Minty mainstay

Remember when I wrote about my smooth moves and how I don’t usually write recipes for smoothies, or post them on the blog? Well I’m eating my words right now because smoothies have become a mainstay in our diet as of late, and I’ve got some more smoothie love to share with you.

In the last five days we have: cleaned and moved into a new apartment, brought our cat Stella down (a task in itself), bought and hauled a new couch into said apartment, added a new member to the family (more on that soon!) and somehow, through it all managed to do a mini detox of sorts.

Eating fresh and clean was our goal, to not rely on processed convenience foods or too much takeout just because we were moving and not-so-settled. That’s where smoothies came into play: quick, easy, delicious, nutritious- and a one-bowl meal? Yes, please! Smoothies were, and still are, the perfect solution to our quest to eat healthfully in the madness of moving.

We’ve tried all sorts of smoothies- at least one per day for the last week, but the two that have stood out to me the most featured one of my new favorite health-boosting ingredients: peppermint essential oil.

A few of the amazing benefits of the lovely peppermint:

• treats indigestion and nausea
• great for respiratory problems
• used topically it’s a great headache-reliever
• good for bowel spasms and stomach-related issues
• works as a natural pain reliever
• antiseptic, great for dental care
• boosts immunity
• packed with vitamins and minerals

[source]

Pretty cool, huh? It also gives an incredible minty flavor to smoothies! I went two directions with these smoothies- the first one is more treat-tasting, I swear it tastes just like a thin mint Girl Scout cookie (but way healthier), and the second is an awesome refresher for starting your day.

Thin Mint Smoothie
Serves 1

1 banana, frozen
1 date, pit removed
2 tbsp raw cashews
1 tbsp unsweetened coconut
2 tbsp cacao powder
1 tbsp chia seeds
1/2 scoop protein powder of choice (I like Sun warrior vanilla)
2 big handfuls spinach
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup almond milk
2 drops peppermint essential oil*

1. Throw it all in a high powered blender and blend ‘er up!

Strawberry Banana Mint Refresher
Serves 2

1.5 bananas, frozen
6 frozen strawberries (about 3/4 cup)
2 tbsp unsweet coconut
2 scoops vanilla protein powder of choice
1/4 cup ground almonds
1 tbsp chia seeds
1 tsp spirulina (optional)
1 cup water
1/2 cup almond milk or non-dairy milk of choice
3 drops peppermint essential oil*

1. Blend it up, slurp it down

*If you do not have food grade essential oil, other options are a handful of fresh mint, peppermint extract or strong brewed peppermint tea in place of the water!

Or, if you want some, head over to my friend Meghan’s shop- it’s expensive but will last you for-evah (and don’t the reasons above convince you?)

Have you ever used mint in a smoothie? What is your favorite combo? I’m thinking some sort of healthy mojito concoction would be delicious… mmm.

xo

Tagged as: raw, smoothie, vegan, vegetarian