Friday, May 10, 2019

Pineapple Chai Smoothie: An Anti-Inflammatory Powerhouse

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.

Truth be told, I was always a cereal girl. When I was a little girl, for breakfast, I happily ate Lucky Charms and Capt'n Crunch while reading the back of the cereal box. If I was feeling the need for something healthy, I'd have a bowl of my mom's Total. As an adult, I didn't eat those cereals from my childhood, but I couldn't break the cereal habit. The day didn't start well if I missed my bowl of Cheerios. After my diagnosis a few years ago with rheumatoid arthritis, I started exploring dietary options as a way to help reduce inflammation. My wise-beyond-his-years youngest son, who is on a food journey of his own, suggested I try the morning smoothies I had been making for him.

Several years later, I've become adept at seeking out unique ingredients and finding combinations that appeal to my expanding palate. I can't imagine a morning without my smoothies. The smoothies I make are chock full of healthy ingredients and have no added sugar. With the right combination of fruits and yes, vegetables, a morning smoothie is the perfect way to start the day. I'm going to start sharing some of my recipes. While I'm not planning to turn into a food blogger, I have found smoothies to be a great way to incorporate more fruits and veggies into my diet. I hope you try them and agree!


This Pineapple Chai smoothie is one of my favorites! The addition of Chai Tea concentrate makes this creamy smoothie taste like a tropical Chai latte. You can find Chai Tea concentrate in most major grocery stores in the coffee/tea aisle. I like Rishi. 

Pineapple contains bromelain, which is a potent anti-inflammatory. I buy a fresh pineapple every week and cut it up for smoothies and snacks. Have you tried using a pineapple slicer? This amazing device makes cutting and coring a pineapple a chore no more. It's kind of like a corkscrew for the pineapple and is probably one of my favorite kitchen tools.
Did you know bananas are anti-inflammatory? Bananas contain rutin, which is a substance that can fight inflammation. Bananas are also low glycemic and high fiber. 

Turmeric and ginger also have strong anti-inflammatory properties. You can use the spice powder, but I prefer grating the roots into my smoothies. A word of caution: turmeric stains! I go to work often with yellow fingers, but after a couple handwashings, the yellow color is gone.

Add vanilla protein powder, coconut manna, and lime and you've got a drink that will make you forget your cereal days forever!


anti-inflammatory, gluten-free, vegan
Ingredients
1 frozen banana, sliced
1 cup fresh pineapple, chopped
1/2 inch fresh ginger, grated or 1/4 tsp ginger powder
1 tsp grated turmeric root or 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
1/2 tsp lime zest
Juice of 1/2 lime
1 tbsp coconut manna
1 scoop vanilla protein powder ( I use Nuzest)
1/2 cup chai tea concentrate (I use Rishi)
1/2 cup milk of your choice ( I use Ripple)

Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Adjust liquids to desired consistency. Enjoy!

I'm fighting inflammation with this Pineapple Chai Smoothie/via @oldrunningmom @Nuzest_USA @RippleFoods @RishiTea #runchat #inflammation #curearthritis

Do you drink smoothies? What are your favorite ingredients? Stay tuned for my upcoming Rhubarb Strawberry Pie Smoothie!

I'm linking up with Fridays with Fairytales and Fitness and with Deborah and Sarah for Meatless Mondays.



21 comments :

  1. Wow! This smoothie sounds delicious! I will definitely give it a try. I am a big fan of turmeric, pineapple, and bananas. The smoothies I make usually just have 4 ingredients: plain yogurt, a banana, some kind of frozen fruit, and some kind of juice. Right now, I am using fresh-squeezed OJ from the oranges I have left over from our trip to FL and some frozen berries.

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  2. That smoothie looks delicious. But I like to eat my calories instead of drinking them. In my mind when I have a utensil it is more filling...ha I'd feel like I couldn't just drink that alone.

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    1. Without the protein, smoothies aren't very filling. But when I add protein, they stay with me all morning long.

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  3. I love pineapple too this time of the year. Those slicers are great and really make it so much easier. I need to remember to use turmeric more often! Looks refreshing!

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  4. This sounds delicious, and I love that it uses pineapple. A few years ago I found that pineapple device and it was life changing!

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    1. Right? I'm so spoiled--I couldn't eat pineapple without it!

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  5. Looks delicious! I grew up a cereal girl reading the back of the box as well. I've been a smoothie girl for 20 years though. I like tossing some slow oats in the blender along with the other fruits/veggies/protein for some extra holding power. I also love ground flaxseed. I do a ninja thing on pineapple with my santuko knife. Keeps the upper body strong. :P

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    1. I need to see you do that ninja thing. I don't even know what a santuko knife is!

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  6. This smoothie looks so good! I've been on a huge pineapple kick lately with pregnancy - easily one per week, I probably could eat more if I bought more. Beets are one of my favorite ingredients to add to a smoothie, especially with berries.

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    1. I was all about beets until I had a bad reaction to them! I think I overdid it. I'm a little afraid to try them again after that!

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  7. I do drink smoothies. Not usually for breakfast (although occasionally). I tend to like them as a mid afternoon pick me up. I went a week with no veggies at all (and not a whole lot of food overall), so as soon as my stomach was somewhat normal, I turned to smoothies to finally get some veggies in.

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  8. OK how have I not one of those pineapple devices?!

    I've been drinking smoothies more lately and will definitely be trying this recipe! Thanks for sharing!

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    1. I don't know why you don't have one but you need one! Enjoy!

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  9. Pineapple and chai definitely are two of my favorite flavors. I'd never thought of pairing them together, but I bet it's a great combo.

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  10. Brilliant Post!! Like Kim, I never thought about that combo. Smoothies usually find me more in the summer months and I love adding honey.

    Have A Wonderful Weekend,
    Cheers

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    1. Thanks for stopping by! Let me know if you try it. I've got some other interesting smoothies to share. Stay tuned.

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  11. We were cereal twins! Both of us eating that sugar-laden stuff reading the cereal box! Memories! This smoothie looks so good. I always ues Nuzest too and I love using pineapple in smoothies.

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    1. This is one of my favorite smoothies! The chai makes it so delicious.

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