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Weekly Nutrition Tip: Energy Smoothies

June 19 2012

Summertime Treats: Energy Super Smoothies

By Debra Meszaros CSN
www.Clubmx-sc.com
www.MXSportsNutrition.com

Summertime is upon us and there is no better time than now to get acquainted with some new ways to incorporate endurance, stamina, and energy into the diet.

Quality fats, a/k/a essential fatty acids, have many major nutritional functions to the human body; there are important reasons why they are called "essential." For Motocross riders, oil/protein combinations are noted for their amazing power to reduce soreness and muscle fatigue associated with training, fat-burning is an excellent way to maintain adequate energy levels as well as blood sugar levels. When sulfur-rich protein like yogurt or cottage cheese is combined with flax oil, the power of the essential fatty acids within the flax oil, are elevated. Essential fatty acids are also high powered brain food and often associated with increased focus; they are potent contributors to adrenal balance related to your hormone levels. Since energy, focus, and adrenal support are all part of "dialing in" your body performance, lets take a look at how we can incorporate flax oil into the diet.

One of the easiest and tastiest ways to utilize flax seed oil is to add it to your pre and post workout drinks. Just two (2) tablespoons added to your drink, super charges it! Some rare individuals might find the rich taste of flax seed oil unappealing, but when added to a smoothie or your favorite protein powder drink, it usually goes undetected. Additionally, there is a brand of flax seed oil that is flavored, it can be found in health food stores and probably the internet under the brand name of Barlean's. Barlean's also makes some amazing flavored oils they call "swirls", my favorite is their Orange Cream Swirl which to me, tastes just like an old style creamsicle. The swirls can be eaten right off the spoon or used as a topping on just about anything. They taste amazing!

So how do we build Energy Super Smoothies?

Banana-carob chip frosty:
-In a blender combine: 2 frozen bananas, 1 cup frozen almond or coconut milk (frozen in an ice tray is best way to do this), 1 tablespoon of almond butter (or Valencia peanut butter), 1/4 cup of carob chips, 3/4 cup of water, and 2 tablespoons of flax oil. Puree until frosty.

Cashew-Berry Smoothie:
In a blender combine: 1 3/4 cup water, 1/3 cup cashews, 7 frozen strawberries, 1/4 cup frozen blueberries, 2 tablespoons of raw honey, and 2 tablespoons of flax oil. Blend until creamy.

Very Cherry Smoothie:
-In a blender combine: 2 cups pitted fresh cherries, 1 cup plain greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon raw honey, 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla, 1 cup ice (7 ice cubes), and 2 tablespoons of flax oil. Puree until frosty! ** This is a great choice of smoothie if you have inflammation.

In the above recipes it is important that the following are used:
-Raw honey contains live enzymes and much more nutritional value than regular honey;
-Almond butter is my first choice over peanut butter. All peanut butters other than peanut butter made from 100% Valencia peanuts are likely to contain Aflatoxins, fungus that grows on food and is associated with health risks.

How do you make your whole grain pancakes and waffles "energized"?
Add 1/4 cup of flax seed oil to 1/4 cup of PURE maple syrup (must be pure maple syrup).

Warning: Never heat flax seed oil!

Well, hopefully you will take the time to incorporate these tasty treats into your diet this summer and I will see you on the podium!

-2012 Debra Meszaros MXSportsNutrition.com. All rights reserved; no duplication without permission.
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