Sometimes it's the subtle changes made to recipes that make the biggest difference. I'm a big fan of using avocado and unsweetened cocoa as ingredients in my recipes. They're both clean, free of added sugar and add a lot of flavor and texture to just about anything. Another ingredient I've started using a lot of, particularly in smoothies, is gelatin.
Beyond the sugar-laden boxes of JELL-O in the grocery store, gelatin is beginning to gain more popularity as a supplement for the following reasons:
- Anti-aging Properties
- Joint Protection
- Improved Digestion
Gelatin helps us rebuild collagen. As we get older, that amount decreases significantly. The processed form of collagen is gelatin. If you’ve ever eaten pudding or Jell-O, you’ve had gelatin! No, I’m not suggesting you go out and eat a bunch of Jell-O or pudding (please don’t). But if you're not a strict vegetarian, consider adding a high quality grass fed gelatin to your diet every now and then. I add a teaspoon of gelatin to my morning shake. Gelatin is odorless and tasteless and easily added to foods. My preference would be hot cereal, like oatmeal, in the morning, or smoothies. This is the gelatin I use.
Gelatin is made up of all the amino acids our body needs. Since amino acids are the building blocks of protein, it makes perfect sense that an gelatin works to help manage weight as well! in fact, gelatin is well known for better managing fat metabolism and regulating cortisol levels.
Now, onto this delicious smoothie recipe.
Chocolate Avocado Anti-Aging Smoothie
Serves 1
Ingredients
1 c. Water
1/2 Avocado
1/2 Banana
1 tbsp. Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
1 tbsp. Gelatin
1 tsp. stevia (or 1 tbsp. honey)
Blend all ingredients together until smooth. Enjoy!
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