Superfood taste on a fast food budget? We get it. We’re the first to admit that keeping up with a 12-ingredient blend every morning can get pricey. Expensive ingredients can make superfood smoothies a hard habit to sustain, so we went hunting for a solution.
If you’re looking to load up with a high-impact morning smoothie but don’t want to go broke (check out this $300 wonder), we’ve got just the solution. Smoothie whisperer, Sage Dammers — co-founder of Addictive Wellness — is solving all our life issues with one whir of the Vitamix.
From low-energy mornings to pre-workout boosts, he’s crafted the ultimate smoothie for each and every need. Next up, a budget-friendly smoothie that packs a punch, but won’t break the bank…
Q: Dear Smoothie Whisperer, I’m on a limited budget. While I’m excited about the idea of eating superfoods everyday, I’ve got student loans like whoa. Truth be told, I’m not even very consistent with my daily multivitamin! Can you recommend a smoothie recipe that will pack in the most essential nutrition on my limited budget?
A: Having many years of firsthand experience, I fully respect what it’s like trying to live healthy while on a restricted budget. Check out a few of my favorite free or almost free health tips here.
Don’t be discouraged by a small budget — anything is possible! All in all, for the recipe below, we’re looking at an ingredient cost of $3.30 for a seriously nutritious and filling meal!
For your smoothie…
+ Chia seeds, hemp seeds and hemp protein provide a great array of essential fatty acids and amino acids.
+ Spirulina and hemp seeds are both high in gamma-linolenic acid, a noteworthy nervous system anti-inflammatory. Like hemp seeds and chia seeds, spirulina is also a complete protein. In fact, it is the highest natural food source of protein (65%+).
+ Coconut oil provides another source of clean-burning fat as well as pregnenolone, a vital precursor to the creation of healthy hormones.
+ Sunflower lecithin is cold-pressed and certified organic, which means that unlike most other lecithin products, it is made without the use of hexane. Not only does it work together with the hemp and chia to make this smoothie amazingly creamy, but it also is a great source of phosphatidylcholine, which is a very important nutrient for nervous system and brain health.
The $3 Superfood Smoothie
Ingredients
4 Tbsp chia seeds* ($1.00, or $0.42 if you buy the 10 lb bulk bag)
8 oz water*
2 Tbsp hemp seeds ($0.41)
2 Tbsp hemp protein ($0.58)
2 tsp spirulina ($0.41)
1 Tbsp coconut oil ($0.28)
1 Tbsp sunflower lecithin ($0.55)
¼ tsp organic Ceylon cinnamon ($0.09)
1-2 dropperfuls Liquid English Toffee Stevia, to taste ($0.13)
1 Tbsp of bee pollen ($0.42)
Directions
First, blend chia seeds on low speed with water for 45 seconds.
Then add the remaining ingredients – except bee pollen – and blend on high.
Sprinkle bee pollen on top, and you’re in for a real treat!
*Note: This makes a delicious thick pudding, but only works with a high-speed blender. If you don’t own one and just want to make this as a smoothie, use only 2 tablespoons of chia seeds and 12-16 ounces of water.
Want more from The Smoothie Whisperer? Check out the full series here.
