Tidal Wave Smoothie

Tidal Wave Smoothie - A chocolate lovers dream inside a tropical paradise! - A beauty collagen and detox smoothie.

What better way to start the new year than with a refreshing chocolate and tropical inspired smoothie? If I am going to hit the reset button, I’m going to do it this way. There is no...other...way! 

But how about we take it up a notch? Not only are you going to feel like you are on vacation drinking this smoothie, you are going to look and feel pretty doing it. ;) Tropical notes that you will taste are from my favorite Vital Proteins Beauty Collagen line - Tropical Hibiscus. Organic fruit flavored powders of pineapple, oranges, and cranberry. Read more about the nutritional information here. 

What gives this smoothie that vibrant tropical color is Vital Proteins spirulina capsules. Spirulina is an amazing superfood sourced from blue-green algae. It’s a great source of vitamin A and K as well as other phytonutrients that help to aid in the body’s ability to naturally detoxify while boosting energy levels. Read more about the nutritional information here. And don’t worry, you will not taste the “algae” part!

So now that we know that this smoothie tastes like vacation in a glass, can make us look and feel beautiful, all while detoxing and giving us energy, you can see why this is the perfect smoothie to start the new year! Now, onto the recipe! 

This post was created for a Vital Proteins giveaway that will be featured on our Instagram page!  

If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo to #fromtherootsblog on Instagram. We love seeing what you come up with! 

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Ingredients 

• 1 frozen banana (large)

• 1 handful fresh organic spinach

• ½ cup mango (fresh or frozen)

• ½ cup plant based milk

• ⅓ cup coconut water

• 2 scoops Vital Proteins Tropical Hibiscus Beauty Collagen

• 1 scoop chocolate flavored plant based protein powder

• 3 capsules Vital Proteins Spirulina

• 1 Tbsp cacao powder

Directions 

1. Add all ingredients to a high powered blender and blend until smooth and creamy. Remember to break open the spirulina capsules before adding to blender. You just want the powder, discard capsules.

2. Makes two servings

Notes 

• If not using the specific spirulina brand, regular spirulina is fine; about 1-2 tsp. 

• If the banana and/or mango are not frozen, use ½ cup ice. 

• I like using this brand for plant based protein powder. 

Lemon and Coconut Energy Balls

Filled with fiber, plant-based protein, and healthy fats, these are the perfect choice when you need a little pick-me-up snack! They are great to make as a “911 snack” as it only takes 5 minutes to make and uses only 6 ingredients!

I have to be honest - life can be hard and stressful for me at times.

I juggle school, work, this food blog, and my personal life all while searching for grad schools. In everything I do, I strive to be intentional in every moment and hour in my life.For example, if I take a class and pass by the skin of my teeth then what have I gained from the experience? With every new practice, patience and persistence are tested as we don’t always get it right the first time. In the midst of the busy times, I have to continuously remind myself that this is only temporary and that I should be proud of myself for getting this far.

As easy as it sounds to be intentional, you need the energy and willpower to actually do it! That’s why I lean on to these amazing lemon and coconut energy balls. Lemon and coconut is an excellent pairing as they are both sweet and refreshing. This flavor-packed combination is great with the caramel undertones of pitted dates; the creamy texture provided by cashews and almonds is also a big plus!

Cashews, almonds, and dates are magnesium-rich foods that actually boost energy and prevent inflammation. Magnesium is key in creating energy by activating ATP; (adenosine triphosphate) which is an energy carrying molecule found in the cells of your body. Ultimately, when you have an adequate amount of magnesium in your system, your body is primed to function at its peak.

Not only are these lemon and coconut energy balls great for providing energy and preventing inflammation, they’re nutrient and calorically dense. Filled with fiber, plant-based protein, and healthy fats, these are the perfect choice when you need a little pick-me-up snack! They are great to make as a “911 snack” as it only takes 5 minutes to make and uses only 6 ingredients! I recommend making a couple of batches so that you can store half in the fridge for immediate use throughout the week and the other half in the freezer for a later time.

If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo with #fromtherootsblog on Instagram. We love seeing what you come up with!

Filled with fiber, plant-based protein, and healthy fats, these are the perfect choice when you need a little pick-me-up snack! They are great to make as a “911 snack” as it only takes 5 minutes to make and uses only 6 ingredients!

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup raw cashews

• 1 cup raw almonds

• 1/2 cup coconut flakes

• 1 Tbsp melted coconut oil

• 8 pitted dates

• half one lemon *plus more for preference

• Zest of one whole lemon *plus more for garnish

• Dash pink Himalayan salt

DIRECTIONS

1. Soak dates in warm filtered water for at least 10 minutes

2. After dates have properly soaked, remove dates and set date water aside.

3. Blend all ingredients in a high-speed processor until desired texture. If the consistency seems dry, add a little bit of the reserved date water.

4. Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of the mixture, and form into balls.

5. Roll into your favorite toppings! I like to use lemon zest and coconut flakes.

NOTES

1. These can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks or in the freezer for up to a month. Make large batches to store snacks ahead of time.