I don’t really drink smoothies these days. It’s too easy for me to gulp down 600 calories and then scratch my head wondering what to eat next. I just don’t feel satisfied, no matter what the caloric content of the smoothie may be.
I have found however, that if I eat a smoothie, it’s a totally different experience. These days when I make a smoothie, I pour it into a bowl, I add some additional fruit and crunch to the top, and then most importantly: I sit down to eat it. One of the simplest and most effective habits we can build in regard to our health and nutrition is to STFD (that stands for slow the f#@k down) when we eat. How much time do you spend per day thinking about the next thing you’re going to eat? Then how much time do you spend actually paying attention to that food when it’s going into your mouth?
When we pound a meal in 90 seconds while standing over the kitchen sink or driving to work, there’s a strong likelihood we won’t detect important hunger and fullness cues, raising the likelihood overeating. When we eat too fast and with distraction, we can also miss other important body cues, like how particular foods make us feel physically (food sensitivities anyone?). Speed eating can also compromise digestion, leading to excess bloating and gas.
So mix up a batch of this smoothie topper, store it in an airtight container in the pantry, and use it as a cue to STFD the next time you have a smoothie. Is it possible to stretch your meal to 5 minutes? 10? 15? Is it possible to spend as much time eating the meal as you did fantasizing about making it? (I’m not the only one who fantasizes about making smoothies, am I?) With continued practice and attention, we all have the capacity to develop this habit – a habit that can have profound effects on your health and well being.
Mix together…
Yields 19, 1/4 cup servings
- 2 cups raw (or toasted) buckwheat groats (because they’re crunchy, high in minerals and antioxidants, and also a great source of fiber and protein)
- 1 cup raw sunflower seeds
- 1 cup raw pumkin seeds
- 1/2 cup hemp hearts
- 1/4 cup cocoa nibs
Each serving contains approximately 160 calories, 7 grams protein, 9 fat, 16 carbohydrate
Try this smoothie topper on these…
- Green Protein Smoothie
- Beet Banana Chia Smoothie
- Green Banana Pick-me-up
- Salted Caramel Tahini Smoothie
Finally, if you feel you could use a hand in shaping up your dietary habits, give me a shout! Click on this link to schedule a Free Nutrition Habits Strategy Session with yours truly. You can ask all of your questions and talk through your concerns to determine whether or not my coaching programs might be helpful for you.
In the mean time, I wish you all health and enhanced immunity during these crazy times.
xx
lacey