So many of you are considering going vegan and I could not be more happy for you! However, with that comes the big question; “What in the hell do I eat?”

The beginnings of starting the vegan journey can sometimes seem overwhelming but not to worry because I’m here to help. Here’s a crazy simple, crazy nutritious energy boosting smoothie packed with fueling bananas, hormone balancing maca powder, antioxidant packed oranges and raspberries and Omega 3 jammed flax seeds. That’s right, only 5 ingredients! One of which is optional and all of which are relatively inexpensive with one exception.

it’s the perfect smoothie for newbie vegans and veterans alike.

I already gave you a quick run down of the ingredients but here’s a little more detail about why they’re so good for you. If you couldn’t be bothered about knowing this information and you’re just here for a tasty smoothie then, by all means, feel free to skip this part and go straight to the recipe.

1. Bananas

Bananas can become your best friend if you need energy and you need it NOW! Full of carbohydrates and sugar they provide the perfect source of energy. Although bananas are high in sugar, they won’t spike your blood sugar due to the presence of dietary fibre. Moreover, dietary fibre helps you stay fuller for longer which can aid with weight loss and reduce your risk of becoming hangry. High in a number of antioxidants and minerals they protect your heart and help your muscles recover quickly after physical exercise.

2. Oranges

We all know oranges are rich in vitamin c, an antioxidant responsible for slowing down ageing and boosting the immune system. To be honest, that’s basically all oranges have going for them. Except for the fact that they’re incredibly hydrating so eating oranges is like drinking flavoured water with vitamins and fibre! I think that’s cool cause staying hydrated with only water gets boring pretty quickly.

3. Raspberries

Raspberries, like most other berries, are crazy high in antioxidants that can prevent cancer and slow down ageing. They’re also an anti inflammatory which helps prevent a host of diseases such as heart disease. Raspberries have the highest amount of dietary fibre compared to all berries meaning they’ll help you stay regular and have the best bowel movements as described previously in my post about the 5 best things about being vegan.

4. Maca Powder

Maca powder is an “ancient Peruvian superfood” as told by the box my powder comes in. This is an accurate description of this sweet, nutty tasting powder. Maca powder is said to boost energy and help with fertility in both women and men. It’s proven to be hormone balancing so that means reduced PMS symptoms, ladies! Winning! Regular consumption of this root powder is also said to increase feel good hormones in the brain and generally make you feel like you have more energy and vitality. As incredible as this superfood is, it comes with a cost. It’s expensive and there’s no way to go around it but don’t worry if you can’t afford it, you won’t die and this smoothie will still be delicious without it. However, if you can afford to buy maca powder I highly recommend it.

5. Flax seeds

Also known as linseeds, these are the seeds you need in your life. As the highest vegan source of omega 3 fatty acids EVER these seeds need to become a staple ingredient in your kitchen. Omega 3 fatty acids are imperative for optimal brain function and keep your hair, nails, and skin lustrous, strong, and moisturised. Just one tablespoon of ground flax seeds provides 145% of your daily need of omega 3. Much like chia seeds they are also high in fibre, protein, and a number of other nutrients. Chia seeds are also a great source of omega 3 but are more expensive than flax seeds so flax seeds are a better buy if you’re on a budget. One thing to remember, however, is that to really absorb the nutrients from these seeds you have to consume them ground because eaten whole they’ll just enter one hole and leave out the other undigested if you know what I mean. Grind them to make sure your body is actually absorbing the nutrients.

My Go-To Energy Boosting Smoothie

makes 1 large serving or 2 small servings

Ingredients

• 2 large bananas
• juice of 2 large oranges
• 1 cup frozen raspberries
• 1 tbsp maca powder (optional)
• 2 tsp whole flax seeds or 1 tbsp ground flax seeds

Method

• First, grind the flaxseeds (if you’re using whole seeds) by adding them to the blender and blending until a fine powder is achieved.
• Then add the rest of your ingredients and blend until smooth.

Notes

• Add more orange juice for a thinner consistency
• Freeze your bananas the night before to make a thick, healthy, fruity,  soft serve ice cream like treat and add the juice of 2 more oranges.