CHEW YOUR SMOOTHIES + RECIPE

During a recent meeting with my Digestive Intensive group, we got into a great discussion about drinking versus eating smoothies and its effects on digestion. We talked about how eating your smoothies can be more beneficial to the digestive process, then simply gulping them down.

Did you know that digestion actually begins in the brain when you start thinking about your meal? The next important step along the digestion path is when the food enters your mouth. When we chew our food, we coat the food with saliva which contains an enzyme called amylase. Amylase is an enzyme that begins the process of carbohydrate digestion. If we skip chewing our food because we are “drinking” it, we may be sending it down our GI tract without (or not enough of) a necessary enzyme to help it fully digest the food and assimilate some of its nutrients.

So, should you skip the straw and grab a spoon? I think so! If you are on-the-go, traveling, or commuting to work, then sipping your smoothie is just fine. But, sitting down, taking a moment to be grateful for your meal, and chewing your food is not only good for you, but is best for your digestion.

Here’s one of my favorite smoothie bowl recipes from my book, GLOW. To get more delicious, clean eating recipes like this, order your copy of GLOW !

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ACAI & BERRY SUPERFOOD BOWL

Acai berries are native to South America and loaded with antioxidants, amino acids, and essential fatty acids. The health benefits of this lowglycemic fruit include: anti-aging properties, immune system support, and cancer prevention.

• 1/2 cup acai pulp (in the freezer section)
• 1/2 cup organic frozen mixed berries
• 1/4 avocado
• 2-3 cups spinach or kale
• 1 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk (no carrageenan)
• 1 scoop plant protein powder or collagen protein ( I use Vital Proteins)
• 1 tablespoon Glow Superfood Sprinkles (see recipe below)
• Stevia, to taste (optional)

Blend all ingredients, except for superfood sprinkes, until thick and creamy. Pour into a soup bowl and add  the sprinkles. Serves 1.

SUPERFOOD SPRINKLES

• 1 part goji berries
• 1 part flax seeds
• 1 part chia seeds
• 1 part sunflower seeds
• 1 part hemp seeds
• 1 part sesame seeds
• 1 part pistachios
• 1 part pumpkin seeds
• 1 part bee pollen
• 1 part shredded coconut
• Pinch of cinnamon (optional)

Add all ingredients into a food processor or blender and process until roughly chopped. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.