Mango Maca Power Smoothie Bowl

This post on collagen and detoxification is proudly sponsored by Vital Proteins. The best place to get pure and natural collagen to enhance your body. 

I’ve been playing with my smoothie game. I mean spring is here and it’s heating up which always brings a new desire for a cold and yet filling smoothie and this mango maca power smoothie {bowl} is downright delicious. Plus, it has the big three breakdowns that you’re looking for in a smoothie, a protein, fat, and fiber.

Unlike most smoothies, that tend to be carbs on carbs on carbs, you want to aim to have one healthy fat source, one healthy protein source, and one added fiber. This takes it from being just a quick dessert like component to a solid and sustainable meal that will hold you over.

Of course, the big rage in the smoothie world is all things green. Green veggies like spinach and kale are generally added to smoothies, which is great but I like to think about the versatility of mixing up those greens for other veggies.

In this case, we’re using cauliflower.

Yes, you heard that right, cauliflower is the base veggie in this smoothie bowl and I promise it is actually deliciously creamy. I’ve played around with cauliflower in smoothies for a few years {here’s one of my first smoothie creations using cauliflower} but I’ve learned some things over the years.

The cauliflower is less pungent when you steam and freeze it before adding to your smoothie. So go ahead and buy fresh cauliflower, or even frozen, do a light and quick steam to cook it slightly, freeze on a single layer pan and then place in a container for storage.

Not only does the cooking process break down some of the bitter flavors but it also improves the digestion. Of course, neither is required it’s just recommended from my trial and error test sessions I’ve had. But now back to creating a nourishing smoothie.

nourishing smoothies

Nourishing, sustaining, meal replacing smoothies have to add enough substance to your life to hold you over while nourishing every cell in the body. Like I mentioned, while it’s easy to just add fruit on fruit on fruit, the better option is to stay focused on the three main components of a healthy smoothie.

These include; fat, protein and fiber. On top of that, you can add some of your favorite fruit for flavor as well as a heaping serving of vegetables but the big three should be seriously considered in a smoothie for lasting health.

the fat

Finally fat is coming back into the spotlight it deserves. Of course, a healthy fat that is. But after years of fat deprivation, the truth finally comes out that fat is not just needed it’s essential! It’s critical for life, for hormonal flow and for energy. Not to mention fat fills you up and beats cravings.

Who doesn’t want their cravings doused out?

In every smoothie, you make try to add at least one serving of healthy fats. Some good options include:

• Avocado
• Coconut Cream
• Coconut Oil
• Cashews
• Chia Seeds
• Hemp Seeds
• Pumpkin Seeds
• Brain Octane Oil {MCT oil}

the protein

Amino acids are the building blocks of our body. In conjunction with fat, they provide a lot of satiety, nutrition and again an added boost in preventing cravings. As they say, you crave what you burn. So if you want to get rid of your sugar cravings you have to convert your body into becoming fat adapted. One prime way to do this is to eat more fat and protein and less sugar.

I know that sounds more simple than it is because it’s easy to come up with carbohydrate food sources, but when it comes to healthy protein, especially on the go that becomes a more difficult issue. Granted there are a hundred different kinds of protein bars these days, but even those should go into question because of the health of the hundreds of ingredients some of them contain.

But that’s a topic for a different day. Today I want to share some healthy proteins sources you could be adding to your smoothies. One of my top choices and its way up on the list is collagen. I mention collagen often because I literally use it in my daily life and have seen endless benefits to it. Especially in my skin and hair.

collagen benefits

Those benefits come from the fact that collagen is one of the most easily digested and absorbed protein in the body making it highly bioavailable. In fact, some consider collagen to be one of the best and most essential sources of protein we can consume.

Of course, that is if you’re buying a quality collagen source. That’s why I like to stick with Vital Proteins. The quality is high, the flavor and texture are spot on and it’s sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine hides.

Even if you’re not into the traditional source of collagen, they do offer marine collagen. A little bit of something-something for everyone. You can read more about collagen benefits and why you should take it every day here.

Outside of collagen, there are some other good protein sources you could add to smoothies. These include:

• Nut Butters
• Nuts
• Seeds
• Vegan Protein Powder {be careful around these}

The Fiber

Fiber, while a carbohydrate, is the indigestible kind. Instead of acting as a sugar molecule, it works to clean up the digestive system as well as provide food for the good bacteria in our GI tract. Fruits and vegetables do contain a considerable amount of fiber, and we will even add vegetables to our list, but adding an extra helping can enhance your digestion, satiety and nutritional value of any smoothie.

Here are my top fiber choices:

• Flaxseed Meal
• Hemp Hearts
• Chia Seeds
• Shredded Coconut
• Green Vegetables
• Cruciferous Vegetables
• Citrus Fruits

create your layers

Now it’s all about combining the flavors to create a delicious and nutritious meal. The six critical element plus one more optional element you should consider include;

1. The liquid {approximately 1/2-1 cup depending on desired thickness} – I like to stick with water, tea or unsweetened milk alternatives.
2. The vegetable – Remember, it’s not just about greens, although those work perfectly too. But you could branch out and add cooked cauliflower, zucchini, cucumbers or even squash and sweet potatoes.
3. The fruit – A little goes a long way. If you want something sweeter, try adding a banana, mango or pineapple. Otherwise stay on the tart side with berries and citrus fruits if you choose to add fruit.
4.  The fat
5. The protein
6. The fiber
7. The Add-ins – Of course, these are optional, but adding in things like adaptogens or extra green powders can amplify the health benefits of your smoothie. I like to add in maca powder and/or this energy powder.

Just blend it all together and enjoy!

A simple and quick meal option when you don’t have a lot of time but need a lot of nutrition. This mango maca power smoothie combo combines all the healthy fats, vegetables, protein, fiber with a touch of sweetness coming from the mango.

get your own collagen

Sure there are many places to pick up collagen, I’ve tried a few and fell in love with only one brand. Vital Proteins is my go-to source for collagen, including the collagen creamer and matcha + collagen {I know, speechless right?}

Make sure you check out Vital Proteins and whip up your own nourishing smoothie or smoothie bowl and experience a power smoothie done right!