Nutty

I've completely lost it. 

Gone totally nutty. 

I started to soak my nuts..yes, it's funny to even type.  Have you heard about this? It's been on my health radar for quite some time now, and I decided to just jump right in and give it a try. 

I've seen other raw foodies/bloggers talk about it and wondered why?

ignore the Chocolate Sundae Syrup behind the nuts...Joe's favorite topping on vanilla ice cream

Well, here it is in a nut shell...no pun intended, but pretty darn funny, right? I did a little research, and by research I mean I looked it up on Google and came across a lot of the same information.  Pretty neat stuff. 

Here's the low down. Let's talk almonds for a minute.  Apparently there are these things called enzyme inhibitors on the nut that protects the nut or seed until it has what it needs for growing. When you soak the nuts, 'the water releases the toxic enzyme inhibitors and increase the life and vitality contained within them.' 


I didn't really think about nuts that closely, all I wanted was a little more protein in my smoothies, and I'm not the chemical protein powder type.

According to Raw Food Living the benefits of soaking nuts and seeds:

*Enzyme inhibitors get neutralized.

*The amount of vitamins your body absorbs increases.

*Gluten breaks down so digestion is much easier.

*Phytic acid, which inhibits the absorption of vital minerals, is reduced. 

 

 

So here's an easy Back to School smoothie idea that I've been enjoying the past few weeks.  This has kept me going and full for hours. 
 

 

Banana Almond Smoothie

 

 

Makes 1 large or 2 small smoothies

Prep time: 5 minutes or less

 

Ingredients:

1 ripe banana

1 cup of almond unsweetened vanilla almond milk

1 tablespoon almond butter

A small handful (about 1/4 cup) of raw *soaked almonds

1/3 cup of old-fashioned oatmeal

1-2 cups of spinach

2-3 ice cubes

¼ to 1/3 cup of water *optional to thin out the smoothie if it’s too thick

 

Blend all ingredients into a blender until smooth.  Serve immediately and feel healthy! You’re eating real foods.

 

·        I soaked my almonds overnight to soften them for the smoothie.  If your blender is powerful enough, you can skip this step.  If you have time try soaking the nuts for at least 20 minutes or overnight.  Let me know what you think.  Changing the water often or at least once a day.

 

I loved how nice and thick this smoothie was with the banana, oatmeal and nuts.  Give it a try today and let me know what you think. 

 

Have you ever soaked nuts? What is your favorite type of smoothie? 

 

Wishing you all a peaceful weekend.