Is it just me, or should November 1—the day after Halloween—officially be a recovery holiday? Or maybe Halloween should always be on a Friday so we have the weekend to bounce back! The energy on Halloween is always off the charts and with all the extra sugar, it’s like an energy roller coaster that leaves us feeling crashed, with our immune systems in the dumps (not-so-fun fact: just one teaspoon of sugar can suppress immunity by up to 75%!). Add in adrenal fatigue, the late-night sugar buzz, and compromised sleep, and it’s a lot, especially if you have little kids! That’s why I’m sharing this delicious, immune-boosting Chocolate Cherry Smoothie. Packed with antioxidants, it’s the perfect post-Halloween sugar-detox to help you feel human again—and NOT a zombie!
The Ingredients and Antioxidants That Make This Sugar Detox Smoothie so Great
This smoothie is packed with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-rich ingredients that support overall health and help fight inflammation. This smoothie combines nutrient-dense ingredients to create a delicious, inflammation-fighting blend. The antioxidants and healthy fats work together to reduce inflammation and promote overall wellness, making it ideal for supporting recovery, immune health, and daily vitality.
Cinnamon: A powerful anti-inflammatory spice, cinnamon is rich in antioxidants like polyphenols, which help combat oxidative stress and reduce inflammation. Cinnamon also supports healthy blood sugar levels, which can further reduce inflammatory responses in the body.
Almond Milk and Almond Butter: Almonds contain vitamin E, a potent antioxidant known to protect cells from damage and reduce inflammation. They’re also a source of healthy fats that support the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and aid in reducing markers of inflammation.
Dark Cherries: Dark cherries are a fantastic source of antioxidants,
particularly anthocyanins, which have strong anti-inflammatory effects. Cherries have been shown to reduce inflammation, particularly related to muscle recovery and joint health, making them ideal post-workout.
Spinach: This leafy green is high in antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene, all of which help reduce inflammation. Spinach also provides magnesium, which can help manage inflammatory processes in the body and reduce symptoms of inflammation-related conditions.
Cacao Powder: Cacao is packed with flavonoids, a type of antioxidant that reduces inflammation and promotes cardiovascular health. It also contains magnesium, which supports muscle relaxation and helps the body manage stress—a key contributor to inflammation.
Hemp Hearts: Rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, hemp hearts help to balance inflammation in the body. They’re also high in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and can be beneficial for conditions like arthritis.
Sugar Detox Antioxidant Smoothie
Prep time: 5 minutes
Makes: 1 serving
INGREDIENTS
1 cup [245 g] Almond Milk
1 tablespoon [16 g] Almond Butter
3/4 cup Frozen Cherries (can use strawberries too)
1/4 cup Frozen Blueberries
1 tsp [3.2 g] Cacao Nibs or Cacao Powder
1 scoop [20 g] Collagen Powder (use any flavor: chocolate, vanilla, no flavor)
1 tbsp [10 g] Hemp Seeds
Handful of Baby Spinach
1/4 tsp Cinnamon
1/4 tbsp Honey
DIRECTIONS
Blend all ingredients in a blender
Enjoy!
NUTRITIONAL VALUES
Calories: 377
Protein: 28.7g
Carbohydrates: 34.4g
Fiber: 7.8g
Sugars: 19g (mostly from cherries, blueberries, and optional honey)
Fat: 17.5g
KEY VITAMINS AND MINERALS (Approximate Daily Values)
Calcium: 40% DV (from almond milk and spinach)
Iron: 10% DV (from spinach and cacao powder)
Magnesium: 30% DV (from spinach, hemp hearts, and almond butter)
Vitamin C: 18% DV (from cherries, blueberries, and spinach)
Potassium: 14% DV (from cherries, blueberries, and almond milk)
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