Energizing Morning Smoothie with Mango and Carrots | dairy-free

Of course I’m in a smoothie mood, given that today is Day 6 of my 14-Day Smoothie Challenge happening on my Facebook page right now! Today is this super tasty Energizing Morning Smoothie, made with sweet mango, carrots, and a zing of ginger! To find the full program, check out my page.

I’m having a lot of fun creating new flavours to get out of my usual smoothie rut, and it’s a simple and easy way for anyone to add healthy nutrition in their diet, so why not! I recently posted this great recipe for a Healthy Apple Pie Smoothie, and a delicious Clear Skin Smoothie, aka Liver Cleanser. So flavourful!

Beta-carotene

Beta-carotene is a powerful antioxidant, meaning that it protects the body from damaging molecules that can lead to serious health issues. It is the pigment that is responsible for the orange and yellow colour found naturally in fruits and vegetables, but it is also found in green vegetables too. It’s definitely a micronutrient that we need to live a healthy life. Beta-carotene is transformed in our body into vitamin A, which is essential for our eyes’ health to maintain a good vision and a strong immune system, it’s also necessary for our mucus membranes and skin, and I’m sure it’s good for other functions that haven’t even been discovered yet! Research has shown that eating 4 portions her day of a variety of foods containing beta-carotene can help prevent chronic diseases such as heart disease, and some cancers.

Although taking vitamin A in a synthetic supplement form can potentially be dangerous, there is no danger in eating a lot of food that contain beta-carotene*, because the body only converts what it needs. So if you’re sick, it’s a good idea to increase the amount of yellow and orange vegetables and fruits!

Some of the food rich in beta-carotene:

• Carrots (How about a Healthy Carrot Cake?)
• Winter Squashes
• Orange and yellow peppers (check out my 30 min Chinese stir-fry with lots of peppers in it)
• Sweet potatoes (here’s a delicious recipe for a Thai Sweet Potato soup)
• Dark leafy greens
• Cantaloupe
• Mangoes

*Note: if you’re a smoker, please be careful and discuss the risks with your health practictioner.

Energizing morning smoothie

Lucky for you, this smoothie contains 2-3 portions of beta-carotene-containing foods, with mango and carrots! How convenient is that?! I really love the addition of fresh ginger as well, giving it a little zing, but also adding even more nutrition, since ginger is a great natural anti-inflammatory and can be helpful in joint pains. It also soothes an uneasy stomach.

Making healthy smoothies is a simple and easy way to add nutrition in our lives.

Happy blending!

Gabrielle, aka ECP xo

You’ll need a powerful blender to make this recipe. We’re skipping a step by making our own cashew milk directly in the smoothie today!

Energizing Morning Smoothie, with mango and carrots

makes 2 breakfast portions

• 1 large ripe mango
• 1 ripe organic banana
• 2 medium size carrots, washed (peeled if not organic), and ends removed
• 1″ fresh ginger, washed (remove the bad parts, but no need to peel it)
• 1/2 lemon, peeled
• a pinch of cayenne
• 1/4 cup raw cashews
• 1 date, pit removed
• 1+ cup filtered water
• 1-2 ice cubes (optional)

Blend everything in a high powered blender (like a Vitamix) for about 30-60 seconds, until it’s smooth. If it’s too thick, add an extra 1/2 cup of filtered water, blend for 5-10 seconds, and enjoy immediately!