These are strange times we are living in, to say the least. Stress and anxiety are at an all-time high, thanks to a global pandemic and the 2020 Presidential election in addition to the garden variety stress of living in our modern, busy world. I won’t pretend that making this smoothie for your next snack will somehow bring you inner peace, but it definitely won’t stress you out to make it because it’s as simple to make as it is tasty to enjoy.

Here’s how the ingredients work to chill you out while filling you up and curbing your cravings for unhealthy foods. Cashews are a great source of zinc, and are linked to reducing anxiety and depression. They are also a great source of healthy fat which will help keep you satiated until your next meal. Bananas are packed with potassium, which is great for relieving muscle tension and reducing stress. Cinnamon helps balance blood sugar levels which helps to stabilize mood and minimize irritability.

The next time you want to dive face-first into your kid’s leftover Halloween candy, might I suggest you make this instead?

Cinnamon Cashew Smoothie

• 1 cup almond milk (or plant-based milk of choice)

• 1/4 cup raw cashews

• 1/2 frozen banana

• Dash of cinnamon

• Pitted date or honey, to taste, for a touch of natural sweetness

Blend, take a deep breath, and enjoy 🙂