Recipe Redux: Green Smoothie Booster

Didn't I just say that smoothies in the winter are the absolute worst?  I did, didn't I.  However, I also mentioned my food cravings are totally fickle, so today I've got green smoothie boosters for you. 

This months theme for Recipe Redux...

Adding Merriment to Mixes - From hostess gifts to holiday gifts, it’s the season for DIY offerings from your kitchen. And homemade mixes couldn’t be easier! Think about healthy bread, hot cocoa, cookie bars, dressings or even spice mixes. Share the recipe for how you package up a little shelf-stable love from your kitchen!

Food gifts are my favorite.  I admit, in the past I used the holidays as an excuse to make my most decadent recipes.  Maple and nutmeg butter cookies...chocolate and banana cupcakes...salted caramel brownies.  The holidays certainly are a good excuse to splurge.

But I find that most people get a little worn down on sweets during the holidays.  They had their fair share of holiday cookies and pies well before the actual holiday meal.  Sugar burnout.  For the past few years, I've given healthy food gifts to friends and family, and you know what?  They are really and truly appreciative to receive something that isn't another combination of butter, sugar and flour!  


I love the idea of this smoothie booster.  This year, green smoothies have become hugely popular.  When I've got 70 year old clients adding kale to their morning smoothies, you know it's gone mainstream.  Adding a scoop of this green smoothie booster to your blend each morning is an easy way to squeeze in as much nutrition as possible. 

Spirulina
Spirulina is a cyanobacteria, similar to algae.  You can purchase it in powder form at most health food stores and well-stocked grocery stores.  It looks a little funky, and it doesn't have the greatest flavor, but it is a rich source of nutrition.  Spirulina is a great supplement for women, especially vegetarians or vegans, as it is a rich source of well absorbed iron.  It is also packed with chlorphyll, B vitamins, vitamin A, and vitamin E.  It is also thought to help our body detox.  

Chia seeds
I rarely make a smoothie without chia seeds.  They are an easy way to squeeze in omega 3s and make smoothies super creamy.  Each ounce also contains a whopping 10 grams of fiber. 

Cayenne
Most of the health benefits of cayenne are associated with capsaicin, the substance that gives cayenne pepper it's heat.  Capsaicin has powerful anti-inflammatory benefits.  Cayenne pepper also seems to boost metabolism for about 20 minutes after consumption, making it a perfect smoothie add in for the morning.

Tumeric
Healthwise, tumeric is my favorite spice.  Normally associated with curry, it may sound like an odd thing to add to a smoothie, but it adds a light gingery flavor.  The main health compound in tumeric is cucurmin, which gives it a flourescent yellow color.  Cucurmin has been studied for Alzheimer's disease prevention, arthritis and cancer prevention. 

Green Smoothie Booster

Makes 1 4-ounce jar

4 tablespoons chia seeds
2 tablespoons spirulina
1 tablespoon tumeric
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Combine all ingredients in a 4-ounce jar.  Shake to combine.

When making a smoothie, add about 1 tablespoon smoothie booster to your smoothie before blending.