Energy Boosting Smoothie - Banana-Almond Power Smoothie Recipe

Who couldn't use more energy to get them through the day? That's what this unique blend of energy boosting complex carbohydrates will do for you. This energy drink will rev up your engine and keep it going strong for hours. Here is a breakdown of why this smoothie boosts energy, followed by the delicious banana-almond power smoothie recipe.

Bananas Contain Natural Sugars

Bananas are packed with three natural sugars (sucrose, fructose and glucose) which the body converts straight to energizing fuel. Bananas also provide potassium, the mineral which enhances muscle and nerve health, fiber to slow digestion and keep the body's fuel level steady. And lastly, bananas provide the amino acid tryptophan, which is transformed in the body to serotonin, the mood-boosting, happy hormone.

Almonds are Mineral Rich Fiber Sources

Almonds are one of the best sources for two energy boosting minerals; manganese and copper. These minerals are essential for keeping energy production within the cells healthy and ongoing. Almonds are also rich in fiber, which slows down digestion so energy for food can be released into the body over a longer period of time. Almond butter can be found in any grocery store and makes a good alternative spread for toast.

Stimulating Cocoa Powder

Cocoa powder contains two powerful stimulants that get your motor running - caffeine and theobromine. Together, these two stimulants provoke the production of adrenaline and the release of body fuel in the form of glucose. Since the cocoa powder is unsweetened, it is low in calories and does not provide that sudden sugar rush followed by a crash that typical sugar-sweetened foods cause.

Soy Milk Contains Iron

Soy milk (unlike cow's milk) contains iron, which revs up your metabolism and aids in the transportation of oxygen in the red blood cells to every part of the body. Soy milk comes unflavored and flavored (vanilla, chocolate, strawberry) and vanilla is a pleasing flavor combination along with the other ingredients in the smoothie, any other flavor of soy milk may be used in the recipe if desired.

Banana-Almond Smoothie Recipe

• 2 bananas
• ¾ cup of vanilla soy milk
• 1 tablespoon of almond butter
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon

Peel and quarter the two bananas, wrap and place in freezer until frozen. In blender, combine vanilla soy milk, almond butter, unsweetened cocoa powder and cinnamon. Add frozen bananas and 3 ice cubes. Puree until the energy boosting smoothie reaches desired consistency.

Sources: Bananas

Almonds