Let's lay it all out there. I struggle with acne, inflammation, several food allergies, and (self diagnosed) leaky gut. My system has been all out of sorts for some time. Let me give you a little back story....

About 7 years ago I went full on vegan for an entire year. I have to admit it was one of the hardest things I have ever done. Going vegan was a full time job for me and consumed most of my time.

Let's start with the cons:

• When grocery shopping I had to read every single food label. Now I do this currently, however, when you're a vegan you must read it ALL, and throughly. If something was even processed in a facility that had milk or eggs I wouldn't eat it. If I couldn't understand the label, I wouldn't eat it. My normal 45min grocery trips would sometimes take 2 hours.....

• When preparing my food I had to plan out everything. Everything had to be made completely from scratch. If I didn't carefully plan every meal I literally wouldn't have anything to eat so it was a very well thought out process.

• I couldn't eat out. Ok so I am sure that there are plenty of great vegan options now, however, where I lived at this time had no vegan options at restaurants or a Whole Foods store. The most I could snack on if I didn't prepare something was raw fruit or veggies. At the time I preferred organic only as well, so do that math.... even asking for a salad out I would be told it still had egg or cheese or something I couldn't have in it. I'll just take lettuce please, thank you!

• I was constantly asked how I could ever be vegan, where I get my protein, if i was vitamin deficient..... people do NOT mind their own business.

Now let's talk positives:

• My skin was radiant. Literally glowing, clear skin. At first my face broke our terribly. I had read it would because of all the toxins my body was releasing. After that I had super clear skin and never any breakouts.

• I had more energy. Even with all the grocery shopping, work, school, cooking, etc. i still had a ton of energy.

• I had no stomach issues whatsoever. Ok this may be a little TMI, but if the information helps 1 person it was worth saying. I was one of those people who never used the bathroom. Maybe once a month..... that's really bad y'all (if that is you please see your doctor). When I was vegan I had a very nice easy BM once a day. Too far? Ok let's move on.

• The food was amazing and I felt like I was really helping the world.

So obviously I am no longer vegan. There is nothing wrong with being vegan and I give props to the people who work hard to keep the vegan lifestyle, you all are uhhmazing! It was just not for me.

So why tell you this loooong story about being vegan? I promise I have a point. Even though I am no longer vegan I still believe there are great benefits in the lifestyle. You are forced to be more creative about your protein sources. If you are eating correctly your body is at an alkaline state and you get your micronutrients in on a daily basis. It is really hard for me to get those everyday.

So with this thought process I decided to incorporate more vegan friendly items back into my diet. One of which is my green beauty smoothie. I drink this everyday, either when I wake up or after the gym. I have witnessed my inflammation getting better and my acne healing. The best part about it, there is just 3 superfood key ingredients!!!

1. Pea protein (vegan protein powder)

2. Maca powder

3. spirulina

Let's talk about the benefits of each of these things:

• Pea protein - If you are sensitive to whey you may notice stomach bloating or pain after taking whey or other protein supplements. Give a plant based proteín a try.

• Spurilina - This powder has amazing benefits. My favorite of them all is that it helps to heal inflammation. Like I said before I have acne and inflammation will manifest itself with skin issues. It starts on the inside and this superfood helps. It also helps to give energy.

• Maca Powder - maca is great for women. Studies have shown that it helps with PMS symptoms and libido. It is also supposed to help with stress. I am naturally just a tiny bit 😜 high strung, so anything to help my stress level is worth the try.

I have my smoothie several ways:

• Mixed with coffee

• Mixed with unsweetened almond milk

• Mixed with good ole agua

It is super easy for me to get these nutrients on a daily basis. I just bag them up the week before and toss them in my purse or gym bag. Easy peasy!!

What are your key superfoods? Give these a try and let me know what you think!

#Vegan #Superfood #Green #Antioxidants #Maca #Spurilina #Protein #Peaprotein #Health #Healthy #mealprep