Easy Smoothie Recipe for Fighting Anxiety and Depression

If you read my blog: Fighting Depression With Spices, you will already know that I’m proudly prescription free (for depression) for almost a year now because of adding specific spices to my daily eating habits. The spices I’ve added in my new lifestyle are scientifically proven to boost the brain and fight against depression and anxiety. In a rabbit hole of foods believed to assist the body in this fight as well, the top mentions are always rich in Omega 3s. This is because Omega3 easily travels to the brain, interacting with mood related molecules and causing anti-inflammatory reactions that possibly relieve depression.

The smoothie recipe I’ve created is packed with Omega 3’s and then some spices that have been proven to fight depression and anxiety. I drink this delicious smoothie daily and it keeps me mentally sharp in the mornings, almost as much as my coffee. Almost. So, let’s get to it.

You are going to need a good smoothie blender. I use my Magic Bullet Blender because it’s small, compact and easy to travel with. I’d advise doing some research and choosing what’s best for you.

First Add Fruit: I prefer to use fruits like strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, bananas and pineapples. Sometimes I switch this around with seasonal fruits because not only are they fresher but also inexpensive to purchase organically. Sometimes these are peaches, kiwi, cantaloupe, watermelon etc.

Any of the fruits you choose are going to be rich in vitamin C, cancer fighting, heart healthy, some great for your hair and skin. (Here is a chart listing all the fruits and the vitamins they contain if you want to dig deeper). If you don’t buy organic I highly recommend using a fruit and vegetable wash such as FIT organic fruit and vegetable wash.

Next you want to fill your cup with non GMO almond milk. SILK is my favorite brand. If I’m using a juicy fruit, such as pineapple, I love to use more of the natural fruit juice and less almond milk.

Now you are going to add about 1/4 avocado. This is going to be your first omega3 ingredient. Your next two omega3 ingredients are going to be a mixture of ground flaxseed and chia seed. I buy them separate and then mix them together for my smoothies. These two ingredients are also packed with protein and fiber.

Then we are going to pick our depression and anxiety fighting spices. My choice is always the same. I use 1/2 tsp cinnamon and 1/4 tsp of cloves. These are also good for regulating sugar levels and heart health. If you are a fan of nutmeg you can always use a small pinch of this as well.

Next you will want to add two lemon balm leaves. Lemon balm leaves are used to help reduce stress and anxiety. Other health benefits of them include helping headache and menstrual cramps, insomnia, indigestion, nausea and more. You can grow lemon balm in your backyard or pot it indoors. You can also dry out the leaves to keep an easy stock in your pantry.

Lastly, I add a pinch of fresh cilantro, more for the health benefits than taste (But I’m a huge Cilantro fan) The health benefits of cilantro include but are not limited to: brain and heart health, great for skin, healthy indigestion and gut .

That’s the end of this easy recipe! Now you’re ready to blend, drink and enjoy!

Cheers to keeping you mentally and physically healthy!