Super DETOX Green Cleansing Smoothie

If you’re familiar with my site at all, you’ve probably heard me mention My Morning Smoothie about a dozen times at least.

It’s a staple in my new whole foods lifestyle and the most important one at that. And for the past 8 months I haven’t strayed from that recipe- until now.

                                                                                                                                                              

I don’t know why or really what came over me… but I just felt like I needed to go one step further with my morning smoothies. Get serious.

Really dig deep into the potential cleansing power of green smoothies. I looked all over the blogosphere, taking bits and pieces from here and there until I finally came up with one that felt right with me. And what a powerful DETOX smoothie it ended up being!!

My original morning smoothie only had 6 ingredients. This one has 14.

You might be wondering why in the world I would trade-in such a simple recipe for such a complex one. Well, because the complexity of ingredients is what makes this new smoothie SO POWERFUL.

The changes I saw and felt once I swapped morning smoothie recipes was crazy! I thought I was doing great before, but I had no idea. My skin is spotless, I have SO much energy, and my under eye circles have virtually disappeared. I’ve notice dark spots on my skin, marks that just refuse to completely heal, that have just vanished. And I can’t even begin to imagine how my body is benefiting internally!! There is no way I can deny the powerful affects these new detoxifying ingredients are having. Trust me, I am never going back to the beginners 6. From now on I am all in!

Just look what these ingredients can provide for you-

Spinach/Kale: These leafy greens are both great sources of amino acids (protein), calcium, beta carotene (vitamin A), vitamin K, iron, manganese, magnesium, zinc, folate, and selenium. All around super foods, spinach and kale are great for strengthening the body, creating beautiful skin, boosting the immune system, and providing important antioxidants. Also, each is full of fiber which is great for cleansing the colon!

Romaine: Contains vitamin C and beta carotene (vitamin A). These two nutrients work together in the body to prevent plaque from forming on artery walls. It is also a good source of potassium, folate, iron, vitamin K, manganese, vitamins B1 and B2, and chromium. Romaine helps to regulate blood pressure, build blood, and support body movement.

Cucumber: Highly hydrating, cucumbers are full of B vitamins, silica, and electrolytes that help build clearer, brighter skin. The vitamin C, caffeic acid, and electrolytes in cucumbers makes them great at fighting puffiness and bloating in the body, working as an anti-inflammatory team.

Celery: Very alkaline, full of calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Good source of B1, B2, B6, and C vitamins, folate, iron, and amino acids. Celery helps to lower high blood pressure and reduce puffiness. It contains compounds polyacetylene and pthalides which reduce inflammation and stress (causing blood vessels to dilate), respectively. Celery is a powerful detoxifier and colon cleanser.

Pear: Contains vitamins C, E, B, and K, copper, manganese, potassium, iron, magnesium, selenium, calcium, zinc, and folate. Pears are wonderful for the skin and supportive of both the lungs and the colon.

Banana: Contains vitamin B6 and magnesium which help promote better sleep. Bananas also have fiber, vitamin C, potassium, and vitamin A. They promote good digestion, prevent constipation, contribute to healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Lemon: Extremely alkaline, are high in vitamin C, and traces of calcium, potassium, and magnesium. Lemons are a powerful detoxifying agent. They support liver function, purify the blood, destroy free radicals and toxins, flush out bacteria, fight wrinkles and rejuvenate skin. Great for long-term weight loss.

Chia Seeds: These seeds swell 10 to 15 times their original size when placed in liquid, which makes them great for weight-loss. They also help stabilize blood sugar levels, providing you with longer lasting energy. Chia seeds are an excellent source of protein, calcium, anti-oxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids. 

Mint: Great source of vitamin C and beta carotene (vitamin A), copper, iron, potassium, magnesium, and calcium. Mint aids in digestion, is helpful in relieving congestion of the respiratory tract, and lowers blood pressure.

Parsley: A powerful detoxifier, parsley aids digestion, removes toxins from the body, acts as a diuretic by flushing out the kidneys, and purifies the blood. It contains vitamin A, C, and E, folate, iron, and anti-oxidants.

Cinnamon: Studies have found that cinnamon helps lower blood sugar, have anti-oxidant effects, fight bacteria, and reduce inflammation.

Ginger: Helps ease nausea, maintain proper blood circulation, improve nutrient absorption in the body, is anti-inflammatory, strengthens immune system, and fights common respiratory problems.

Turmeric: Very high in anti-oxidants, turmeric is a great anti-cancer agent. It is also anti-inflammatory and works as a blood cleanser. Cleansed blood results in clearer, brighter skin. 

Cayenne Pepper: An incredibly potent spice, cayenne pepper is often used to detoxify and cleanse the body (mostly due to capsaicin). It has anti-cold/flu properties, aids in digestion, has anti-fungal properties, helps discourage formation of blood clots, supports weight-loss, promotes heart health, and aids in joint-pain relief.

So, I am sure by now you get that this smoothie is crazy good for you. But… how does it taste?

Better than you would think! Haha. I am not going to go out of my way to try and convince you that this is the best thing I’ve ever tasted- it’s not. But it’s good. Definitely good. Especially with some help from a few drops of stevia. The flavor can ultimately be described as Ginger-Pear-Mint. You’ll have to try it for yourself to see- it will surprise you!

I’ve actually come to really enjoy the taste of this smoothie.

When I am feeling particularly lazy or cheap I simplify the ingredient list down to include just these items: lemon, cucumber, celery, parsley, mint, pear, banana, and 2 cups greens (I usually do kale, but sometimes I do a kale/swiss chard mix too).

If you are new to the world of green smoothies though, I suggest you start out with something more mild like My Original Morning Smoothie.

It’s a great way to introduce you without scaring you for life, ha.

What are you waiting for!? I DARE YOU to start green smoothie-ing in the mornings with me! You’ll thank me for it 

*If breastfeeding or pregnant, please try to add some extra healthy fats to this for you and your baby  For example- hemp seeds, almond butter, or milled flax seed*

·        Low in saturated fat

·        No cholesterol

·        Low in sodium

·        Very high in dietary fiber

·        Very high in manganese

·        High in magnesium

·        High in potassium

·        Very high in vitamin A

·        Very high in vitamin B6

·        Very high in vitamin C

Ingredients

·        1 cup spinach or torn kale leaves

·        1 cup torn romaine leaves

·        ½ cup chopped cucumber

·        ½ cup chopped celery

·        1 small pear (or ½ large), cored and chopped

·        1 banana, chopped (preferably frozen)

·        1 cup water or coconut water

·        1 tablespoon of fresh mint

·        1 tablespoon of fresh parsley

·        ½ to 1 whole lemon, juiced

·        ½ tablespoon chia seeds

·        ¼-inch slice ginger root, peeled

·        pinch of cayenne, optional

·        pinch of cinnamon, optional

·        pinch of turmeric, optional

·        *USE AS MANY ORGANIC INGREDIENTS AS POSSIBLE*

Instructions

ü Place ingredients in blender and blend until completely smooth. Sweeten additionally, as desired, with liquid stevia.

Notes

I always use almost ¼ cup of mint leaves. I absolutely LOVE the flavor it adds to this smoothie.
You can use ½ a green apple in place of the pear.
Cilantro can be substituted for Mint. Get more information about Super DETOX Green Cleansing Smoothiehere: http://tinyurl.com/ho4rcym

WHAT’S IN THE ANTI-BLOAT SMOOTHIE AND HOW DOES IT WORK?

Cucumbers:  They are loaded with water, which helps fight bloating.

Banana:  Bananas are high in potassium.  Potassium helps regulate sodium levels, which prevents water retention.  Too much sodium is a big cause of bloating, so that’s why bananas (and other foods high in potassium) help with bloating.

Coconut Water:  Like bananas, coconut water is high in potassium.

Ginger:  Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory food as well as a digestive aid.  It soothes the digestive system and relaxes the muscles of the digestive tract, which keeps you from getting bloated.  You know I love my ginger.  Take a look at that huge hunk of fresh ginger in the picture below.  I eat one of those per week.

Apple Cider Vinegar:  I list this one as optional in the smoothie recipe because the smoothie absolutely tastes better without it.  Apple cider vinegar, however, is a rock star for reducing gas and bloating.  So if you are super serious about reducing your bloat, add this to your smoothie.

The taste of this anti-bloating smoothie is fresh.  I love the cucumber and ginger together, and the banana sweetens it up just enough.  The coconut water flavor is subtle, not overpowering.  I really don’t love coconut water on its own, but do love it in my smoothies.  It’s filled with electrolytes, so it’s a great naturally hydrating beverage choice.

If you choose to add the apple cider vinegar it muddles the flavor a bit, but is still good. May your days be bloat-free, friends! Get more information about Anti-Bloat Smoothie here: http://tinyurl.com/ho4rcym

Diabetic-Friendly Smoothie

Ø 1 cup almond milk

Ø 2 large handfuls of fresh spinach

Ø 1-2 scoops of protein powder

Ø 1 banana, preferably frozen

Ø 1 Tbsp. frozen apple juice concentrate

Ø 6-8 ice cubes

Makes 1-and-1/2 8 ounce glasses of smoothie.

I have been drinking at least one smoothie per day, and generally two smoothies per day, one at breakfast which includes oatmeal, and one for lunch or supper which includes spinach. I vary the ingredients, sometimes adding berries instead of apple juice concentrate, and cocoa powder in the morning oatmeal smoothie.

My daily glucose readings are continuing to drop. In May, my fasting morning reading was anywhere from 150 to 205, my 14 day average was 165 and my 30 day average was 156. My morning fasting glucose readings now range from 130 down to 84. My 14 day average is now 122 and my 30 day average is 132. Weight loss has been extremely slow, only about 1 pound a month, but energy level has increased and I have much less problems with foot neuropathy. I am 71 and moderately active. Get more information about smoothies here: http://tinyurl.com/ho4rcym

Banana Almond Flax Smoothie

Welcome to one of my new absolute favorite healthy smoothies! This Banana Almond Flax Smoothie is like dessert for breakfast and I just can’t get enough of it! Once you try this smoothie you’re going to have to keep an extra stock of frozen bananas on hand at all times, it’s definitely a smoothie you’ll want to make regularly.

And the good news is that it’s packed with good for you ingredients. It’s made with almond butter, bananas, ground flax seeds, unsweetened almond milk, plain Greek yogurt, honey and just a few drops of almond extract which takes this smoothie for ordinary to extraordinary! I love when I can find something healthy like this that my whole family loves, kids included. I also love that it’s made with ingredients I always have on hand. One of the most convenient and delicious smoothies – what’s not to love here?

                                                                                                                                                                            

Make this soon! I’m almost certain that like me, you’re going to be hooked too. It’s so good you’ll dream about this smoothie! And like any other smoothie it only takes a few minutes to make so it’s a no brainer that you need to try it! (Note that this is double the recipe in the photos. Ahh and those almond butter swirls, whose ready to dive?).

Banana Almond Flax Smoothie

Yield: 1 smoothie

Ingredients

§  1 medium well ripened banana, peeled diced into pieces, frozen

§  2/3 cup unsweetened almond milk

§  1/3 cup fat free plain Greek yogurt

§  1 1/2 Tbsp creamy almond butter

§  1 Tbsp ground flaxseed meal

§  1 tsp honey

§  2 - 3 drops almond extract (pour into extract lid first then drop in blender so you don't add too much)

§  4 ice cubes (optional)

Directions

To a blender add banana, almond milk, Greek yogurt, almond butter, ground flaxseed, honey and almond extract. Blend until combined then add ice if desired and blend until smooth. Serve immediately.

Anti-Inflammatory Frozen Watermelon Pineapple Smoothie

Summer melons are some absolute favorite fruits! Watermelon, Sharlyn, Cantaloupe, Honeydew, Casaba, Lemon Drop, Crenshaw, and

Canary, the choices are endless. There is something about the juicy texture and sweet flavor of melons that is so satisfying especially on a hot day.

Since it’s all about making tasty recipes that offer health benefits to the body, I put together a fantastic frozen watermelon pineapple smoothie that will help you fight chronic inflammation and quench your thirst at the same time! Juicy red watermelon, pineapple, orange, coconut milk, coconut water, ginger, and turmeric come together to create a delectable frozen smoothie that will have you wanting more!

Red Watermelon

Ripe red watermelon is a wonderful fruit to eat to protect your body against the effects of chronic inflammation. Watermelon is high in vitamin C, vitamin A, beta-carotene, and lycopene which are key antioxidants that protect the body against cell damage and the effects of chronic inflammation.

Pineapple

Pineapple has a special enzyme called bromelain which helps promote healthy digestion by breaking down protein. Bromelain is also a potent anti-inflammatory that protects your body from the effects of chronic inflammation.

Turmeric

Turmeric is a rhizome that can be eaten fresh or dried and ground into a powder. It’s a very popular spice especially in Indian cuisine. Turmeric is one of the top choices for fighting inflammation and cleansing the blood. Turmeric’s potent health benefits are due to the presence of the antioxidant curcumin which has been widely studied and praised for its beneficial properties. Reduction of inflammation and pure blood helps keep you healthy and energized.

Coconut Water & Coconut Milk

Coconut water and coconut milk are two favorite beverages to use for hydration and health. Coconut water is an isotonic beverage that is an excellent source of potassium, calcium, and magnesium which are important electrolytes that replenish and keep your body hydrated. Staying hydrated especially in hot weather keeps you healthy and full of energy. Coconut water also contains B vitamins, amino acids, enzymes, and antioxidants. Coconut milk contains important medium chain fatty acids that have potent anti-inflammatory properties along with helping protect the body against free radical damage.

Ginger

Ginger is a rhizome that has a slightly spicy flavor that pairs well with melons. Ginger contains high amounts of potassium and is a potent anti-inflammatory due to the presence of gingerol.

Important Note      

If you are eating really healthy foods but still having issues with your health and chronic inflammation, you need to find out if you have sensitivities or intolerances to the foods you’re eating. The foods which we put into our body on a daily basis can either help protect against sickness, inflammation, and aging or increase it.

That’s why it’s important for everyone to make food and lifestyle choices that enhance your health. The Alcat test is a very reliable way to find out exactly what foods, food additives, medicinal herbs, functional foods, food colorings, molds, and chemicals you have sensitivities to so you can eliminate them from your life and start to feel better. Feel free to contact us if you want to learn more about this wonderful test.

I hope that you enjoy this fantastic whole foods smoothie and make it often so you can stay healthy and inflammation free!

What’s your favorite way to enjoy watermelon and pineapple? Please contribute to the conversion by leaving a comment.

Share this recipe with family and friends and let’s all get healthy and radiant together!

HANGOVER-BUSTING SMOOTHIES

The temptation is to eat a stodgy, carb-loaded breakfast to feel better. But this ultimately makes us more lethargic and doesn’t provide the ingredients we actually need for our bodies to process the alcohol and replenish lost nutrient stores.

No one feels like spending ages making the perfect breakfast when they’re hungover, a visit to Starbucks is far more tempting – as is getting the last 5 minutes out of the snooze button. But ditch the coffee, these hangover smoothies are super quick and an easy way to give your body what it actually needs to recover from the night before and get you back on your feet in no time.

Hangovers are mainly a result of dehydration and loss of potassium and electrolytes. We’ve included ingredients to counteract this and have kept them simple – easy to prepare in under 5 minutes.

What’s great about smoothies is that you can prepare the fruit and veg way in advance and freeze, ready to blend in the morning without even having to bother chopping anything!

Chocolate Mango Smoothie

                                                   

No one would think this creamy, chocolatey smoothie has been specifically designed to counteract hangover symptoms. This is a great energizing and feel-good drink, packed full of nutrients. The bananas and cacao help to boost serotonin levels, lifting spirits and mood, plus you’ll be getting a load of antioxidants and potassium.

The more alcohol you drink, the more potassium is lost and coconut water is another good source of potassium and electrolytes.

Another key consideration when dealing with hangovers are blood sugar imbalances. Contrary to popular belief, mangoes are one of the few tropical fruits that don’t shoot your blood sugar levels sky high. They’re also a fantastic source of the plant form of vitamin A – important for a healthy immune system.

Mango is teamed with banana, which is a high GI/GL fruit but this effect is dampened by the antimicrobial coconut oil and digestive-friendly live natural yoghurt. Over 70% of the immune system is located in the gut and probiotic-rich yoghurt is a good way to support gut health.

Ingredients (serves 2)

Ø ½ mango, chopped

Ø 1 small banana

Ø 2 tsp coconut oil

Ø 2 dsp natural yoghurt

Ø 150 mls coconut water

Ø 1 dsp cacao (or cocoa)

Method: Add all the ingredients to a blender and blitz thoroughly.

Watermelon Refresher

                                                              

Watermelons are great for hangovers and are often ranked top of lists on best hangover cures. That’s because the juice acts more like an isotonic drink due to its hydrating salts, minerals and sugars.

Studies have shown watermelon juice can be twice as hydrating as water, but it’s also packed with nutrients delivering more nutrients per calorie than many other fruits; boasting high levels of vitamins A and C along with some of the most important antioxidants in nature. Plus, the seeds are rich in selenium and zinc so blending the fruit into a drink maximizes the nutritional value.

Cucumbers are another hydrating fruit and can help reduce the intensity of both hangovers and headaches. We’ve added ginger and mint to ease the stomach and help settle any queasiness and nausea. And of course there’s more coconut water to give a potassium hit.

Ingredients 

Ø 2 thick slices Watermelon (about ¼ small watermelon)

Ø 5 cm slice cucumber

Ø 1 sprig Mint

Ø Juice ½ Lime

Ø 150 mls Coconut water

Ø 2 slices Ginger

Method: Add all the ingredients to a blender and blitz thoroughly.

Easy Greens

                                                        

Feeling tired or lethargic? Lack of potassium could be the cause (see a pattern developing with these smoothies?). Spinach is actually a better source of potassium than bananas and greens also help alkalise and detoxify the body as well as provide a whole host of nutrients needed to get energy levels back up. It’s also a good source of sulphur to help the liver clear toxins.

We add berries as they’re not only liver-supportive but are packed full of antioxidants that help mop up damage caused by excess alcohol and support the immune system. This is important as the immune system is compromised by alcohol and none of us want to be hungover and ill.

The avocado is strategic – we need fat with foods in order to be able to absorb the fat-soluble nutrients and get the most out of them. Plus they’re providing vitamin E, fibre and even more potassium.

Ingredients (serves 2)

Ø 1 small banana

Ø 1 cup berries

Ø 1 handful spinach

Ø ½ small avocado

Ø 150 mls Coconut water or water

Ø squeeze of lime

Method: Add all the ingredients to a blender and blitz thoroughly.