The Lean Green Smoothie

 Like everything we do at Functional Self, our recipes have been designed to help you achieve your optimal state. The foods we eat impact our energy levels, mood and cognitive ability, as well as supporting a healthy gut microbiome. We wanted to create a recipe series that focuses on nutrient-dense real foods that will help you reach your highest level of health and vitality. Functional Self recipes are packed full of nourishing recipes to provide a clear path ahead for clean eating, regardless of your starting point.  

Why settle for an average breakfast when you can supercharge your day with the Lean Green Smoothie? Featuring brain octane oil, a type of MCT oil, it provides a quick source of energy that can increase mental clarity, focus, and physical performance. As a bonus, it may also support weight loss by increasing satiety, promoting fat oxidation, and reducing carbohydrate cravings. We’ve also added collagen powder to the recipe to boost protein, support skin elasticity, hydrate joints, promote gut health, and build lean muscle mass. So unleash your inner lean machine with this delicious green smoothie.

 

Level: Easy 

Ingredients:

• 1 frozen banana
• 1 cup frozen mango
• 1 frozen spinach / handful fresh ones
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• 1 tablespoon Bulletproof - Brain Octane Oil
• 2 scoops of Great Lakes Wellness collagen hydrolysate powder
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk or any choice of milk; soy or oat milk
• Optional add ins: 1 tbsp peanut or almond butter, a scoop of your favourite protein powder, a teaspoon of raw cocao nibs, or a dash of cinnamon.

 

Instructions:

1. Add half of the unsweetened almond milk, plus frozen banana, frozen mango, spinach, chia seeds to a blender.

2. Add the Bulletproof - Brain Octane Oil

3. Add a couple of scoops of Great Lakes collagen powder and blend until smooth.

4. Gradually add the rest of the almond milk and blend until the desired consistency is reached.

Pour into a glass and enjoy!

Common questions for green smoothie beginners:  

Why should I use frozen fruit?

We suggest using frozen fruits in your smoothie to achieve a beautiful thick and creamy consistency.

 

Will I taste the spinach?

No, the sweetness of the bananas and mango will overpower the bitterness of the spinach and mask the taste.

 

What does Brain Octane oil do?  

Brain Octane Oil is a type of medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil that can support cognitive function and physical performance. MCT oils are quickly absorbed by the body and converted into ketones, which are used as an alternative source of energy for the brain (read: increase mental clarity, focus, and energy levels).

 

Additionally, Brain Octane Oil is may support weight loss by increasing satiety, promoting fat oxidation, and reducing carbohydrate cravings. Some research suggests that MCT oils can help to reduce body weight, body fat, and waist circumference when used as part of a weight loss program.

 

What are the benefits of adding collagen power to your smoothies?

When added to a smoothie, collagen powder can provide a boost of protein and help to promote overall health and wellness. Some of the potential benefits of adding collagen powder to a smoothie include:

• Supporting skin health: Collagen can help to improve skin elasticity and hydration, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and promote a healthy, youthful-looking complexion.
• Boosting joint health: Collagen is an important component of joint health and can help to reduce pain, stiffness, and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis.
• Promoting gut health: Collagen can help to support gut health by promoting the growth of good bacteria and reducing inflammation in the digestive tract.
• Building lean muscle mass: Collagen is a type of protein that can help to build lean muscle mass and support recovery after exercise.