Anti-everything Immune Boosting Smoothie Bowl

I love a good smoothie. In fact, I pretty much eat them every day! Not only are they a great way to break your fast, you can jam pack them with all sorts of nutritious things (and hide bulk vege from the kids).

Today I decided to change it up and make a smoothie bowl, rather than a drink, because sometimes I forget to 'chew' my smoothie, and chewing a smoothie is ALWAYS a good idea!

As it turns out, digestion actually begins in the mouth? Crazy, I know! Chewing food tells your gut to release pre-digestiven enzymes, which allows your body to work out what composition of enzymes are required to digest the food you're eating.

And if you want to get right down into it - it also allows the food to warm a little, closer to the natural temperature of the body to ensure that you can absorb the nutrients in their most bio available state.

So, how do you 'chew' a smoothie? If you're having your smoothie as a drink, swish it around your mouth a little before swallowing to get those juices flowing! Clearly not the most inconspicuous or attractive thing to do while you're at a cafe with friends! Instead, get your smoothie topped with some nuts and seeds, so you have to physically chew. Or, get it in a bowl and eat with a spoon. Et voila.

Today's Smoothie bowl is anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immune boosting and full of fibre! It doesn't get much better than that!

Spinach - full of Anti-inflammatory properties, antioxidant thanks to flavonoids and is a good source of Vitamin A, C, Manganese, Zinc and Selenium

Blueberries - packed with antioxidants, potassium, Vitamin C and high in quercetin (a flavonoid), which fights inflammation.

Avocado - healthy fats and high in Omega-3s

Banana - High in potassium, Vitamin C and B6

Collagen - an excellent source of amino acids, high in protein, super duper gut healing powers!

Raw Cacao - FULL of antioxidants, magnesium and calcium. It's also a stimulant, so not great for indulging in close to bed time!

Recipe

1c Baby Spinach

1c Frozen Blueberries

1/2c coconut milk

1/2 Avocado

1 Frozen Banana

1tbs Honey

2tbs Cacao Powder

1tbs Collagen Powder

Ice

Toppings - Pumpkin Seeds, Activated Buckinis, Hemp Seeds, Flaked Coconut, Frozen Raspberries.

Blend until smooth and then top with your favourite combo of nuts/seeds/berries