I Dreamed of Africa: Smoothies in Africa

First let me say.......I can't believe that it's been over 4 years that I first came to Ghana. It seems like just yesterday, yet a lifetime ago at the same time. I had almost forgotten that I even had this blog......so when I wanted to blog about my Ghanaian version of Kimberly Snyder's spirulina protein smoothie I came here to dig it up out of its coffer. Here I am 4 years later, living in Ghana full time running an organic moringa farm! Never would have thought......but more on that in a later post. I've been meaning to start blogging again for a while, this is a good excuse to start. Now for the original purpose, to share the delicious smoothie I've been having daily for over a year.

As I have been dealing with some major health issues over the past year, namely candida and all of the food intolerances and auto-immune reactions that come with it, I've been very focused on healing through nutrition. One of the things that has really helped me with keeping energy levels up and ensure I was getting enough protein and nutrients while following a severely restrictive anti-candida diet was daily consumption of moringa. What is moringa you might ask? It's a green leafy plant known as "the miracle tree". High in protein, Vitamin A, calcium, Vitamin C, and potassium, as well as all 18 essential amino acids, it truly is a superfood! Read here for all of the amazing moringa benefits.

A huge fan of Kimberly Snyder since reading her book The Beauty Detox Solution 3 years ago when I was first having issues with food intolerances, I've been incorporating a green smoothie into my day as best I can. Sometimes here in Ghana that is no easy feat, there is a major lack of available greens (oh beloved kale how I miss you so......). Luckily I was introduced to moringa, and have now started my own organic moringa farm here in Ghana to share the benefits of this amazing superfood with local communities as well as help women farmers become empowered and economically self-sustainable. I came up with this smoothie years ago and when I saw that the weekly recipe assignment was for a protein smoothie using spirulina I knew I had to share!

This time I used hemp milk I made from hemp hearts that I had on hand. Often I use protein powder if the smoothie will follow a heavy workout, however I only have one packet left and am rationing it until the next time I'm back in the states in a month to re-stock! Moringa powder can also be purchased in the states. Local bananas and some ginger rounded out the smoothie for a much needed afternoon pick me up.