As someone obsessed with all things fitness and nutrition (a wellness nerd, if you will), I have to make one thing clear. There is no quick way to “boost” your metabolism. There are plenty of metabolism misconceptions out there, but the most science-backed methods to improving your metabolism are simple: resistance training and eating enough protein. The good news? This delicious pre workout smoothie takes care of the latter and sets you up perfectly for the former. Keep reading for a recipe that will satisfy your peanut butter and chocolate craving. And to satisfy my own need to dive into the nutrition science, I’m also sharing some metabolism myth-busting facts for you and your pilates besties.

This article is for informational purposes only. It is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and we recommend that you always consult with your healthcare provider.

Featured image by Michelle Nash.

Myth or Fact: Metabolism Slows Down as You Age

Contrary to popular belief, metabolism doesn’t decline as we age. To clarify, metabolism declines as we lose muscle. A recent study showed that adults who maintained a healthy amount of skeletal muscle did not suffer from a decline in metabolism. Best. news. ever. The key to living a long and healthy life full of adventure is building muscle and designing a lifestyle that helps you keep it as long as possible.

The Importance of Pre-Workout Protein

Protein is key for before and after a workout because it helps build and repair skeletal muscle. Protein also helps balance blood sugar, supports longevity, and reduces cravings. The current recommendation is to consume .8 g of protein per 1 kg of body weight. However, some health professionals argue that it should be much higher.

Are smoothies good to drink before a workout?

Yes! Smoothies are a great pre-workout meal because they give you the macronutrients you need to feel strong during your workout while also hydrating you. Every pre workout smoothie should contain a good mix of carbohydrates, protein, fat, and fiber.

When should I drink a pre-workout smoothie?

The answer depends on the kind of workout you’re doing and the ingredients in your smoothie. After you ingest food, your body re-directs blood flow away from your muscles and into your gut. This helps ensure proper digestion and absorption of nutrients. But it’s important to wait for your blood flow to return to your muscles before working out. It’s best to consume a pre workout smoothie 1-3 hours before exercising.

What’s the best smoothie to drink after a workout?

If you prefer early morning workout routines, it’s totally fine to skip the pre workout smoothie and drink one after your workout instead. Unless you’re a competitive athlete, both your pre and post-workout smoothies don’t have to be super complicated. Focus on enjoying a healthy mix of carbs and protein with as much added nutrients as possible. Experiment with your smoothie recipes by adding chia seeds, berries, kale, spinach, oats and even coconut water. And if you are trying to train for a professional or semi-professional athletic event like a marathon, I highly recommend working with a sports dietitian to advise your nutrition intake based on your needs.

How to Customize Your Pre Workout Smoothie

This smoothie recipe can be easily adjusted for flavor, consistency, and ingredients. Some substitution options include the following.

• Greek yogurt is added for extra protein, but it can also be replaced with an extra scoop of protein powder.
• For any dairy allergies, substitute milk and yogurt for a dairy-free, high-protein option.
• For nut allergies, try using tahini instead of almonds or peanut butter.
• If you are vegan or plant-based, add a plant-based protein powder to your pre workout smoothie recipe.
• For added sweetness and flavor, blend in honey, vanilla, or cinnamon.

Be sure to rate and leave a comment, and tag us on Instagram so we can see your smoothie creations!

Taking a rest day?

Psst… for rest days or mornings when you’re just not feeling your workout, watch how Camille structures her own intentional morning routine. No workout, no problem—let your smoothie energize your other rituals instead.

The post Drink This Protein-Packed Smoothie Before a Workout—And Say Hello to Balanced Blood Sugar All Morning appeared first on Camille Styles.

If you’re still holding onto summer fare, we get it. Temps are slowly dropping, but not fast enough to bid farewell to ripe tomatoes and charred, hot-off-the-grill corn on the cob. All of that to say, you’ll find fewer berries and more fresh, juicy figs on the breakfast menu. Now’s the time to tuck into autumn’s harvest—or at the very least, tap into seasonal produce. To kick off autumn’s finest ingredients, we’re sharing a fall smoothie recipe that checks all the boxes: it’s energizing, anti-inflammatory, and balances blood sugar.

The star of the show? Black Mission figs. An ode to chilly mornings, sunlit afternoons, and everything else that’s golden this time of year, you’ll want to add this smoothie to your breakfast rotation—stat.

Feature image by Michelle Nash.

Why You Should Eat With The Seasons

If you haven’t made the switch yet, now’s the time to start thinking about autumn’s harvest. Before we tuck into winter, fall is an opportunity to tread lightly on summer produce. Simultaneously, consider adding more root veggies, hearty salads, and whole grains to your weekly meal plan. Eating with the seasons has a myriad of benefits. First and foremost, fruits and veggies cultivated during their natural growing season have more intense flavor and ripeness. A perfect example? Crisp, peak-season apples.

Secondly, eating with the seasons is more economical. When produce is in season, it’s available at a lower price. Lastly, produce grown close to home costs less money to transport, supports your local community of farmers, and is better for the environment.

Foods To Eat In The Fall

Until early December, farmers reap the rewards of summer’s growing season. In that sense, it’s no surprise that fall is synonymous with abundance and gratitude. Curious to know what’s in season during the fall? Here’s a short list:

• Fruit: cranberries, apples, pomegranates, citrus fruits, figs, and pears
• Green veggies: arugula, broccoli, spinach, kale, celery, and artichokes
• Root veggies: onions, carrots, squash, pumpkin, turnips, and sweet potato
• Whole grains: brown rice, quinoa, oats, and millet
• Legumes: beans, chickpeas, lentils, soybeans.
• Fish: sea bass, cod, sole, and haddock
• Herbs: ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, rosemary, thyme, basil, and dill

Naturally, produce peaks at different times in the U.S., so use this as a general guide to the produce you’ll find this month.

Embrace The Fall, Ayurvedic Style

We love any excuse to incorporate ancient wisdom into our modern day lives. Enter: Ayurveda. Ayurveda—an alternative medicine system—is keen on living in harmony with the seasons. This time of year, it encourages feasting on plenty of fresh, late-summer harvested fruits. Namely, fresh apples and pears. According to Ayurveda, these help “dry out” excess Pitta from the summer.

Eggplant, corn, melons, figs, and okra are also seasonal produce picks for early fall. Dates are also highly recommended. As the air becomes dry, crisp, and cool—and fruit has fallen from trees—it’s time to transition to steamed or stewed fruits and warming spices (i.e., cinnamon and cardamom).

All About Figs

Before we dive into the ingredients for this fall smoothie recipe, let’s talk about figs.

There are two seasons for domestic fresh figs. The first season is the first few weeks in June, and the second or “new wood” season typically runs from August through October.

The most common variety is the Black Mission fig, followed by the Brown Turkey fig. Lastly, the Green Kadota fig. If you see them at your grocery store, buy them only if you plan to use them quickly. Fresh figs will spoil within 7-10 days of harvesting. In most cases, this means you have a couple of days to enjoy them at home! They’re delicious paired with cheese, on toast, in salads, and on a breakfast board.

How to Buy Figs

As far as selecting ripe figs, you want them to be soft—to give a little with the slightest pressure, but not at all mushy or hard. Avoid figs with bruises and check to see that the stems are firmly in place. A wiggly, loose stem is a dead giveaway for a mushy fig. For this fall smoothie recipe, you can use any type of fresh fig variety!

What You Need For This Fall Smoothie Recipe

Fruit, spices, and seeds provide the base for this healthy fall smoothie. Made with seasonal ingredients, your tastebuds will delight in autumn’s goodness.

Figs

Rich in antioxidants, figs are the star of the show. They provide a subtle sweetness as well as calcium, potassium, and fiber.

Banana

Nature’s most portable snack, banana adds sweetness and creaminess to this fall smoothie recipe. You can sub banana for 1-2 pitted dates.

Milk of Choice

Use what you prefer! If you opt for cow’s milk, you’ll get a bit more protein. If you opt for non-dairy milk, the best milks for balancing blood sugar are unsweetened almond, coconut, macadamia, or hemp. Oat milk can cause a blood sugar rollercoaster!

Vanilla Protein Powder

For a grass-fed option, this vanilla protein power by Kelly Leveque tastes unbelievable. If you’re plant-based, this vanilla protein powder is a favorite! Plus, you get added superfoods.

Tahini

Made from ground sesame seeds, tahini is a wonderful source of healthy fats (to aid in satiation and blood sugar balance) as well as vitamin E.

Ground Flaxseed

Another source of healthy fats, ground flaxseed is a functional food worth the pantry space! This small seed has big benefits. It aids in digestion, regulates hunger cues, and can help balance hormones.

Maple Syrup

Nothing says fall quite like maple syrup! Use real maple syrup for the ultimate flavor boost (it pairs beautifully with tahini and figs). This unrefined sweetener contains antioxidants, zinc, magnesium, and more.

Fresh Ginger

Speaking of antioxidants, fresh ginger helps fight inflammation for a boosted immune system—exactly what we need in the fall! It adds a hint of spice in this fall smoothie recipe. It makes an appearance in many smoothies!

Cinnamon

A warming spice with blood sugar-balancing benefits, cinnamon also helps lower inflammation in the body. Extremely versatile, you can add cinnamon to both sweet and savory dishes.

How to Make a Fall Smoothie Recipe

The beauty of this recipe is it only requires one piece of equipment—a high-powered blender! Add your liquid first (it helps everything blend), then add the remaining ingredients. For an extra creamy smoothie, freeze your figs and banana. And don’t forget to leave a review in the comments—enjoy!

P.S. Looking for more inspired smoothie ideas? Here are a few that I’ve had on repeat lately:

Almond Butter Green Smoothie

Cookies and Cream Smoothie

Pumpkin Spice Smoothie

Mint Chocolate Green Smoothie

The post This Energizing Fall Smoothie Is Delightfully Creamy—And Helps Balance Blood Sugar appeared first on Camille Styles.

When it comes to breakfast, smoothies are hard to beat. What else packs so much nutritional value into such a convenient (commute-friendly!) package? That said, having a few smoothie recipes that keep you full up your sleeve is key if you’re taking the liquid route for breakfast. Kids and adults alike love them and they’re a great way to make sure that everyone gets a nourishing meal before beginning the day.

Because after all, nobody likes hitting that it’s-10-am-and-I’m-starving slump. Thankfully, we’ve scoured the internet and our own archives to track down the 25 best super-filling smoothie recipes. Below, you’ll find a smoothie for every mood—from detoxing greens to tangy tropical and creamy decadence—and each is packed with the vitamins and nutrients you need to make it until lunch.

Featured image by Michelle Nash.

Start the day right with 25 smoothie recipes that keep you full, satisfied, and energized all day long.

The true beauty is that each of these recipes can be customized to your heart’s content. So throw in an extra handful of spinach or some collagen powder and go wild. You may just be inspired to host a smoothie bowl brunch. And let’s keep the list going! What are the smoothie recipes that keep you full? Be sure to share them with us in the comments.

Protein Shake, 6 Ways from Eating Bird Food

Why We Love It: Speaking of customizable—this recipe gives you step-by-step instructions for blending up the best protein shake to fit your taste buds and energy levels. And trust me, the recipes go way beyond the bland, cardboard-tasting protein shakes of yore. These are next-level, y’all.

Hero Ingredient: It’s hard to call out a hero ingredient because the recipes vary depending on the flavor you’re going for. But between coffee, vanilla, peanut butter, chocolate, banana, and a vegan spin, you’ll have endless options to choose from. (Hint: All are delicious.)

Get the recipe for Protein Shake, 6 Ways.

Salted Caramel Chip Smoothie from Olivia Noceda

Why We Love It: Everything Olivia Noceda touches is gold—and the same is true for every delicious recipe she dreams up on Instagram. From nourishing bowls to sky-high toasts, this girl knows how to make healthy eats taste surprisingly indulgent. Case in point, this salted caramel chip smoothie.

Hero Ingredient: Salted caramel’s a classic for a reason, so if you’re wary of the pinch of salt, just trust.

Get the recipe for Salted Caramel Chip Smoothie.

Chocolate Protein Shake from Minimalist Baker

Why We Love It: Chocolate shakes have been a staple in all of our drinkable-breakfast arsenals for years, but this one boasts a trifecta of wins that send it straight to the top of my best smoothies list. It’s plant-based, filled with 20 grams of protein, and manages to be protein-powder free. How does it happen? The magical combo of hemp seeds, chia seeds, and good old PB.

Hero Ingredient: While you can swap out the cacao powder for cocoa if you don’t keep the former on hand, I’d say it’s worth the extra trip to the store. The slightly bitter, but still sweet flavor rounds out your smoothie beautifully.

Get the recipe for Chocolate Protein Shake.

Lemon Smoothie from Real Food Whole Life

Why We Love It: Sipping on a smoothie that looks and tastes like sunshine? Yes, please. There’s something endlessly joyful about blending up and drinking something bright and summery in the AM. This recipe is the perfect mix of tangy and sweet, with no shortage of superfoods to boot.

Hero Ingredient: Suspicious of the cauliflower rice? Don’t be! Not only does it pack your smoothie full of fiber, but it also makes the final result super creamy.

Get the recipe for Lemon Smoothie.

Vegan Beaming Banana Berry Detox Smoothie from Blissful Basil

Why We Love It: Get your daily dose of antioxidants with this scrumptious berry smoothie. Best of all, those with dietary restrictions can also enjoy this sweet treat.

Hero Ingredient: As someone who’s always looking for natural ways to fill my diet with more electrolytes, coconut water is one of my go-to’s. It fills this smoothie with potassium, sodium, and manganese, ensuring you stay well hydrated all throughout the day.

Get the recipe for Vegan Beaming Banana Berry Detox Smoothie.

Protein-Packed Cookies and Cream Smoothie

Why We Love It: There’s a reason this is Jennifer Garner’s favorite smoothie! It tastes like a milkshake but is jam-packed with nutrients that will keep you feeling full and at the top of your game. You simply can’t go wrong.

Hero Ingredient: This recipe recommends a chocolate-coconut protein and collagen powder, so you can double down on your anti-aging, protein-fueling efforts with ease.

Get the recipe for Protein-Packed Cookies and Cream Smoothie.

Tropical Oatmeal Smoothie from The Fitchen

Why We Love It: Prep this smoothie the night before for a quick and easy breakfast full of flavor and healthy ingredients. You’ll feel like you’re on vacation in the Caribbean!

Hero Ingredient: Frozen butternut squash rounds out the yellowy-orange hue of this made-for-summer smoothie. It offers a bit of welcome sweetness, too.

Get the recipe for Tropical Oatmeal Smoothie.

Banana, Coconut, and Cacao Smoothie

Why We Love It: Get a little energy boost courtesy of a cacao-laden smoothie. It tastes like a chocolate banana shake, but it’s both gluten- and dairy-free, so you won’t feel like you just drank a cup of melted ice cream.

Hero Ingredient: A teaspoon of maple syrup gives this smoothie just enough sweetness, so you can feel like you’re sipping on a treat without crashing later in the day.

Get the recipe for Banana, Coconut, and Cacao Smoothie.

Blueberry Peanut Butter Protein Smoothie

Why We Love It: Blending up a sweet and salty, PB and banana smoothie isn’t anything new. But peanut butter and blueberries? Consider me intrigued. This smoothie only calls for five ingredients and five minutes of your time. Easy, efficient, and totally effortless.

Hero Ingredient: In lieu of actual peanut butter, this smoothie gets all of its deliciously nutty (and filling!) flavor from peanut butter protein powder. The recipe recommends Amazing Grass for a healthy boost of greens.

Get the recipe for Blueberry Peanut Butter Protein Smoothie.

Green Machine Smoothie from Garden in the Kitchen

Why We Love It: Get all the green goodness your heart desires with this nutrient-packed and tasty smoothie. It tastes like the tropics thanks to pineapple juice and a hearty collection of green fruits and veggies that your body will adore.

Hero Ingredient: The easiest way to make your smoothie taste like a spa day delight? Add cucumber! Unsuspecting, yes, but so full of nutrients that support your wellbeing, inside and out.

Get the recipe for Green Machine Smoothie.

Vanilla Fig Smoothie With Cinnamon Whipped Cream

Why We Love It: Elevate your everyday smoothie experience with this decadent concoction. It’s (ever-so-slightly) more labor-intensive than the average smoothie, but it’s worth it.

Hero Ingredient: You really can’t say no to a whipped cream-topped smoothie. The cinnamon sends it over the top.

Get the recipe for Vanilla Fig Smoothie With Cinnamon Whipped Cream.

Pomegranate Berry Smoothie from Kitchen Confidant

Why We Love It: When something is this gorgeously hued and vibrant, you know you’re in for a treat. This smoothie is a great option for when you’re craving something to break up holiday-season indulgences, but still want to sip on something decidedly fresh and in season.

Hero Ingredient: Get a burst of sweet and tart flavor thanks to this pomegranate-laden smoothie. The deep purple color makes this smoothie as beautiful to behold as it is delicious and nutritious.

Get the recipe for Pomegranate Berry Smoothie.

Peach, Kale, and Coconut Smoothie

Why We Love It: Sneak some kale into this healthy and tasty smoothie treat. The peach and coconut combo will fully subdue the kale flavor, so even the pickiest breakfast eaters will love this one.

Hero Ingredient: Kale is a go-to, green smoothie add—and for good reason. Just be sure to tear the leaves from the stems. Nothing ruins a gorgeous, glow-boosting smoothie like tough bits of kale.

Get the recipe for Peach, Kale, and Coconut Smoothie.

Blueberry Spinach Breakfast Smoothie from Kristine’s Kitchen

Why We Love It: Gotta love a purple, blueberry-filled breakfast delight. If you’re looking for delicious ways to get more spinach into your diet, this smoothie is probably the simplest solution for working it in. A whole cup of spinach before 10 a.m.? Easy.

Hero Ingredient: The blueberries might give this smoothie its color, but the Greek yogurt delivers a creamy texture and hint of tang that’ll put this recipe in your regular rotation.

Get the recipe for Blueberry Spinach Breakfast Smoothie.

Detox Green Smoothie With Chia Seeds from Ally’s Cooking

Why We Love It: Start the day with this super nutritious smoothie recipe. I love a recipe where literally every single ingredient supports stabilized energy, hunger, and overall high vibes. Spinach, pineapple, chia seeds, and more? There’s nothing not to love.

Hero Ingredient: The chia seeds are an incredible source of fiber and will keep you full until lunchtime.

Get the recipe for Detox Green Smoothie With Chia Seeds.

Chocolate Green Smoothie

Why We Love It: Because mint and chocolate together is never a bad idea. This may be the most delicious and nutritious to enjoy the two: In a green smoothie that will serve and lift you up in the hours that follow it.

Hero Ingredient: Chopped zucchini? In a smoothie? While I’d never tell anyone to follow a recipe with blind trust, incorporating the veggie in this recipe not only gives your smoothie a nutrient boost, but you’ll never detect the flavor.

Get the recipe for Chocolate Green Smoothie.

High Protein Blueberry Kale Smoothie from The Lemon Bowl

Why We Love It: This smoothie is not only gorgeous in color, but it’s also full of protein to keep you fully satisfied. As a breakfast or any time of day go-to, it delivers, 100 percent.

Hero Ingredient: Blueberries are the addicting antioxidant powerhouse that I’m happy to make part of my everyday eating routine.

Get the recipe for High Protein Blueberry Kale Smoothie.

Cafe Mocha Protein Smoothie from Jennifer Meyering

Why We Love It: While this recipe might technically be more of a shake than a smoothie, I still think it counts. Pro tip: Throw in some kale or spinach to add your greens to this delicious coffee smoothie.

Hero Ingredient: The addition of vanilla protein powder might be a little unexpected, given that this smoothie already uses chocolate protein powder as well. But it really makes the mocha vibes happen.

Get the recipe for Cafe Mocha Protein Smoothie.

Glowing Chocolate Cherry Smoothie from Hello Glow

Why We Love It: Apparently, Jennifer Aniston starts her mornings with a similar smoothie and if a smoothie could make me feel as good as she (always) seems to, I wouldn’t even care what it tasted like. Luckily, this recipe leans on the classic chocolate-cherry combo and definitely does the pairing justice.

Hero Ingredient: Lean into the age-defying boost of collagen. Jen does too, after all.

Get the recipe for Glowing Chocolate Cherry Smoothie.

Ginger Mango Spinach Smoothie from Alaska from Scratch

Why We Love It: When you’re looking to eat healthy with little fresh, in-season options available, making the most of your freezer is a good route to go. That’s exactly the approach this smoothie takes, using frozen mango to get the fruity flavor you crave minus the hassle of trying to find it at the store. The Greek yogurt in this smoothie recipe will definitely keep you full, too.

Hero Ingredient: I love adding ginger to my smoothies for all of the health benefits and the killer flavor.

Get the recipe for Ginger Mango Spinach Smoothie.

Almond Butter Spinach Smoothie from What’s Gabby Cooking

Why We Love It: What do I love about smoothies? Let me count the ways. They’re endlessly easy to make and customize, can pack all the supportive nutrients your body and brain need, and are best consumed with one hand free and the other attending to, well… everything your day requires. This green smoothie makes it happen, deliciously.

Hero Ingredient: Almond butter is my favorite healthy smoothie ingredient. It truly adds so much flavor and keeps me full for so much longer.

Get the recipe for Almond Butter Spinach Smoothie.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Smoothie from The Recipe Rebel

Why We Love It: Ever since I was a kid, chocolate and peanut butter have been my all-time favorite flavor combo. This smoothie recipe allows me to indulge in my favorite foods. Minus the sugar rush, of course.

Hero Ingredient: The key to making this smoothie taste just like a milkshake? Surprisingly, it isn’t the PB. You can thank the banana instead.

Get the recipe for Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Smoothie.

Apple Smoothie from Fit Foodie Finds

Why We Love It: If you are anti-bananas, this smoothie is perfect for you, as it uses apples and nut butter to give it its creaminess. It also tastes just like an apple pie, so if you’re into your breakfast tasting like dessert, this is a must-try.

Hero Ingredient: Nutty and nutrient-packed, flaxseed gives this smoothie not only an extra boost of plant-based protein and fiber but it also sends the fall vibes home.

Get the recipe for Apple Smoothie.

Vegan Almond Butter Banana Oatmeal Smoothie from Ambitious Kitchen

Why We Love It: This smoothie is a perfect filling breakfast or a great post-workout snack. The oats make it so filling, and I love that it’s vegan and easy on my stomach.

Hero Ingredient: While there are plenty of PB-inclusive smoothies on this list, I have to give my hot take: almond butter wins the battle of best nut butter. It’s salty and creamy without being overly rich. And it sends this smoothie over the top.

Get the recipe for Vegan Almond Butter Banana Oatmeal Smoothie.

Green Peanut Butter Smoothie from Bon Appétit

Why We Love It: If you’re looking for a quick and easy smoothie that’ll give you both greens and protein, this is it. Plus, if you’re not super into the taste of green smoothies, the peanut butter, or whatever nut butter you use, does a great job of masking the taste.

Hero Ingredient: Just a touch of cinnamon gives this smoothie the perfect spicy kick.

Get the recipe for Green Peanut Butter Smoothie.

This post was originally published on June 8, 2020, and has since been updated.

The post 25 Smoothies That Will Actually Keep You Full Until Lunch appeared first on Camille Styles.

Let’s face it: even some of the world’s healthiest ingredients can leave us bloated. We fill our bellies with hearty lentil salads and nourishing grain bowls, only to realize our jeans feel extra snug after lunch. This common phenomenon is typically caused by bloat. And while bloating gets a bad rap, it’s akin to inflammation. We want some, but not too much. Bloating happens to everyone—even health gurus and wellness enthusiasts. Even those who successfully avoid foods that cause bloat will get bloated. In fact, it’s estimated that one in 10 Americans experiences bloating regularly. If that’s you, don’t fret. Today, we’re explaining helpful tips to beat the bloat, as well as sharing three nourishing, anti-bloating smoothie recipes to keep bloating at bay.

Feature image by Michelle Nash.

What is Bloating?

Abdominal discomfort, like bloating and gassiness, isn’t limited to the occasional holiday feast. It can happen even if you haven’t eaten a large meal. That said, bloating and gas are usually tied to what and how you eat, so a few simple changes may help. Ultimately, bloating is a combination of gas, air, and/or fluid retention in the stomach and intestines. When you’re bloated, you may feel as if there is no room in your stomach. Your stomach feels full, tender, and tight. In some cases, swollen. If you’ve experienced it, bloating can be both uncomfortable and painful. Often, your stomach may actually look bigger. When bloating occurs right after a meal, it usually resolves itself. However, it’s often possible to speed up this process. More on that, below.

What Causes Bloating?

A variety of factors. As mentioned above, bloating happens when the GI tract becomes filled with air or gas. This can be caused by something as simple as eating certain foods or drinking carbonated beverages. Some foods produce more gas than others. Furthermore, a food intolerance or allergy—like lactose intolerance (problems with dairy)—can trigger bloating. Also, bloating can happen if you eat too much too fast. Beyond food, the menstrual cycle is another common cause of temporary bloating. Research suggests that changes in progesterone and estrogen levels cause the body to retain more water and salt. Thus, bloating.

How Bloating is Related to Not Eating Enough

On the flip side, not eating enough—or trying to fill up on low-calorie foods—can cause bloating. This is a two-pronged approach. First, many diets feature a disproportionately high amount of foods that require more energy to digest (think: raw vegetables and brassicas, like cauliflower and kale). Our bodies have to work extra hard to break down a ton of raw veggies. This results in bloating and gas. Secondly, for chronic under-eaters, the digestive tract slows down. As a result, food moves slowly through the body. It can feel uncomfortable. This explains a heightened sensitivity to feelings of fullness and bloating.

Why Some Healthy Foods Cause Bloating

Yes, even a healthy diet can cause gas! Colorful fruits and seasonal veggies do a body good, but sometimes, they’re not easy on the digestive tract. In essence, it all comes down to carbohydrates. Complex carbohydrate— those made up of more than one sugar until—are called oligosaccharides. And oligosaccharides are found in legumes, such as beans. While the bacteria in our guts love these oligosaccharides, they produce nitrogen gas, which we release as flatulence. It’s a normal side effect of eating legumes. Furthermore, foods that contain complex carbohydrates—like whole grains and cruciferous vegetables—are also high in fiber. And a high-fiber diet can certainly cause excessive gas and bloating. Fiber goes undigested in the GI tract, so a buildup of gas can occur from fiber’s fermentation. If you’re suddenly eating more fiber than usual, you may feel it in your gut. Again, it should be temporary and is a normal part of loading up on more veggies.

Stress and Bloating

Beyond food, stress and anxiety can trigger bloating. Stress slows down digestion, causing bloating, pain and constipation. It puts pressure on your stomach and abdomen. In turn, this upsets two things: hormone balance and neurotransmitter balance. This can create an environment where foods that are normally digested just fine, end up being poorly digested. This leads to gas and bloating. Stress can also lead to other digestive woes, like stomach ulcers and irritable bowel syndrome. At any rate, stomach bloating can be indicative of a more serious medical condition.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Bloating

While temporary bloating is common, if you’re troubled by bloating on a regular basis, talk to your doctor. A few signs and symptoms to be wary of: if you have persistent bloating, gas, or heartburn, your stools contain blood or mucus, there have been major changes to your bowel movements, or if your symptoms are making it difficult to function. Bloating can also be caused by impaired muscle function in the digestive tract. When muscles that normally move food along don’t work properly, gas can build up in the small intestines, causing bloating. In some cases, gas in the intestines may go the wrong way, returning to the stomach. Depending on what’s causing your bloating, surgery may be required to correct it. At any rate, it’s always best to seek medical attention if your bloating and gas is consistent and painful.

10 Tips to Beat the Bloat

Armed with an understanding of why bloating happens, let’s dive into simple tips to help beat the bloat.

1. Get in some gentle movement

Physical activity can get the bowels moving more regularly, which can help to release excess gas and stool. Getting the bowels to move is especially important if a person is feeling constipated. A walk around the block can provide fast relief from gas pressure. Furthermore, certain yoga poses can position the muscles in the abdomen in a way that encourages the release of excess gas from the GI tract. This can reduce bloating.

2. Opt for peppermint oil

Peppermint oil capsules may also be helpful for indigestion and related gas. Manufacturers usually market them as a treatment for the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but people without IBS can also use them to relieve bloating. Peppermint works by relaxing the intestinal muscles, which allows gas and stool to move along more effectively. People should always follow the instructions on the packet. Anyone who is prone to heartburn may need to avoid peppermint.

3. Give digestive enzymes a whirl

If you’ve been diagnosed with an enzyme deficiency or digestive disorder, then digestive enzymes can help to relieve gas and bloating. Even without a diagnosis, many people benefit from taking a digestive enzyme with their meals. I’ll let the reviews speak for themselves, but these are my top three favorite digestive enzyme companies: Source Naturals, Pure Encapsulations, and Mary Ruth’s.

4. Try an abdominal massage

Massaging the abdomen can help to get the bowels moving. A massage that follows the path of the large intestine is especially helpful. People can follow the steps below to do this:

• Placing the hands just above the right hip bone.
• Rubbing in a circular motion with light pressure up toward the right side of the ribcage.
• Rubbing straight across the upper belly area toward the left rib cage.
• Moving slowly down toward the left hip bone.
• Repeating as necessary.

If the massage causes any pain, discontinue immediately.

5. Take a warm bath

The heat of a bath can provide relief for a sore abdomen. Relaxation can also reduce stress levels, which may allow the GI tract to function more effectively and help reduce bloating. For added relaxation and benefits, add lavender epsom salts to the bath.

6. Slowly add in fiber-rich foods

Eating more fiber helps to prevent constipation and bloating. However, bear in mind that eating too much fiber or increasing fiber intake too quickly can cause even more gas and bloating. When increasing fiber intake, start slowly and allow the body to adjust to this change.

7. Swap carbonated beverages for infused water

Fizzy, carbonated drinks contain gas that can build up in the stomach. The carbon dioxide that makes soda and similar beverages fizzy can also cause bubbling and bloating in the stomach. Instead, drink water! We have plenty of ideas to supercharge your water.

8. Toss the sugar alcohols

Sugar alcohols in gum, packaged snacks, and protein bars can cause bloating. These are hard for the GI tract to digest (our bodies can’t digest most of them!), which can lead to discomfort. Swap sugar alcohols for more digestive-friendly sugars, like raw honey and maple syrup.

9. Consider a probiotic

We need good bacteria in our gut. Hello, probiotics! Taking a probiotic supplement may help to regulate the colon bacteria that can produce gas and cause bloating.

10. Keep a food diary

Rule out foods that cause discomfort with a food diary. After all, food intolerances are responsible for many cases of bloating. They can lead to excessive gas in the digestive tract. For people whose bloating happens after meals, keeping track of food and drink intake for several weeks should help determine whether specific foods are responsible.

Foods That Help With Bloating

For these anti-bloating smoothie recipes, we focused on a combination of foods that help with bloating. For example, cucumbers are high in water and may alleviate bloating caused by dehydration. Yogurt is another beneficial food, as it’s packed with probiotics—a beneficial type of bacteria that plays a key role in gut health. When it comes to fiber, focus on berries, seeds (like chia and ground flax), and apples. Ginger and turmeric are both helpful herbs, known for their ability to soothe digestive distress. Lastly, green tea! It’s brimming with antioxidants and contains caffeine, helping stimulate digestive tract movement.

3 Anti-Bloating Smoothie Recipes

Without further ado, give these anti-bloating smoothie recipes a try. They’re packed with colorful, nourishing ingredients but they taste delicious, too. They’re where fun and function collide.

The post 10 Nutritionist-Backed Tips to Beat Bloat—Plus 3 Smoothie Recipes to Help appeared first on Camille Styles.

In the world of shiny new food trends, the humble green smoothie has taken a backseat to bright açaí bowls and fresh celery juice. Now don’t get me wrong, juicing can be healthy and smoothie bowls are a great way to add more vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients to your diet. However, as a nutrition science major and a certified health coach, I understand how even small tweaks in our food intake can make a world of a difference. Most juices and açaí bowls out there are a blood-sugar crash waiting to happen, which will lead to sugar cravings, irritability, and a drop in our energy.

Today, we’re not only talking about how to make a healthy green smoothie, but I’m also sharing my tips on how to make this meal practical and add it to your daily routine. Keep reading to learn how to make, prep, and store this healthy green smoothie. And by the way, this recipe is part of our Plant-Based RE:SET, a new 5 day meal plan coming to your inbox on January 21st! Packed with delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner recipes, this is a week’s worth of meals that’ll leave you feeling lighter, brighter, and energized. Sign up here! Okay, let’s dive in.

Are Green Smoothies Healthy?

Not all green smoothies are created equal. In order to have a truly healthy breakfast, we need to think about balancing our blood sugar and filling ourselves up with nutrient-dense foods. Kelly Leveque frames it best, with her trademarked Fab Four Formula, which includes the perfect ratio of protein, healthy fat, fiber, and vibrant greens. If your smoothie contains all these ingredients, you’ve set yourself for success. This Almond Butter Green Smoothie Recipe checks all of those boxes and is a perfect way to start your day.

What Healthy Green Smoothies Are Easy to Make?

Most breakfast smoothies are really simple to make, just gather the ingredients and blend! But on some days, we don’t have the extra 5-10 minutes in the morning to grab the ingredients, blend and clean up afterward. Not to worry! I’ve got a tip for you that’s going to make this healthy breakfast a breeze. Plan ahead, make your smoothies in advance and store them until you’re ready to blend.

“If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.”

Benjamin Franklin

How to Store Your Healthy Green Smoothie

The best way to consume a healthy green smoothie is right after blending. But sometimes we don’t have that extra five minutes in the morning to gather all the ingredients and blend everything together. Not to mention the mess we have to clean up afterward… That’s why I came up with the blend and freeze method that makes drinking a healthy green smoothie for breakfast realistic for even the busiest mornings!

All you need is a large ice cube tray. Gather up all your ingredients, blend them, and then pour into ice trays to freeze overnight. When you wake up in the morning, just pop the smoothie ice cubes into the blender, blend, and enjoy! Don’t forget to rinse the blender right after and you’ve just made a healthy green smoothie in under two minutes!

Are Green Smoothies Better For You Than Juices?

The main difference between juices and smoothies is that smoothies are full of fiber from fruits and vegetables, while juices are stripped of their fiber. Fiber is an essential part of a healthy diet and most of us aren’t getting enough. According to The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, women should aim to consume 25 grams of fiber per day. Fiber helps by supporting our microbiome, stabilizing our blood sugar and fiber can even help lower cholesterol levels.

Healthy Green Smoothie Substitutions

This is a plant-based and dairy-free recipe that is very easy to adjust if needed. If you are on a low-FODMAP diet, or bloat easily, make sure to pre-steam the cauliflower before blending. Are you drinking this healthy green smoothie after a workout? Add a protein powder to boost recovery and help your body build lean muscle. Do you have a nut allergy? Check out these nut-butter alternatives that are made from a variety of ingredients including golden peas and granola.

Ready to get started? Keep reading for the ingredients and start blending your way to good health!

Print

Almond Butter Green Smoothie

---

• 
  Author: Nihel Ayari

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

This vibrant smoothie is a perfect, blood sugar-balancing way to start your day.

---

Ingredients

Units
USM

• 1/2 frozen banana
• 1 cup of frozen cauliflower
• 1 cup of spinach
• 2 tablespoons nut butter of choice
• 2 cups oat milk (or almond milk)
• Squeeze of honey (optional)

Cook Mode

Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Blend on high and drink up!

The post Finally: A Green Smoothie That’s Packed With Protein, Healthy Fat, & Fiber appeared first on Camille Styles.

At this point in their five and eight-year-old lives, I’ve finally faced it: my kids are picky eaters. As much as my pre-motherhood self believed that I’d have the adventurous eaters who would love sushi by age two, the reality is that they’d both prefer plain hamburgers with lots of ketchup. And you know what? It’s yet another reminder that, as much as we think we have control over who our children become, they’re very much their own people. We can guide them towards kindness and expose them to diverse experiences, but we also must respect their natural passions, interests, and yes, even dislikes. But even with my evolved approach to raising children (lol), I still come back to the question: what do you feed a picky eater for breakfast? Day after day after day…

For me, school morning breakfasts need to be quick prep (as in, under five minutes) and healthy fuel that’ll help them feel energized through the morning.

After years of struggling to find healthy breakfasts my kids will actually enjoy, we finally settled on this tropical smoothie recipe that’s bursting with crowd-pleasing pineapple, strawberries, and bananas. I slip in avocado for fiber and healthy fats, plus ginger for a happy zing (and antioxidants.)

Scroll on for a few power smoothie tips and the story behind this one…

Last summer, our dear friend and former nanny, “Miss Cheryl,” babysat the kids a few mornings a week while Adam and I got our work-from-home on. Two mornings in a row, Phoebe came home raving about Miss C’s smoothie. By the second day, I asked her exactly what was in this magical smoothie, and she immediately rattled off, “Pineapple, strawberries, bananas (but just a little), avocado (and I don’t normally even like avocado!) ginger (LOTS), and orange juice. Mom: DO NOT use milk. It has to be orange juice.)

Mmmkay…. so the next morning we made it ourselves, and both kids happy drank it down. I can’t overstate the inner joy I felt from seeing them sucking all those vitamins and minerals through their straws. From then on, it’s been our house tropical smoothie recipe, and thankfully Adam and I love it just as much as the kids.

A few tips for making the best smoothies:

1. For that thick, milkshake consistency you get from smoothie shops, use frozen fruits and veggies when possible, and add a handful of ice to make it even thicker.
2. A little honey goes a long way – we like our smoothies a bit sweet.
3. Avocado provides a little richness and a more “pudding” like consistency – play with more or less, depending on your personal preference.
4. If you want to get ahead the night before, add all your fruits, veggies, and ice to the blender and pop in the freezer. In the morning, just add orange juice and honey, and blend!One added benefit to this smoothie? It’s dairy-free, nut-free, gluten-free, vegan… in fact, it works with just about any of the most common dietary restrictions, which is great for all the families juggling different allergies for different family members.Be sure to check out our smoothie files for lots more AM recipes, and I’d love to hear if you give this tropical smoothie recipe a try! Don’t forget to rate, leave us a comment, and tag us on Instagram.

Loved this post? Pin this graphic to come back to it later.

The post The Tropical Pineapple-Ginger Smoothie My Kids Ask For Every Morning appeared first on Camille Styles.

Like many, summer is my favorite season, and every year, I try to soak it up as best I can. The late golden hour sun during my evening walks, the candy-sweet tomatoes that have found their way into almost every meal, the lakeside breeze, and for me, the juicy summer mango slices that I’m snacking on and tucking into every dessert any chance I get.

It bears repeating: I’m obsessed with mangoes. And for me, there is no more iconic recipe than a mango lassi.

When most people order a lassi at an Indian restaurant, they’re usually thinking of the sweet mango lassi that is almost reminiscent of a milkshake. It’s sweet and cooling flavor is perfect for sipping between big bites of spice filled bowls of sabzi and daal. There is also a salty lassi that is more of a yogurt based drink that leans savory with swirls of spices like black salt and pepper.

I combined the best of both worlds for a lassi that toes the line between the sweet and salty. I find that the spices tame the sweetness of the mango, making the flavors sing even brighter.

I consulted my mom on how she likes to make hers, and this is what we came up with.

It’s almost comical when I try to get a recipe out of my mom to make for myself. The thing is, she and the other Aunties don’t necessarily follow a recipe in the same way we follow recipes here. Recipes in cookbooks and on sites are supposed to be precise, tested multiple times to the exact ounce so that they can be replicated over and over. But the thing is, my mom doesn’t measure anything, she never has. So when I call her and say that I’m craving a recipe she makes, it’s like pulling teeth. Even she will get frustrated with my need for an exact measurement because it doesn’t exist and she doesn’t understand why I can’t just start cooking and adjust along the way. It’s a skill to be able to eyeball and just know that a recipe is right simply by the color or flavor, and maybe I’ll get there someday. But for now, my mom and I will continue our lively phone calls as I try and decipher measurements so I can share some of my favorite recipes with y’all.

Lassis to me are a treat. My mom didn’t make them all the time, but it was a special recipe reserved for when the giant boxes of alphonso mangos became available at the Indian stores, and she would decide on a whim to blend a couple glasses up for my brother and me.

For my salty mango lassi, I use sendhav salt. I buy this one from the Indian grocery stores, but you can use whatever salt you have on hand – Himalayan pink salt, sea salt, rock salt – just start small with a 1/8 tsp and gradually add a pinch more as you prefer to adjust the level of saltiness.

My mom always has sendhav salt in her spice cabinet, and as I was chatting with her over the phone on the right blend of ingredients for this lassi, she reminded me that sendhav salt helps with digestion and has lots of other important minerals that our bodies need.

For the other spices, I will continue my campaign for fresh ground over pre-packaged. It’s such a simple thing, but when you compare fresh ground cardamom to pre-bottled, it’s like a completely different ingredient and flavor. In a recipe like this where there are just a handful of ingredients, you want every one of them to shine. Invest in a basic spice grinder: I have this one and use it every day to create the most flavorful recipes, from this basic lassi to the most complex sabzi.

So blend ‘er up, serve up cold, and enjoy these quiet summer days with a refreshing mango lassi. Scroll on for the recipe…

The post Sweet and Salty Mango Lassis Will Save Your Summer appeared first on Camille Styles.

Because mint and chocolate together is never a bad idea. This may be the most guilt-free way to enjoy the two: in a green smoothie that will serve and lift you up in the hours that follow it. This smoothie is also great without the mint. For a version with a double boost of energy, try the Coffee Chocolate Green Buzz Smoothie.

This recipe is taken from Sarah Adler’s Simply Real Cooking cookbook. Check out the full post for Sarah’s 7 steps to balanced, healthy living here. 

The post Chocolate Green Smoothie appeared first on Camille Styles.

We got the scoop on the protein packed smoothie Jennifer Garner drinks nonstop to keep her blood-sugar balanced, appetite low, energy high, and #bodgoals in tact.

It all blends up to celeb nutritionist Kelly LeVeque’s simple yet effective method behind her Fab Four Smoothie —a combination of fat, greens, protein, fiber that keeps bellies full and minds sharp for hours on end. After spending a morning getting ready with Kelly, we’re officially inspired to kick our bad eating habits to the curb and hop on the Fab Four train.

The post The Protein Packed Smoothie That Jennifer Garner Swears By appeared first on Camille Styles.

Click here to read our entire interview with Lauren Roxburgh!

The post Blueberry & Avocado Fascia-Boosting Smoothie appeared first on Camille Styles.

If you’re lucky enough to find yourself basking in the sun, surf, and beautiful people that surround Hawaii’s North Shore, you must make your way to Hale’iwa Bowls for the ultimate chilled out smoothie bowl experience. Nestled off the sandy edge of Kamehameha Highway, the little grass shack in the historic town of Hale’iwa is famous for giving the locals all their fruit and coffee fixes. From their custom acai bowls and smoothies, juices, smoothies & cold-brew coffee, Hale’iwa Bowls is one of those places you can’t go wrong for a fresh, delicious meal or a post-surf snack any time of day.

When local favorite Mahina Garcia was helping us plan the perfect Hawaiian morning together, this spot was at the top of her list of our ‘must-do’s.

“Hale’iwa Bowls is the OG original gangster bowls, they were the first to truly establish themselves on the North Shore. I was actually one of Hale’iwa Bowls first employees, therefore, they will always be dear to my heart,” she says.

Mahina has even coined her own off-menu secret bowl, and justifies her weekly double-fisting habit with the knowing that she’s supporting her local farmers in the area with every bite. She also loves that all the bowls are non-dairy, with no added sugars. “It’s the best fresh and healthy option to fuel our bodies that the small surf town of Hale’iwa has to offer,” she says.

My favorite thing to do is add peanut butter to my bowl…once you add peanut butter to your bowl you’ll never be able to eat it peanut butter less again! — Mahina Garcia 

Scroll on for how you can bring a little bit of the North Shore into your own home via blends that both your mouth and your body will thank you for: the Blue Majik Bowl and Mahina’s “secret” custom bowl. These tasty treats are filled with fruit, granola, coconut, bee pollen, and blue majik spirulina, which is packed with tons of nutrients and has been shown to support brain function, healthy joints, flexibility, and increase energy.

Although nothing beats the real Hale’iwa Bowl experience, these bowls are a healthy and delicious way to take us right back to island time, where the livings easy. Mahalo!

The post Tropical Smoothie Bowls from Our Fave Spot in Hawaii appeared first on Camille Styles.

While spending the morning with Kat Tanita in her charming bungalow in Venice, we learned the secret to a healthy glow truly starts from the inside out. A longtime sufferer of digestive issues, the lifestyle and fashion blogger behind With Love From Kat revealed it was eating clean on a consistent basis that eventually healed her digestion issues. Read more of her story below, and everything you need to know to make this delicious and healthy green juice at home.

“For years, I struggled with digestion problems.  My stomach was always in knots and I looked 6 months pregnant after every meal – even small ones. It was uncomfortable and embarrassing and I turned to everyone for answers – top gastroenterologists, naturopaths, nutritions, internal medicine people.  Not one of them could figure out what was wrong with me and they all misdiagnosed me.  I spent thousands of dollars on pills, vitamins, supplements, shakes, doctor visits – literally nothing helped. 

So after years of struggling, I decided to take matters into my own hands and research and experiment with different things.  Turns out for me, eating fresh, organic, healthy and balanced meals mostly free of gluten, dairy, and refined sugar was the answer,” she says.

Eating clean on a consistent basis healed my digestion issues. Having a green juice every morning gave me that extra pep in my step and changed everything.

“I realized how powerful food is – you really are what you eat!  Real food does heal.” –Kat Tanita

The post The Gut-Healing Green Juice That Kat Tanita Swears By appeared first on Camille Styles.

It’s easy to make fun of the omnipresence of pumpkin spice everything at this time of year; sometimes it feels like it’s hard to step outside without getting a whiff of those familiar fall flavors, much less sit in a coffee shop. But if we’re being honest, can we just all agree that it’s a cliché for a reason? That flavor combo is just really darn delicious, and since I’m already waving my pumpkin spice freak flag high, I might as well go ahead and spill the smoothie recipe I’ve been craving ever since the first hints of fall arrived this year. Keep scrolling for the recipe, and don’t worry if you get hooked on it too — it can be our little secret.

*photos by kristen kilpatrick

Five easy ingredients is all it takes — I always keep these on hand so I’m ready to blend at a moment’s notice.

• Pumpkin purée
• Banana (freezing it beforehand gives the creamiest consistency)
• Almond Milk
• Dates
• Pumpkin Pie Spice

Puréed pumpkin is such a genius way to sneak some veggies into your breakfast. I always keep a few cans of organic pumpkin on hand, and if I make a loaf of this pumpkin bread, I have half a can leftover that I can use in this recipe.

Into my KitchenAid® Pro Line® Series Blender it goes (We just got this one for the new studio kitchen, and I’m obsessed!).

This smoothie is often filling enough to stand in for breakfast, but if you want to add some extra protein, a scoop of plant-based vanilla protein powder would be delish. For some healthy fats, try subbing in full-fat coconut milk instead of the almond milk. And chia seeds are always a great way to add a hit of protein, fat, and fiber to any smoothie.

I’ll admit, I have a history of pumpkin spice addiction! Here are some of my other favorite ways to satisfy it:

Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Rolls

Pumpkin Spice Tacos (yep, you heard that right)

Healthier Pumpkin Bread with Walnut-Cinnamon Streusel

Pumpkin Salad with Pomegranate & Cumin Yogurt

And of course, I’d love to hear your favorite pumpkin recipes in the comments!

The post This Pumpkin Spice Smoothie Is Your Fall Breakfast Solution appeared first on Camille Styles.

Let me start by saying that ice cream and iced coffee are two of my favorite things on the planet. So winter’s arrival always leaves me in a bit of a predicament: do I abandon icy treats until warmer temps arrive? It just doesn’t seem right. I know, I know, there’s nothing quite like strolling down the sidewalk during the holidays with a giant cup of hot chocolate to warm you up. But what about those times when you’re huddled inside around a toasty fire with your cozy socks on? Cue the frozen hot chocolate.

photography by: Ashleigh Amoroso 

It’s probably clear just by looking at these that I didn’t skimp on the chocolate. What you may not guess is that these shakes also include a full cup of spinach per serving, and I guarantee you won’t be able to taste it. A sweet indulgence with a side of a nutrient-dense power greens? You’re welcome.

Now for the as yet unmentioned ingredient that is truly the star of the show: mint, also known as chocolate’s BFF. As with most of our recipes, we kept these shakes free of syrups and excessive sugar and instead loaded them with fresh ingredients. Of course, all without sacrificing taste which comes here in the form of fresh mint, and lots of it!

Whether you’re sprucing up your morning smoothie with a holiday twist or making these for friends and family while sitting around the fire, I hope you get a chance to enjoy these healthier frozen peppermint hot chocolates this season! Happy Holidays!

The post Healthy Frozen Peppermint Hot Chocolate appeared first on Camille Styles.

photography by Ashleigh Amoroso

The post Vanilla Fig Smoothie With Cinnamon Whipped Cream appeared first on Camille Styles.

September is a month of new goals and fresh starts, and for many of us, that holds just as true in the food and drink departments. Did anyone else feel like the last half of summer held a few too many opportunities for overindulgences? I definitely hit my limit over the Labor Day weekend with 3 days full of barbecue, ice cream, cheese plates, and rosé. It’s felt really good to return to a routine and get back on the clean eating wagon over the last couple weeks, with big leafy salads for lunch, and soups for dinner packed full of veggies and healthy grains. I’ve been sleeping really good at night and feeling like working out in the morning.

Of course, only clean eating gets boring pretty quickly, and I’m a big proponent of always leaving a little room in my diet for cocktails and dessert. Luckily, today’s installment of Bottoms Up kills two birds with one stone by combining them both into one delicious and gorgeous spiked shake. We got our first taste of Baileys Almande a few months ago, and I’ve been using it in tropical fruity smoothie cocktails all summer. Now that the season’s turning, I thought it would be fun to incorporate its luscious vanilla flavors in a cozier, spicier dessert drink — and since it’s made with real almondmilk, I was able to keep the entire thing dairy-free and made with real, natural ingredients.

I had so much fun making this a “layered” shake — which sounds kind of complicated, but since each of the layers only has a handful of simple ingredients, it was really just a matter of whizzing up 3 easy mixtures in the blender and sticking each of them in the freezer while I made the others. I will say that, in order to keep the separation between each layer, you should freeze them in between… and the added bonus to this route is that you can make these completely before guests arrive (up to an hour — much longer than that and they might get too hard) and have them all ready to go in advance. Want to keep things really easy? Each of these shakes is delicious enough to be a complete dessert on its own, so pick your favorite, blend, and drink up.

*photos: Laura Alexandra

The post Layered Chocolate, Banana, & Date Shake appeared first on Camille Styles.