4 Friday, December 4, 2020 brooklintowncrier.com Plant-Based Eating by Sheree Nicholson Smoothies and...Moss I'm a huge fan of smoothies. I like that they're fast to make and I can pack them full of micronutrients. My morning smoothie always has something green in it, like frozen kale or spinach as well as some and protein. Lately, I've been buying smoothies from a Whitby woman who's opening a restaurant in Oshawa called "The Portobello Road." Her smoothies are sold in one-litre mason jars and one smoothie will last me two or three days. They're a great convenience and packed fruit, hemp seeds and, my new favourite ingredient, Irish Sea Moss. Irish Sea Moss has been touted as a superfood. It's a vegan, gluten-free source of many nutrients that include: Vitamin B2 Vitamin B12 (Vegans need this) Calcium Chromium Magnesium Zinc Containing no sugar and with just five calories per tablespoon (one serving = two tablespoons), it's supposedly nutrient-dense. Evidently, the sea moss benefits seem miraculous, However, I should mention that many claims are unproven and my research found contradictory information. So, as with everything, try it, see if it works, first ensuring it doesn't interfere with any medications. Iodine warning Sea moss is also said to be a source of iodine, which is something you can eat too much of. Excessive iodine in your diet can lead to goitre or enlargement of the thyroid gland, so be sure to stick to one serving per day. The best way to evaluate a supplement is to read its benefits and determine if you require them. Years ago, I would look to supplements to help fix more lifestyle-related problems, like needing more sleep or a vacation or a few days of rest. We all get tired or overworked, so with some contemplative thinking, you can determine what you need: more rest or a supplement. If you're going to try the supplement, evaluate if it's making a difference. At my studio, when clients ask about supplements for a problem they're experiencing, I always suggest they first see their doctor and perhaps have blood work done. This way they have a clearer picture of the problem. Green Smoothie Recipe (Serves 2) 1 cup unsweetened almond or any unsweetened nut milk 1-2 handfuls of spinach (frozen breaks down the best) 2 frozen bananas 2-4 soft pitted dates (pre-soak these the night before if you have time). 2 tbsp hemp hearts 1 tbsp natural peanut butter 2 ice cubes Optional Add-in - 2 tablespoons Irish Sea Moss Gel. Optional Add-in - 1 scoop protein powder Combine all ingredients, blend on high until smooth and frothy. Sheree's hack: Keep all your seeds (hemp, flax and chia) in the freezer to extend their shelf lives.