Green Smoothies, Au Naturale!

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​Have you ever had a green smoothie?

They've become a staple in my house.  Smoothies make a great snack and are a super easy way to get a huge concentration of vegetables into your diet. They are fantastic when I've just played a long tennis match and need nutrient replenishment.  They'll also give your body a boost if you'r feeling under the weather.  Green vegetable smoothies are really great any day!

The vegetables are jam-packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytonutrients.  These help your health by boosting your immune system, nourishing your cells, lowering inflammation, detoxifing your liver, and making you feel nourished.  Green smoothies also help alkalize the body. An alkaline diet (versus an acidic state) is health promoting.

​What's the difference between Blending Smoothies and Juicing?

Basically, the juicing removes the fiber from the fruits and vegetables. Blending keeps it in. There are pro's to both, but the fiber in smoothies is cleansing to the body, keeps blood sugar lower, and keeps you full.  Juices are usually much higher in sugar content than smoothies, too, especially if you use fruit in your juice.

​​This is my little corner of nutrient heaven. ;-) 
I set up a smoothie-station in my kitchen.  All the non-refrigerated ingredients are right above my blender.  This makes it much more likely you'll have smoothies more often at home.

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​Au Naturale Green Smoothie Recipe

Vegetable smoothies taste like you're sipping on a fresh, green garden!  
It's fun to experiment with endless combinations of ingredients.
 
Here is my favorite smoothie recipe.   
(The measurements are NOT exact & I don't always use everything.)

Ingredients

• 12 oz. mineral water (I like the fizz)
• 1 Tbsp. chia seeds 
• 5 frozen strawberries or other berries
• 1+ inch ginger root
• 1/2 cup cucumber
• 2-3 stalks celery w/leaves
• 1/4 of a red bell pepper
• 1 huge handful green beans or snap peas
• 1 huge handful cilantro or parsley, with stems
• 1 Tbsp. organic apple cider vinegar (aids in digestion and is alkalizing)
• 2 oz. aloe juice - (great for gut health)
• 1 Tbsp. avocado oil or a drizzle of Tropical Traditions coconut oil ​

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Learn how to make your own

​​Then... I add a scoop of my custom made smoothie mix!! This contains many whole-food based supplements that I take every day.  You can make your own quite easily, too!  ​It contains:

• Amazing Grass green superfood powder,
• Vital Proteins collagen powder,
• Pure Radiance Vitamin C powder
• and many other ultra-nutrient-rich additions.

Smoothie Preparation

• Chop up large veggie pieces and put in your blender.  Add any powdered supplements/nutrients.  Mix until smooth.  Easy peasy!
• I like washable stainless steel smoothie straws like these HERE.
• No fancy $700 blender required.  My Ninja blender works fantastic!
• It is always good to have some healthy fat with vegetables to help absorb the nutrients.  Try adding a drizzle of coconut oil into the blender, add an avocado to the smoothie, or have a handful of nuts on the side.

Smoothie combinations are endless!  

Be sure to not make your smoothie too sweet with excess sugars (even from too many natural fruits).  Use berries or half a green apple for a sweetener, if desired. Spiking your blood sugar with an overly sweet smoothie defeats the purpose. How? Sugar compromises your immune system, spikes blood sugar, and is acidic to your body.

NOTE: I have learned that individuals with thyroid issues should avoid eating excessively large amounts of RAW cruciferous foods (like kale, spinach, and arugula) because they contain goitrogens. They could interfere with the thyroid's use of iodine. (Read more HERE.) Those raw leafy greens also contain some oxalates (anti-nutrients that bind with minerals.) In general, that is not an issue unless you have an inflammatory gut disorder or a rare genetic condition.  (Read more HERE.) In my opinion, the wonderful health benefits of cruciferous vegetables outweigh the negatives as long as you use common sense with the amounts you eat and simply monitor your own health.  Kale away!

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