By: Sydney Mulvenon
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Finals are here and many of us would rather be lounging out in our pajamas, watching movies and eating tons of sweets.
Instead of those sugary indulgences, how would you like to enjoy some healthy desserts while studying? I hope so, because I’m going to share with you three desserts that are not only healthy but completely guilt-free. For these three desserts, I have created a selection of smoothies that can be eaten in a variety of ways. The first recipe is for the fruity lovers. I like to call this recipe The Beauty Machine.
The Beauty Machine:
1 cup of mixed berries (raspberries, blueberries, blackberries and strawberries)
1 cup of oat milk
1 banana
1 ½ cups of spinach
½ tbsp of cinnamon
2 tbsp of the Sunfood Superfoods Organic Acai Maqui Bowl Mix
1 tbsp of honey
I call this smoothie The Beauty Machine because each one of its ingredients nourishes different parts of the body. The frozen berry mix has antioxidants and it’s high in fiber. Oat milk is also high in fiber and vitamin A. Bananas have vitamin C and are good for your blood pressure. Spinach has iron and vitamin C and A. Cinnamon is a good anti-inflammatory and helps to lower blood sugar levels. The acai mix serves as a source of omega-3. The final touch is honey. This supports the digestive system.
The Beauty Machine is my personal favorite because it has a sweet kick and feels very nourishing. Also, you’re drinking 1 1/2 cups of spinach without flinching.
The next dessert is the green smoothie. Don’t be fooled by its earthy green color because after drinking it you’ll want several more. The green smoothie provides a lot of healthy fats like the avocado and the oat milk.
Green smoothie:
1 cup of oat milk
1 cup of spinach
1 banana
1 cup of frozen mango
½ an avocado
1 tbsp of honey
½ tbsp of cinnamon
¼ cup of vanilla protein
If you are wanting a healthy sugar rush then the chocolate peanut butter smoothie is right up your alley. This drink has enough protein to keep you energized and full throughout your day. It has avocados that have vitamin C and omega-3. Cocoa powder that helps blood flow to the brain. Peanut butter which has potassium and protein. Finally, mangos which have calcium, iron and help digestion. I also put some cauliflower in there to sneak in my daily veggies. Don’t worry, you won’t even taste it!
Chocolate peanut butter smoothie:
1 cup of coconut milk
1 banana
¼ cup of vanilla protein powder
1 tbsp of honey
2 tbsp of peanut butter with flaxseeds
1 tbsp of cocoa powder
½ cup of cauliflower
Treat yourself today by making one of these delectable desserts. It’s no fun stressing about things you can’t control like a sugar craving. Make finals enjoyable by eating a sweet treat to keep you sane and healthy. Excuse me, I have a French final to study for and a chocolate peanut butter smoothie to enjoy!