Green Smoothie – With Cinnamon Spiced Carrot and Collagen Peptides – Paleo, AIP

The problem with a Green Smoothie is that there’s nothing to chew. Yes, there’s all that nutritional goodness of the fresh and the raw, the visual decadence and digestive ease. But slurping doesn’t stimulate the release of digestive acids and enzymes as does mastication. I want to eat my food. I also want to crunch. And I want the primal intensity of animal protein without it tasting like bone broth. Here’s a Green Smoothie that gets a check against all boxes and packs a punch.

The Problem with Green Smoothies

Just want the recipe? Scroll all the way down.

Chewing, it’s got to be said, is a pretty important part of our digestive process. Breaking large pieces of food into small particles means digestion is easier. The more liquid our food is before it enters the oesophagus, the better it is. It means there’s less stress on the oesophagus itself, as well as on the stomach and small intestine. There’s a higher degree of nutrient absorption, and less chance of large food particles fermenting, giving rise to bloating and gas.

All this would lead one to the conclusion that a Green Smoothie is a great thing: it packs in the nutrients, and it’s already broken down. Both points are true… But there’s nothing to chew, which means we’re skipping over an important part of the eat-and-digest process.

Chewing, the vital first step of the digestive process, is not just satisfying for the senses, but it also stimulates the salivary glands to release enzymes, electrolytes and mucous which aid digestion and act as disinfectants.

• Lingual Lipase starts the breakdown of lipids and fats.
• Salivary Amylase breaks down complex carbohydrates into simple sugars
• Lysozyme is an antiseptic, protecting us against bacteria and viruses
• Haptocorrin binds to Vitamin B12 and protects it from destruction by stomach acids.

I don’t want to miss out on any of those.

Green Smoothie Power Bowl with Cinnamon Spiced Carrot and Collagen Peptides

Hence, my Green Smoothie Power Bowl. There’s fresh spinach for it’s super-food status, banana for the sweetness, coconut milk for the fat, collagen peptide powder for the protein power, and kiwi for the vitamin C which aids the absorption of the collagen. Then, for the chew factor, I pile on grated carrot dolled up with a few sultana’s and doused with cinnamon. And finish with a generous sprinkling of homemade Granola for the indispensable crunch.

Now, that’s a satisfying Green Smoothie on all levels. The cinnamon spiced carrot can’t be slurped and swallowed – it slows you down, makes you chew, taste and ponder. The crunchy, contrasting spark of the Granola is just fabulous. All in all, it’s a great combination of nutrients, colours and textures, with the added bonus of setting your digestive process off to a great start.

Oh, go on then. Have your Green Smoothie, and eat it, too.

Read more about Digestive Enzymes.

In the UK? I love Planet Paleo Collagen Peptides.

On the Side

Real Simple Granola – A granola without the botanical list of posh ingredients. Easy on the wallet, easy on the digestion, AIP.

Strawberry Tapioca Cream – Goes perfectly with Real Simple Granola and fresh fruit for a lovely breakfast, brunch or dessert.

Banana and Carrot N’Oatmeal with Strawberries and Cream – For the cooler days, when you don’t want a Green Smoothie. Remember to add a scoop of Collagen Peptides!

This recipe has been shared on the AIP Recipe Roundtable and Foodie Friends Friday.

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'Eat It, Chew It' Green Smoothie - With Cinnamon Spiced Carrot and Collagen Peptides

 

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Prep time

5 mins

Cook time

5 mins

Total time

10 mins

 

The problem with a Green Smoothie is that there's nothing to chew, which means you miss out on important digestive enzymes. Not this one! Here's a recipe for a Green Smoothie that ticks all boxes: you chew it, as well as slurp, so you can have your Green Smoothie and eat it, too.

Paleomantic: Angie Brazzale

Recipe type: Breakfast, Snack

This fits: Paleo, AIP

Serves: 1

Ingredients

• 1 small carrot, finely grated
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon sultanas
• 1 kiwi, peeled and chopped
• ½ banana, peeled and chopped
• 1 cup tightly packed fresh spinach
• ½ cup coconut milk
• 1 scoop collagen peptides
• 2 tablespoons Real Simple Granola (find under the 'Recipes:Breakfast' menu.)

Instructions

1. Place the grated carrot into a bowl, sprinkle over the cinnamon, add the sultanas, and mix well. Set aside.
2. Put the kiwi, banana, spinach, coconut milk and collagen peptides into a blender. Process on 'high' until smooth.
3. Pour the smoothie into a bowl. Top with the grated carrot and the granola.
4. Enjoy, and take your time.

3.5.3226

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