Toni’s Morning Smoothie
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, cold, raw foods like smoothies are seen as harder to digest because digestion is considered a warm, transformative process. And I agree, too much cold can weaken the gut over time.
But here’s the reality: smoothies can also be nutrient-rich, protein-packed, and incredibly convenient, especially on busy mornings. So, I’ve found a balance:
- I use just a small amount of frozen fruit (like half a banana) for creaminess and chill, and the rest of the fruit is fresh at room temperature or lightly refrigerated.
- I always alternate sips of my smoothie with a warm drink, like matcha, jasmine green tea, or a gentle herbal tea, to support digestion.
No two mornings are the same, and your smoothie doesn’t have to be either. I keep the foundation consistent with clean, easy-to-digest ingredients, then rotate what I add for variety.
- 1 scoop clean protein powder
- 1 handful frozen fruit
- 1/2 cup fresh fruit
- 1 cup nut milk
- 1 handful walnuts
- 1 splash vanilla extract
Add all ingredients into a blender
Blend until smooth and creamy
Serve in a glass and enjoy
- Optional boosters (choose one or two)
- 1 tsp ground flaxseed or chia seeds
- 1 scoop PaleoGreens for extra micronutrients
- ½ tsp L‑Glutamine to support gut health
- A sprinkle of hemp seeds for extra plant protein
Fruit Combos I Love
I rotate fruits to keep variety and bring in different colors and phytonutrients. Here are some combos that work beautifully:
- Berry Bliss – Mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries) + a little frozen fruit for creaminess + walnuts
- Peach Nectarine Dream – Fresh nectarine or peach + handful of berries + nut butter
- Tropical Glow – Pineapple + coconut milk + spinach + a splash of vanilla + coconut flakes
- Antioxidant Powerhouse – Blueberries + pomegranate arils (just a tablespoon or two) + baby kale + almond butter
- Creamy Cherry – Cherries + banana + walnuts + a pinch of cinnamon
Optional Add‑Ons & Swaps
- Add 1 tsp matcha powder for a gentle energy boost.
- Use 1-2 tsp cacao powder for a subtle chocolate flavor.
- If you like it sweeter, add just a tiny drizzle of honey.
Why It’s Healing
- Protein powder helps maintain strength and stable energy, especially important during treatment.
- Walnuts or nut butter add healthy fats and minerals like zinc and magnesium that support immunity.
- Rotating fruits (berries, pineapple, peaches) brings a rainbow of antioxidants and polyphenols.
- Greens like spinach or kale add fiber, folate, and detox-supportive phytonutrients.
- Optional boosters like flaxseed, greens powders, or L‑Glutamine can further support gut health and recovery.
Alternating warm tea with a smoothie keeps digestion supported, even when enjoying a cooler meal.
