I am on a bit of a smoothie kick as of late so I wanted to share just a few recipes with you to help you feel energized for the day and cool off from this humid weather. Smoothies are great since you can combine several delicious and healthy foods in one colourful drink. Struggling to get enough greens or veggies in your diet...throw them in. Aren't sure where to add ground flax seed to your diet...throw it in. Many potential combination are at your finger tips!
I have always enjoyed smoothies, mostly in the warmer months since I am prone to being cold. However, my magic bullet just wasn't cutting it through school, so I upgraded to a Vitamix this past year, and my life changed! Well...not really, but sometimes I like to think so :). Fret not, health nuts, there are several good blenders out there that won't break the bank. Some examples are the Nutribullet, Ninja or Cuisinart blenders.
Pink Power Smoothie (ohsheglows.com)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup water or coconut water (I like coconut water)
- 1/2 medium avocado, pitted
- 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
- 1 cup strawberries (frozen preferred)
- 1 small/medium beet, ends trimmed and roughly chopped
- 1 lemon, juiced (about 3 tablespoons or so)
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 4 large ice cubes
- 1 apple ( if sweeter smoothie is desired - optional), cored and roughly chopped
- 3 tbsp hemp hearts (optional - my addition for 10g of protein)
Directions:
- Steam beet if necessary before starting. This is not necessary with more powerful blenders.
- Add all ingredients into a high-speed blender and blend on high until smooth.
Glowing Mojo-ito Green Monster Smoothie (Oh She Glows cookbook...surprised?)
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup watermelon cubes (frozen is ideal)
- 1 1/2 cups baby spinach or other leafy greens
- 1 cup water or coconut water
- 1 large sweet apple
- 3 tbsp avocado
- 1-2 tbsp fresh lime juice, to taste
- 5-10 large mint leaves, to taste
- 5 ice cubes
- 3 tbsp hemp hearts (optional)
Directions:
- Add all ingredients into a high-speed blender and blend on high until smooth.
Glowing Green Smoothie (adapted from Nutritionist Kimberly Snyder)
Ingredients:
- 1 apple
- 1/2 pear
- 1/2 -1 banana (optional)
- 3-4 handfuls spinach or other leafy greens (I mix a few)
- 1-2 stalks celery
- 1/4 cup parsley or cilantro (optional)
- juice of 1/2 a lemon
- 1/2 in ginger, peeled (optional)
- 1.5 cups water, adjust if necessary
- hemp hearts
Directions:
- Add all ingredients into a high-speed blender and blend until smooth. This smoothie will really stimulate liver detoxification.
These recipes will yield about 2 smoothies. Other ingredients I tend to use are blueberries, frozen mangos, peaches, ground flax seeds, chia seeds, cashews, almond/coconut/soy milk and non-whey based protein powders. They all have their own health benefits.
Happy blending!
In health & happiness,
Dr. Karen
