"How do you get your protein" / Chocolate Avocado Smoothie

I love love LOVE long weekends! I've been sleeping in like it's my job.

See the rainbow?

Even better, the crisp nip of autumn air has crept in overnight. I love it. I am more apt to enjoy the outdoors in cooler weather than during sweltering summer days. I love bundling up in a cozy sweater and toque - then going for a walk or a bike ride. Or, just getting cozy with a cup of tea and a warm blanket when it's rainy.

Boy oh boy... has it been raining!

Yesterday on Facebook I posted a photo of a smoothie I had made as a late lunch, and there was a request to share the recipe. I picked up the habit of having smoothies as meals when I was in the worst flare I've had with my UC - I was seeing a Registered Holistic Nutritionist, whom had put me on low-residue and high-nutrient "diet" for several months. Smoothies were a staple, as I could not tolerate raw vegetables and was nauseated at the thought of most solid foods. I was also only eating plant-based foods at that time - for the purpose of eating a significant amount of anti-inflammatory foods and personal choice. I found that, while avoiding animal products AND being chronically ill, I never had any difficulty with getting nutrients into myself. Protein seemed to be of biggest concern to my GI, but with the assistance of my RHN - this was never a problem!

Since the question of plant-based protein is brought to my attention fairly frequently (aka "How do you get your protein"), here is a cute infographic from kriscarr.com:

While I do eat some animal products now (No eggs or dairy - and I opt for organic), I still eat a significant amount of legumes, hemp seeds, tofu, nuts (soaked or milk), seeds (especially chia!), and dark green veggies.

With my smoothies, I also opt for delicious protein powders. I usually use Vega, but my preference for chocolate flavor is Sunwarrior.

As you can see on the package, it is gluten/soy/dairy/GMO free. I also like that it contains all essential amino acids and is easy to digest (at least for my delicate gut)!

There is also 15 grams of protein per scoop - two scoops is HALF of my daily requirements for protein!

Along with the protein powder, I add a scoop of a "super green" to my smoothies. Extra nutrition!

I like this protein powder as it has several super foods: hemp, botanical nutrients, and maca. I am a huge fan of maca, as it is a root that is found to be helpful in hormonal balance, decreasing the stress hormone cortisol, and has many vitamins (A, B, C, D, E) and plant sterols. There are even some studies that are looking into the use of maca for hot flashes in menopausal women!

Check out the nutrition label:

Another 14 gram of protein. And the manganese!!

This all led up to a very filling smoothie, some of which I had to save for a snack today!

Chocolate Avocado Smoothie

• Half frozen banana
• 4-5 frozen strawberries
• Half avocado
• 1 cup homemade macadamia nut milk
• 2 scoops Sunwarrior chocolate protein powder
• 1 scoop Ruth's Goodness hemp, E3 live, and maca powder
• 1-2 tbsp agave nectar
• Cacao nibs (for garnish)

So simple: Add all ingredients except for cacao nibs to blender. Blend. Put in a cute glass and garnish with cacao nibs. Enjoy.