


 I could make the smoothie cubes with ingredients that I liked and were safe for me to eat. I could add my favorite vegan protein powder and the superfoods that I wanted. I could make several varieties of these ready-to-use freezer smoothie cubes and save money. The best part is I would be able to make a healthy smoothie on busy mornings without the mess.

Homemade Blender Free Superfood Smoothie Cubes are

+ Healthy

+ Dairy-Free

+ Easy To Make

+ Plant-Based

+ Loaded with Protein

+ Full of Fiber

+ Contain Superfoods

+ Vegan

+ Convenient

+ Great For Busy Mornings 

+ Allergy-friendly


Make-Ahead Smoothie Cubes

 The best part of these Homemade Blender Free Superfood Smoothie Cubes is how easy is to make a fresh smoothie with the frozen smoothie cubes. You don't even need a blender. You simply take the premade smoothie cubes and add them to your choice of liquid in a jar or smoothie bottle. I like using plant-based milk or even water. You let the cubes sit in the liquid for about 20-30 minutes and then shake it up. You have a ready-to-drink smoothie with no mess.

 Wait, I don't have time to wait for the smoothie cubes to thaw! The night before place the desired liquid into your shaker container and place it in the fridge. Then when you wake up grab the smoothie cubes from the freezer and toss them in the container. Set the container on the counter and get everyone dressed.  Then by the time you head out the door, the smoothie will be ready to shake and drink. So grab, shake and drink!

Ingredients needed for smoothie cubes

+ Fruit ~ Fresh or frozen

+ Veggies ~ Fresh or frozen

+ Plant-Based Protein Powder ~ I like Nuzest Vegan Vanilla Protein ~save 15% with my code MOMKNOWSBEST15 at https://bit.ly/2OWQyk7 

+ Peanut Butter Powder

+ Prebiotic Fiber Blend ~ My favorite is Regular Girl ~save 10% with my code MOMKNOBEST10 https://www.regulargirl.com/?rfsn=977462.eafead

+ Superfoods of your choice: Chia seeds, flax seeds, beet powder, etc

+ Green Powder

+ Red Powder

The concept of these cubes is simple: add all of your normal smoothie ingredients to a blender with as little water as possible to form a paste, then freeze into cubes. This way you’ll have all your favorite smoothie goodies in several frozen cubes. Then on a busy morning, all you have to do is add these cubes + water or plant-based milk to your container with a lid for a quick and easy smoothie.

This recipe is highly customizable, but here’s what I like to add to my Superfood Smoothie Cubes:

+ Frozen berries: strawberries, blueberries ~ for sweetness & antioxidants

+ Flax seed or chia seed: for omegas and fiber

+ Matcha Green Tea: for antioxidants and for energy

+ Fiber powder: to stay regular in the bathroom department save 10% with my code MOMKNOBEST10 https://www.regulargirl.com/?rfsn=977462.eafead

+ Plant-based Protein Powder: save 15% with my code MOMKOWSBEST15 at https://bit.ly/2OWQyk7

+ A Super green powder: for lots of green veggies

Blender Free Superfood Smoothie Cubes ideas

+ Bananas, peanut butter, and chocolate protein powder

+ Strawberries, beet powder, and vanilla protein powder

+ Peaches, green powder, and vanilla protein powder

+ Blueberries, frozen spinach, and chocolate protein powder

When you have an abundance of fresh fruit - make lots of smoothie cubes

When you have an abundance of fruit and veggies, don't let it go to waste. Blend it up and make freezer smoothie cubes. When my neighbor's apricot tree had plenty of fruit, I blended up the fresh apricots and made a fruit puree for my daily smoothies. I also froze apricot halves. Thankfully, I have 2 deep freezers so I can freeze plenty of fruit for my smoothies.

 Last year the prickly pear cactus plants had plenty of prickly pears and froze them. These frozen prickly pears would make great smoothie cubes. If your garden has plenty of kale, blend it up into smoothie cubes with your favorite fresh or frozen fruit.

What is your favorite fruit for smoothies?








Healthy Heart Cran-Raspberry Strawberry Chocolate Smoothie With CocoaVia™

March is a great time to think of heart health, so love your heart with a delicious cran-raspberry strawberry chocolate smoothie
 This is a sponsored post for Review Wire Media on behalf of CocoaVia™



  March is a perfect month to enjoy a delicious chocolate smoothie that is sweetened with the wonderful taste of cran-raspberry. This month is heart health month so indulge in a creamy chocolate smoothie that is good for your heart. Yes, chocolate, specifically dark chocolate, can be good for your heart as it contains cocoa flavanols. Dark chocolate contains these heart-healthy cocoa flavanols but I discovered a cocoa supplement that has more cocoa flavanols per serving. This CocoaVia™ daily cocoa extract supplement contains 450 mg of cocoa flavanols in every serving. To get the same mg of cocoa flavanols that have heart benefits, you would have to eat 8 servings of dark chocolate. For most people that amount of dark chocolate would be half their calorie intake for the day.

The benefits of dark chocolate come from cocoa flavanols. Studies have shown that cocoa flavanols promote healthy blood flow, which helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to your heart and brain. Unlike dark chocolate, CocoaVia contains 450mg of cocoa flavanols in every serving – minus the calories, fat, and carbs.


That amount of dark chocolate pieces would leave me feeling sick. I would rather enjoy a heart-healthy chocolate smoothie that has a delicious chocolate taste. One delicious CocoaVia™ package not only adds chocolate flavor to this creamy smoothie but studies have shown that it has some amazing benefits for the heart. I won't expand on the scientific research about Cocoa Flavanols but I will tell you about my experience with this heart-healthy supplement.


Use code MKB30 to save 30% on CocoaVia

It all started with a delicious smoothie



 The first time I tried a CocoaVia ™ product was in my morning smoothie. I like drinking smoothies for breakfast as it is an easy way to get protein and superfoods into my body. I always make my smoothies with protein powder and fruit along with different superfoods and supplements. So adding the CocoaVia ™ supplement was simple to add to my blender. I added the Cran-Raspberry Drink mix to my smoothie that also had a scoop of vegan chocolate protein powder and one cup of frozen strawberries. If I had frozen raspberries, I would have used those instead of the frozen strawberries. The powder supplement mixed well into my daily smoothie and made it taste so delicious. The CocoaVia Cran-Raspberry drink mix added a sweet cran-raspberry flavor to my chocolate smoothie and it was so yummy. After I finished my sweet creamy smoothie, I did my usual work on the computer. I noticed that I was able to think better when I was writing. The CocoaVia supplement is supposed to promote healthy blood flow through the body which can help your body perform better.*

 The Cran-Raspberry powdered mix has a refreshing, fruity taste and can also be mixed directly in water or juices. So this variety is convenient to take on the go. The one stick pack has only 20 calories per serving, so that is great for those who are watching their calories. I like that this supplement is plant-based and delivers 450 mg of cocoa flavanols. I also love that it supports brain, heart and total-body health. This delicious drink mix is also dairy-free and plant-based so it is suitable for a vegan or vegetarian diet. The cocoa extract mix does not contain any wheat but it is not certified gluten-free.


 CocoaVia stick packs are available in other flavors if you don't like cran-raspberry. These easy to mix packets of cocoa flavanols come in Sweetened and Unsweetened Dark Chocolate and Original flavor. The chocolate flavor mixes have a bold and rich dark chocolate flavor and are perfect to add to coffee, milk, protein shakes, yogurt, and oatmeal. The Original Flavor powdered mix comes straight from the cocoa bean and has a unique herbal taste that is similar to black tea and doesn’t taste like chocolate. So CocoaVia ™ recommends adding this one to flavored drinks or coffee. Like the Cran-raspberry CocoaVia ™ stick pack, these packets of cocoa flavanols are low in calories and contain 450-mg of heart-healthy cocoa flavanols.

Could it help my workout?


  A couple days later, I decided to try the CocoaVia ™ capsules. The CocoaVia ™ capsules have the same amount of cocoa flavanols, 450 mg, as the CocoaVia ™ packets and don't need to be stirred into a liquid or food. I like that I was able to just swallow them with a glass of water. I took the CocoaVia ™ capsules 15 minutes before I went to the gym. It was night time and I did not want to drink anything with caffeine in it for energy. I was not tired but I also did not feel like I had any energy to work out. So I was hoping that the CocoaVia ™ would give me the energy to lift weights. I did my usual 30-minute weightlifting routine and noticed that I was breathing better. I also noticed that I did not need to take rest breaks between my sets. When I lift weights, I like to combine HIIT with my exercise so I will do a fast rep of ten lifts and then a slower rep of ten lifts. Then I usually take a 30-second break between these reps. I noticed that I only needed 15 seconds between reps.



I felt more energetic 

 When I finished my weights, I noticed that my husband was still working out so instead of my usual check my email while I wait for him, I decided to hop on the stair climber. I still had energy in my body and enjoyed 5 minutes on the stair climber. Yes, if I have energy and good music, I enjoy working out. The CocoaVia ™ gave me energy that night. It must have been the increase in nitric oxide levels that the cocoa flavanols gave my body.*

*CocoaVia ™ facts(from product website)

1. The cocoa flavanols in CocoaVia™ supplement have been shown to promote healthy blood flow – ensuring that your entire brain remains nourished and can perform at its best, every single day.

2. Scientific studies have shown that cocoa flavanols increase nitric oxide levels in your body. Nitric oxide is a super-molecule that contributes to the health of your cardiovascular system.

3. Cocoa flavanols, the foundation of CocoaVia™ daily cocoa extract supplement, support heart, brain, and total body health by promoting healthy blood flow – which helps your body perform at its best.

4. This cocoa extract is the key ingredient in CocoaVia™ supplement, and thanks to the Cocoapro® process, we use the freshest cocoa beans possible to make this extract. In fact, we are one of the few companies that can actually trace our beans back to the Indonesian farmers who grow the cocoa.

5. CocoaVia™ is a brand of daily cocoa extract supplement that delivers 450 mg of cocoa flavanols in every serving. Numerous scientific studies have demonstrated that the cocoa flavanols in CocoaVia™ supplements support brain and heart health by promoting healthy blood flow.

CocoaVia ™ will be a daily supplement

 I was amazed at how CocoaVia ™ helped me perform with my writing and my exercise. This healthy blood flow from the cocoa flavanols is something that I like. So I will be using this healthy heart supplement on a daily basis as I like performing at my best. I will be using the CocoaVia ™ Supplement in the morning before I run. The Cran-raspberry flavor would be so simple to mix up in a glass of water. The CocoaVia ™ capsules are also easy to take when I don't want a sweet drink. One thing that I need to take into consideration with the CocoaVia ™ supplement is the caffeine that naturally occurs in the cocoa extract. Caffeine personally tends to keep me awake at bedtime if I consume it after 3 PM so I will not use it for night time gym visits. If you are sensitive to caffeine, I would recommend taking the capsules earlier in the day so you are able to fall asleep in the evening.


Benefits of taking CocoaVia ™ daily

 I just love this information that I found on the CocoaVia ™ website as it helps explain how the supplement works to benefit the heart, brain, and body.

Heart Health

The Cocoa Flavanols in CocoaVia™ increase your body’s natural pool of nitric oxide, keeping your arteries flexible and blood vessels healthy. This promotes healthy blood flow throughout your body and helps you maintain healthy blood pressure levels.

Brain Health

By promoting healthy blood flow, CocoaVia™ helps your body deliver a high level of oxygen and nutrients that your brain needs to function at its best, helping you achieve optimal brain performance.

Total-Body Health

By increasing nitric oxide levels, CocoaVia™ helps support every organ, muscle, and tissue in your body, giving you sustained energy throughout the day and providing a great pre-workout boost. With healthy blood flow, you’ll also experience perks like healthier, more hydrated skin.



Use code MKB30 to save 30% on CocoaVia


Healthy Heart Cran-Raspberry Strawberry Chocolate Smoothie 

Ingredients:
1 cup of water
1 scoop of your favorite chocolate flavor protein powder
1 packet CocoaVia ™  Cran-Raspberry, Cocoa Flavanol Drink Mix
1 cup of frozen strawberries or raspberries

Combine all ingredients in a blender and mix until smooth.



Seven Superfoods That You Need To Add To Your Smoothie

Smoothies are a great way to add great nutrition to your diet. Adding superfoods to a smoothie adds additional health benefits. Check out seven superfoods that you need to add to your smoothie.

          I received samples from Organic Traditions to facilitate this post.
This page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases 

 Smoothies are my favorite way to get some great nutrition into my body. I like drinking a smoothie for breakfast as it is my way of getting some superfoods into my daily eating. I don't drink smoothies as a way to lose weight, but rather as a way to get superior nutrition. 

The smoothies that I make are delicious and are filled with protein, fiber, and superfoods. I have my favorite vegan protein powder that I like to add to my smoothie, and I also have a mix of superfoods that I add to this drink. So I get the nutrients that I desire into my body. Smoothies make a delicious, healthy breakfast and are super easy to make. I find that healthy smoothies give me great energy and help me to stay full all morning.

Use code MOMKNOWSBESTHUEL to save $20  on all Huel products through July 15, 2026. After that, my code takes off 15% on any size order



Take your smoothie to the next level


 When a smoothie is made with healthy foods and does not contain added sugar, they are a terrific way to pack nutrients into a delicious drink. I like to make my smoothies at home so I can make it with healthy ingredients. Did you know that those smoothies that you buy at the store and restaurants can have a lot of sugar in them and very little nutrition? 

You have to be a label reader when buying smoothies so you can be informed about what is in that so-called healthy drink. The best smoothies are made with protein powder, fruit, and superfood powders.

Ten Tips For Women To Stay Fit Over 50 

My favorite smoothie ingredients

 There are many superfood ingredients that can be added to smoothies, and I have some favorite ingredients that are always in my kitchen. My go-to smoothie ingredients are frozen fruits like blueberries, mangos, and strawberries, and plant-based protein powders. So you will always find big bags of frozen fruit in my freezer, as frozen fruit gives my smoothie a sweet taste without having to use added sugar.

 I like frozen fruit over fresh fruit as it has more nutrients. Fresh fruit tends to lose nutrition from the moment it is picked, while usually frozen fruit is picked and frozen on the same day. I also have a couple of different vegan protein powders, in different flavors, in my pantry so I can make different flavors of smoothies. 

The plant-based protein powders that I use for my smoothies are ones that I have discovered to have the best flavor and texture. I love using protein powders in other healthy recipes like Dairy Free Vegan Chocolate Protein Pancakes, vegan black bean brownies, and Dairy Free Protein Chocolate Donuts. I also have a variety of superfood powders that I add to my smoothies for different nutrients and flavors. Below is a list of superfood powders that I like to add to my daily smoothies.



My list of superfood smoothie powders


 If you are just discovering superfood powders for smoothies, I recommend that you only use one to three superfood blends at a time in your smoothie, as too many can make your smoothie taste nasty. More is not better when using superfood powder, so look at the flavors of the superfood powders first and then add to your choice of frozen fruit to get the best taste. One benefit that I like about using superfood powders is that I don't have to add vegetables to my smoothie. These unique nutrient-dense superfoods have the nutrients that are found in veggies, but not the taste or texture. 

Matcha
 One of my must-have smoothie superfood ingredients that I always add to my smoothie is Matcha. This green tea powder is loaded with antioxidants and the power of green tea. This is the ingredient that is in green tea lattes, and matcha is great for keeping the wrinkles away. This green tea powder has an earthy taste by itself but when mixed into a fruit smoothie, the fruit covers up the taste. Matcha has also been shown to boost one's metabolism.

Turmeric
 If you tend to have muscle aches after running, then turmeric is a good superfood for your smoothie. This orange powder is also great for inflammation and heart health. I add turmeric to my daily smoothie as turmeric is great for older runners like me.  I also love using turmeric in many recipes, as it adds great flavor to my Turmeric Cinnamon Roasted Cauliflower

Flax Seed or Chia Seed

 I like to add the power of omega-3s to my smoothie and will alternate between flaxseed and chia seed as they are both great sources of omega-3s. These seeds are also great for fiber and digestion. I recently started using a Sprouted Chia/Flax superfood powder in my daily smoothie so I could get the benefit of both seeds.  This organic superfood blend is packed with fiber to support healthy digestion. Since the mix has been sprouted, it allows for greater absorption of Omega-3s. This superfood blend tastes great in all smoothies, including my Tropical Coconut Mango Smoothie.


Green Blend
 I love adding some type of green superfood powder to my smoothie, as green veggies are packed with so many vitamins and minerals. I recently discovered a Super Five Grass Blend, which is a blend of alfalfa, barley, kamut, oat, and wheat grass. These greens are packed with an abundance of chlorophyll, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, vitamin A, and vitamin K. I love mixing this superfood powder in a pineapple smoothie.



Fruit Powder

  Fruits are always a good source of vitamin C and antioxidants. So I like to maximize their benefit with a unique fruit blend superfood powder that has Macqui Berry in it. This purple berry is loaded with vitamin C, fiber, and plenty of antioxidants. The Macqui berry adds a nice purple color and delicious taste to my smoothies that I make with a frozen berry blend.


Lucuma

 I recently discovered a superfood powder that has a sweet maple syrup and citrus taste. Lucuma Powder is made from a South American superfruit and it is a wonderful source of Fiber and potassium, as well as a host of other nutrients such as Iron, Zinc, Calcium, and Antioxidants. I love using this delicious, sweet superfood powder with frozen mangos and chia seeds for a smoothie that tastes like a dessert. Get the recipe for my Tropical Coconut Mango Smoothie HERE!


 Plant-Based Omegas

    We all know that omegas are great for heart health, but if you are following a plant-based or vegan diet, you may not like that they are derived from fatty fish like tuna and salmon. So I discovered a delicious plant-based oil that is loaded with Omega-3 and Omega-6. This unique smoothie supplement is better for our ocean and can be eaten right off the spoon. Ahiflower® oil has up to a 3-4 times greater EPA conversion rate than flaxseed oil, and it can be mixed into your daily smoothie for an abundance of omegas. I also love mixing this rosemary oil into my homemade salad dressing.



 The Best Supplements For Women Over 50

 These are my favorite superfood supplements that I like adding to my daily healthy smoothie. I like using superfood powders along with my protein powder and frozen fruit, as they give me a wealth of nutrients to keep my body healthy.

 I usually have a smoothie for breakfast during the week, and on the weekend, when I have more time for breakfast, I enjoy a bowl of oatmeal that I add things like spinach, beans, and avocado to. I tend to enjoy savory foods for breakfast, and this oatmeal is so delicious. I used to eat my oatmeal with cheese. I know it sounds weird, but it is so good. When I discovered that a dairy allergy was causing my asthma symptoms, I had to eliminate dairy from my diet. So now I am following a plant-based diet most of the time, with the occasional meal that has seafood or eggs in it. I try to eat healthy most of the time as I like the way I feel, but I am human, so my weakness is cookies. 

Head over HERE to see what a typical day of eating looks like for me.

What superfoods do you like to add to your smoothies?


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