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This Machine Changed My Life

My husband recently surprised with with a beautiful red Vitamix Creations GC. It was love at first sight (…for both my hubby & the Vitamix). 😉

I use my new machine at least once a day, sometimes 2-3 times. This is NOT your average blender, at all. For example, your Vitamix will not leak. In fact, they don’t even come apart, so there’s no way it CAN leak. (Okay, maybe it’s possible, but it would be really, really, really difficult). This (and of course the pure, raw power) is what drew me to the Vitamix.

Because you do not take it apart to clean it, the ease of use is stupid amazing. Use it, get it dirty, rinse it out, add a little water and dish soap, put it back on the base, turn it on, rinse it out, and BOOM. You are clean and ready to use it again.

If You Buy It, You Will Make It

Why am I going on and on about my Vitamix (you just want the smoothie add-ins, don’t you)?! Well, if you are on the fence about getting one, get off and just go for it. You will NOT be disappointed. You can read all about the exact one I got at this link.

This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission.

I am also telling you about my new Vitamix because I have been making smoothies out the wazoo lately. I am addicted. It is so easy! My Vitamix crushes everything and makes absolutely beautiful, tasty smoothies.

If you were to type ‘smoothie recipes’ into your preferred search engine, you’d get about a gazillion results. Maybe a gazillion and one…that’s just a guesstimate.

I could provide you with specific smoothie recipes today, but I really want to share my five favorite smoothie add-ins. Let’s make our smoothies even more nutritious for our bodies, in some somewhat sneaky (and quite tasty) ways.

My Five Favorite Smoothie Add-Ins

Milk Kefir

I am a huge fan of kefir (pronounced kuh-FEAR). Kefir is similar to yogurt, but more liquidy than yogurt and a bit more tart and tangy, which makes it a great addition to smoothies!

Kefir is said to have a much greater probiotic punch than simple yogurt. By adding kefir into your smoothies you are helping to populate the amount of ‘good’ bacteria in your gut, which will help with proper digestion.

I have been purchasing goat milk kefir at my local co-op, but plan to start making it myself as soon as I get my order in for some ‘grains’. These milk kefir grains have been on my wish list for a while and I need to just place the order. (Oh, they aren’t really ‘grains’; they are blobs of proteins, fats, and polysaccharides).

If you do purchase kefir at the store, try to get raw kefir (if it’s available where you live) or at least non-pasteurized (or at the very least, ultra low-temperature pasteurized).

Nutritional Yeast

To me, this yeast powder does not have a ton of flavor, but does seem to resemble butter. It contains nice amounts of protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and B12 (which is important if you are a Celiac or if you suspect your body has a difficult time absorbing nutrients from food).

I simply add a couple of healthy sprinkles into each smoothie and know that I am doing my body good. Actually, I sprinkle a little bit into a lot of the foods I eat at home. I’d encourage you to give some a try.

Coconut Water Kefir

Yet another probiotic friend that is a welcome addition in smoothies, especially for those who wish to incorporate kefir, but do not use dairy.

Instead of adding ice into your smoothies, simply use frozen fruit for the icy texture and add a little coconut water kefir to incorporate a probiotic punch. Again, I am still purchasing my coconut water kefir, too, but as soon as I get my kombucha brewing under control, I will be purchasing these water kefir grains (also on my wish list).

Cinnamon

Cinnamon not only tastes delish in smoothies, it is quite nourishing for the body. Cinnamon is an anti-inflammatory food, boosts brain functioning, and assists in indigestion. In cinnamon you will find calcium, fiber, iron, and manganese.

Beware! Please make sure that you are using the right kind of cinnamon in your home. Until recently, I was not; I had no idea! This is a must read. Then…you’ll wanna get your hands on Ceylon cinnamon, like this.

Kelp Powder

I do worry that my son and I are not getting enough iodine in our diets. We do not use table salt enriched with iodine (for good reason!) and we also do not eat a ton of seafood (the best place to get iodine). Iodine is important in detoxing, by supporting the thyroid, liver, lymphatic system, and more.

By including a healthy pinch of kelp powder into every pitcher of smoothies, I know that we are getting a good amount of iodine supplementation. Not only iodine, kelp also contains potassium, iron, vitamin B6, riboflavin, and dietary fiber.

I use this brand. It is slightly salty, but not detectable in a large batch of smoothies (or sprinkled into salads, soups, and many other foods).

There you have it..my five favorite smoothie add-ins. What are your favorite add-ins? I’d love to hear!

Until next time…

xoxo,

Jess, aka Scratch Mommy

Photo Credit – Ken Hawkins