In the current climate, it seems everyone is trying to avoid falling ill, with many resorting to vitamins and supplements in a bid to stay healthy.
However, one doctor suggested maintaining good health could be as simple as drinking a nutrient-packed smoothie every day.
Dr Orlando Thomas took to TikTok to share his recipe for the “perfect meal” he believes should be consumed “every single day”, as our bodies require “90 essential nutrients” to function optimally.
“If you get all of these in your body every single day, you will remain healthy,” he advised his followers.
Dr Thomas began by highlighting the “most important ingredients” – vegetables. He explained they provide magnesium and fibre, which serves as food for gut bacteria.
The doctor had spinach and cucumber ready in the bottle, to which he added almond milk as the “base”. He noted other options such as coconut milk or any nut milk could also be used.
The milk not only “provides essential minerals like calcium and magnesium” but also lends the smoothie its “smooth taste”.
Finally, he recommended adding some protein powder, which contains “amino acids”. Dr Thomas said he prefers to use a plant-based protein, explaining the powder adds “taste and texture” to “make your smoothie even more filling and keep you satiated all day”.
He sprinkled in some almonds into the concoction, stating his personal preference though assuring you can pick any type. Tossing in hazelnuts as well, he remarked: “You can leave the nuts out if you are allergic.”
To achieve that “extra creaminess”, nut butters also came recommended.
The next ingredient was seeds, praised for their role in boosting fibre intake. He chose raw pumpkin and chia seeds, suggesting that one might also fancy adding flax or hemp seeds.
Emphasising their significance, he noted that pumpkin seeds benefit prostate health in men and thyroid function in women.
He continued to endorse seeds for their “Omega 3 fats” content, crucial fats the body is unable to produce. Their importance spans across supporting cardiovascular health, memory enhancement, hormone regulation, and nerve function.
“They are important for your cardiovascular system, for your memory, for your hormones, and for your nerves. If you have joint pains, you must have these in your diet every single day,” he advocated.
The doctor disclosed his intention to infuse “natural vanilla extract from actual vanilla beans” rather than synthetic alternatives, conceding its cost but asserting its worthiness. Finishing with almond extract derived from “real almonds”, he maintained that such “natural extracts will add nutrition and healing to your smoothie”.
“We’re not done yet,” declared Dr Thomas, as he introduced cinnamon, one of his “favourite spices”. He explained: “Cinnamon serves two purposes here. It is a very important spice, it adds very delicate but obvious flavour, and I’m gonna be very generous with my cinnamon because it doesn’t just add flavour. It balances your blood sugar, and if you’re a diabetic, you would definitely wanna have cinnamon in your diet.”
He then sprinkled in Celtic sea salt for its “all sixty essential minerals that you need for your brain, your heart, your liver, your kidneys to function.”
A banana followed for “taste and texture” and its abundance of “absolutely loaded with enzymes, fibre, natural sugars and potassium, which is important for those blood pressure patients.”
Dr Thomas noted the need for “more milk” to accommodate the plethora of tasty ingredients. He mentioned that using frozen vegetables in the mix “adds coolness”, reducing the need for excessive ice to chill the drink.
As he blended the concoction for the “final taste test”, the smoothie turned a mint green colour. Pouring it into his cup, he remarked on its “nice, thick, rich” appearance.
The doctor boasted this power-packed smoothie sustains him “full and nourished for the entire day”, often delaying his next meal until 2 or 3pm. He even claimed after consuming just the smoothie, he sometimes hits the gym, energised by the “strength of this one meal” which provides him “lots of energy”.
In the comments section, one person shared: “Been having this every morning for the last 3 weeks and feel absolutely amazing! Sleeping better and tons of energy.”
Meanwhile, another commenter inquired about alternatives to banana, to which Dr Thomas suggested using “avocado”.