The first post in our recipe series for the month of February featuring ‘happy foods’ from Kelsi Windmiller!
These last cold, dark days of winter can make you feel a little off sometimes. All of our moods are chemically controlled by the brain. There are certain foods that contain natural mood enhancers, like serotonin, that can help you beat the winter blues. So if you are feeling a bit bummed out, try adding some whole grains, nuts, legumes, hearty greens, red vegetables, cheese, and chocolate into your diet. Healthy eating, exercise, and the right amount of sleep will boost your mood immediately.
The first recipe in this happy foods theme is one of my favorite smoothie recipes. The thought of chocolate and peanut butter together should be making you smile already. Chocolate is known to boost the brain’s serotonin levels and regulate other neurotransmitters. Nuts contain amino acids that support the brains productivity. This recipe also contains some nutrient rich greens (but don’t worry, you won’t even notice they are in there). Bananas also play an important roll in this diet. They contain potassium and B vitamins that can help the brain maintain a good mood. This is a great breakfast smoothie as well as a sweet treat in the afternoon!
Chocolate Peanut Butter & Banana Smoothie Recipe (Gluten Free + Vegan)
3c Ice Cubes
1 Ripe Banana
1c Kale or Spinach
12oz Almond Milk
1tbs Coco Powder
1tbs Natural Peanut Butter
1tsp Agave Nectar
Combine all ingredients in a blender, blend until smooth to make one large smoothie. Enjoy!
More healthy recipes from the BLDG 25 Blog.
Wow looks great I gonna try this!
this looks so delicious, I’ll definitely have to try it out
KIRA LILLY FASHION BLOG
Hi! Great recipe but you should totally use Cacao powder instead of coco – so much better for you! Check out this image if you need convincing:
http://leilaworldblog.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/wpid-facebook_9142673951.jpg
I made this this morning and it was super delicious! (: I added some chia seeds to mine for an extra boost!
I just made this and it’s AMAZING!!! So refreshing!!! I’m definitely using agave nectar instead of sugar now! :)
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