Friday's Fixin's: Yamtastic Smoothie

A new, health-conscious friend (who also happens to have FBC) introduced me to this delish smoothie recipe, called “Yamtastic!” How great is the name? I wanted to try it the minute I heard the name!  Not only is it really tasty, but it is so, so good for you (double Silver Lining)!

In case you didn’t know (I sure didn’t!), yams are a low-fat vegetable that provide a very good source of potassium and fiber. They also offer a good source of vitamins B1, B6, and C. In addition, yams are a good source of manganese and complex carbohydrates.  These carbs fuel your body, allowing you to conserve your protein for uses other than energy production.

There are also many health benefits of cinnamon, many of which I’ve written about before…but reminders are always good, especially if one still has chemo brain. I’m just sayin’….

When added to food, cinnamon inhibits bacterial growth and food spoilage, making it a natural food preservative. One study found that smelling cinnamon boosts cognitive function and memory (major Silver Lining for me!). Researchers at Kansas State University found that cinnamon fights the E. coli bacteria in unpasteurized juices.Cinnamon is also a great source of manganese, fiber, iron, and calcium.

Yamtastic Smoothie

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp almonds
• 1/2 cooked yam
• 1/2 banana
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp organic vanilla flavoring
• 1 cup ice
• 1 cup almond milk
• 1 cup ice
• 1 scoop protein powder.  I happen to like the Sun Warrior brand in vanilla powder and green powder