Layered Beet Chia Smoothie Recipe

Today's recipe was created by the talented Dylan Cutler at Phruitful Dish. I am so grateful that Dylan was kind enough to share this amazing recipe with me! Make sure you check out her blog for healthier and satisfying recipes. 

“A bright, beet-utiful smoothie with a twist.”

I like to start my day by incorporating a few superfoods in my breakfast. The two stars here are beets and chia seeds. Beets are a good source of several nutrients including folate, manganese, and iron. They also contain betalains, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and therefore promote cardiovascular and metabolic health. Another superfood you will find in many of my recipes is chia seeds. When chia seeds are soaked, they become more bioavailable to our bodies, which helps us take advantage of their high protein and fiber content. Studies have shown they may even decrease blood pressure and C-reactive protein (a marker of inflammation). For this recipe, I soaked them overnight in almond milk and then topped the chia mixture with a beet smoothie. Achieving distinct layers was easy thanks to the gel-like consistency of soaked chia seeds. Try it out and let me know what you think!

Ingredients:

1/2 cup chia seeds

3/4 cup almond milk

1 large beet, cubed

1/4 cup coconut milk yogurt

1 scoop pea protein powder 

Directions:

1.     In a jar, mix together chia seeds with almond milk, seal it, and store in the fridge overnight (I like to make enough for a couple of days).

2.     In the morning, blend a beet, yogurt, and protein powder together (throw in almond milk if it isn’t blending well). I steam beets ahead of time, chop them and store in the freezer until I want to use them in smoothies.

3.     Scoop spoonfuls of chia mixture into a glass and pour the beet smoothie on top.

Author Bio:

Dylan loves creating nutritious, superfood-packed recipes to share with women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and others interested in plant-based, gluten-free eating.  As a Ph.D. candidate in Vancouver, BC, she conducts research focused on women’s reproductive health, specifically PCOS, and the impact of lifestyle changes. She believes food and exercise are two powerful, yet underutilized, forms of medicine. Make sure to follow Dylan on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for more great recipes!