Beauty Smoothie Bowl

Beauty comes from within! This bright and light smoothie works to promote healthy skin, hair and nails as well as optimal blood sugar control to support a healthy metabolism. Keep in mind that most smoothies at your local smoothie shop have on average 75-90 grams of carbohydrates. This is similar to eating 6 apples or 6 cups of strawberries in one sitting! Most would be full and satisfied after 1 apple or 1 cup of strawberries yet we could easily drink a smoothie that contains 6 times that amount of carbohydrates. These extra carbohydrates from a typical smoothie are converted into sugar in the blood stream which as you can imagine can mess with your blood sugar and insulin balance but also can effect sex hormones in the body leading to hair loss and even breakouts. 

Every single ingredient in this smoothie is designed to promote healthy (and beautiful) hair, skin and nails. At the top of the list of ingredients for this smoothie is coconut milk. High in lauric acid and caprylic acid, coconut is extremely anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal making it the perfect ingredient to fight inflammatory skin conditions like eczema, rosacea and psoriasis and also may help treat any skin issues related to systemic yeast overgrowth. Collagen peptides are added to provide a source of protein, promote healthy skin elasticity and also to aid in the support of healthy gut and immune system function which will reduce any inflammatory skin conditions. Frozen steamed carrots are added to the smoothie to create a creamy texture without use of something more concentrated in carbohydrates like bananas. Carrots are also an excellent source of Vitamin A to keep skin healthy and firm and also contains high amounts of biotin to promote hair and nail growth. Frozen mango is added as it contains a high amount of vitamin C needed for healthy collagen production as well as Vitamin A. Orange juice provides more vitamin C among other acids to help aid in digestion and absorption of nutrients. Lastly, apple cider vinegar works by promoting bile flow from the liver to aid in emulsification and absorption of fat such as Omega 3 essential fatty acids, Vitamin A, Vitamin D and Vitamin E; all of which are crucial for healthy skin, hair and nails.

GATHER

1/3 cup full fat canned coconut milk (Trader Joe's makes an organic one without binders or fillers)

1/2 cup water or more to thin smoothie to desired consistency

2 scoops Vital Proteins Collagen Beauty Water or Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides 

1/2 cup frozen steamed carrots 

1/2 cup frozen organic mango 

2 tbsp fresh orange juice 

1 tsp Apple Cider Vinegar (don't worry you won't taste it!) 

1 pinch Himalayan or Celtic sea salt 

1/2 tsp grated ginger (optional) 

2-3 tsp raw unfiltered honey (optional for desired sweetness) 

MAKE

Add all ingredients with exception of water to blender and begin to blend. Add in water slowly for desired consistency.  Option to top with chia seeds for added Omega 3 or bee pollen which is an excellent source of B Vitamins.