Smoothies are a convenient way to get in a lot of nutrients in little time.
If done properly, juicing can be a nourishing source of enzymes, phytonutrients, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and fiber that aid digestion, enhance detoxification, cleanse the liver, strengthen immunity, boost metabolism, assist weight loss, and support overall health.
7 Sensational Homemade Smoothies
Smoothie Instructions: Add ingredients to a high-speed blender. Blend until smooth & creamy.
1. Lean Greenie
2 cups or more water or organic green tea + 1/2 avocado + 1 cup kale + 1 celery stalk + 1/2 cucumber + 1 green apple (core removed) + 3 sprigs parsley + 1 serving vanilla protein powder + stevia (optional)
2. Java Jumpstart
2 cups or more cold organic coffee + 2 tb shredded coconut + 1 cup fresh/frozen spinach + 1/2 frozen ripe banana + 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon + 1 serving chocolate/vanilla protein powder + stevia (optional)
3. Choco-Nana-Nut
2 cups or more water + 2 tb shredded coconut or almond butter + 1 cup fresh/frozen spinach + 1/2 frozen ripe banana + 1 tb cacao/maca powder +
1 tb flax seeds + 1 serving chocolate/vanilla protein powder + stevia (optional)
4. Blueberry Muffin
2 cups or more water + 2 cups fresh/frozen spinach or kale + 1 cup frozen blueberries + 2 tb almond butter + 1/2 frozen ripe banana + 1 tb flax seeds + 1 serving vanilla protein powder + 1/2 tsp cinnamon + stevia (optional)
5. Sweet Potato Pie
2 cups or more water + 1 small cooked sweet potato + 3 medium carrots + 1 small orange with the peel + 1/4 cup pecans or 2 tb pecan butter + 1/2 tsp cinnamon + 1 serving vanilla protein powder + stevia (optional)
6. Skinny Red
2 cups or more water + 1 small beet, peeled + 4 medium carrots + 1 cup fresh/frozen strawberries + 1 tsp fresh ginger + 1/2 tsp cinnamon + 1 serving vanilla protein powder + stevia (optional)
7. Minty Melon
2 cups or more water + 2 tb shredded coconut + 1 cup fresh/frozen spinach + 1 cup watermelon + 1 organic lime with the peel + 3 sprigs mint + 1 serving plain/vanilla protein powder + stevia (optional)
Superpower Your Smoothies
Healthy smoothies are nutritionally balanced, consumed with the pulp, somewhat thick and enjoyed fresh. Protein-rich smoothies are great post workout, for a grab-and-go breakfast or as a quick snack. If done properly, smoothies can be a nourishing source of enzymes, phytonutrients, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and fiber that aid digestion, enhance detoxification, cleanse the liver, increase alkalinity, strengthen immunity, boost metabolism, assist weight loss, and support overall health.
1. Balance Nutrients
Keep the sugar content low by using about 75% non-starchy veg and 25% starchy veg and fruit. Add natural fats and high quality protein to increase satiation, enhance nutrient absorption and improve digestion.
2. Eat The Pulp
Eat the pulp of produce because that’s where the fiber is, which is going to prevent insulin spikes. If organic, the skin (like citrus) or peel (like an apple) can also be consumed to increase fiber and phytonutrients.
3. Make It Thick
The thicker, the better. Too much liquid can dilute stomach acid production, which is especially important for digestion and nutrient absorption.
4. Enjoy Fresh
Avoid pre-made, store-bought smoothies with additives, preservatives, pesticides and excess sugar. Maximize nutrients and flavor, by making your own smoothie.
Ingredients to Include
Reduce your toxic load, while increasing your nutrient intake by enjoying fresh, local, organic ingredients. To improve digestion, enhance flavor and support metabolism, consume cruciferous veg lightly steamed.
Non-starchy veg: spinach, kale, cucumber, greens, celery, watercress, etc.
Starchy veg: beets, carrots, sweet potato, butternut squash, etc.
Fruits: lemons, limes, grapefruit, pomegranate, berries, apple, kiwi, banana, etc.
Protein (powder): collagen, egg white, grass-fed whey, hemp, rice, pea or cranberry
Fat: avocado, full-fat coconut products, nuts, nut butter
Herbs & spices: ginger root, cinnamon, ginger, parsley, cilantro, etc.
Bonus Benefits
Alkalizing powerhouses: beets, carrots, cucumbers, cabbage, spinach
Liver cleansers: dandelion, cabbage, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, milk thistle
Excess estrogen eliminators: watercress, flax seeds, green tea
Natural detoxifiers: kale, spinach, greens, cucumber, celery, parsley, cilantro