Healthy Pina Colada Smoothie

 

Okay, it’s no secret: I love smoothies. And this Healthy Pina Colada Smoothie does not disappoint.

Smoothies are a great breakfast item, especially if you’re someone who doesn’t have a lot of time in the morning. You even can pre-portion these in advance by putting your frozen fruit in ziplock bags! Smoothies are just so versatile–and tasty!

Of course, the key to a smoothie that keeps you full (versus one that leaves your tummy rumbling 20 minutes later) is what you put in it. Remember, if you’re looking to have a smoothie as a meal, then you want to make sure it’s actually filling. You want to be higher in calories, as well as protein and healthy fats.

This is why I love adding collagen to my smoothies for my protein boost. Of course, you can use whatever protein powder you like, but collagen is my go-to, because it’s flavourless and it offers some amino acids that we typically don’t get lots of with our muscle-meat diets, like glycine, for example. I really love this one by Vital Proteins because it’s grass-fed and flavourless. It also contains hyaluronic acid and vitamin C, both of which are key ingredients for healthy skin.

If you want to learn more about the health benefits of collagen, check out this post here.

How To Make A Healthy Pina Colada Smoothie

This remember comes together really quickly: simply add all of your ingredients into a blender, and blend until smooth! Voila! If you’re feeling fancy, top your smoothie with toasted coconut chips and pineapple (but this absolutely not necessary!).

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Key Ingredients

• Banana
• Frozen Pineapple
• Coconut Milk
• Coconut Water
• Turmeric
• Collagen

Substitutions

Vegan? Feel free to swap out collagen for a vegan protein powder. Again, any flavourless protein powder (or even vanilla protein powder) would work well here.

Want to get some added nutrition? Add a handful of spinach or other leafy green. You won’t be able to taste it, so it’s a great way to sneak in greens!

Health Benefits of This Pina Colada Smoothie

Collagen: Collagen is made of long chains of linked amino acids, and is the building block that makes up our skin, bones, tendons, and muscles. It’s what makes our skin elastic, youthful + strong by creating fibroblasts: fibrous networks of cells, on which new cells can grow.

Collagen has been shown to improve skin elasticity and reduce the signs of aging.

One study found that women taking collagen peptides for 8 weeks saw a significant improvement in skin elasticity and dryness than those who didn’t. Another study showed similar results, with women showing more hydrated skin after supplementing with collagen.

Coconut Water: deliciously sweet and low in fat, coconut water has been touted as a tasty way to stay hydrated. Not only that, coconut water is high in nutrients and electrolytes, like vitamin C, magnesium, potassium and sodium. It also contains antioxidants, although there aren’t currently any human studies on its protective effects.

Turmeric: this well-studied spice is high in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds, particularly the compound curcumin. Curcumin itself has been shown to boost mood, lower inflammation and reduce the signs of aging. It’s likely you’d have to consume a lot to truly reap the benefits, but it definitely doesn’t hurt to add it in where you can. (Also, it helps contribute to this vibrant yellow colour of the smoothie!)

Definitely add this recipe to your morning repertoire, and make sure to tag me on instagram (@thenourishedmind), if you make it!

With love,

I hope this tips help! And if you aren’t subscribed already, be sure to join my newsletter below so you don’t miss any nutrition tips!

Ps. Have you heard about Diet Freedom Academy? It’s my online program where I teach you how to restore your metabolism and finally ditch diet culture. I only launch it a few times a year, and I’ll be launching it in July. So if you want in (and want to save money) get on the waitlist here.