by Debbie Wright in Blog Posts, Healthy Habits, Lunch, Recipes, Smoothies

April 30, 2017

The arrival of spring brings a change in the weather. When it starts getting a little warm outside you may want to switch that hot chocolate or pumpkin spice latte for a summer-inspired drink that’s cool and refreshing.

Spring is the most unpredictable of all seasons, it can be as hot as a summer day, or it can be as cold as a winter day. Such deviations in temperature effect our skin, hair and overall health so much that it becomes necessary to take precautions against.

Spring is a natural detox season and with it comes all the green, leafy, fresh vegetables and fruits. There is an urge to detoxify and renew after a long winter indoors and all those spicy hot drinks with very little water intake.

Spring is also the time to get outside and take in the vibrant green of a new season and renewed life. Just being outside in nature with trees and flowers is like a mini-detox for the soul. If you’re struggling with spring pollen, just sitting near a window and looking out at nature (and sipping your smoothie of course) brings similar benefits as being outside.

Don’t miss out on these delicious spring smoothies.

Green smoothies

Green smoothies are an excellent way to get the recommended 10 servings of veggies and fruits a day without even knowing it. Raw vegetables are a higher source of proteins than when they’re cooked. They’re also healthier than fruit smoothies. All you’ll need is a blender to enjoy homemade smoothies anytime cheaply.

Here’s a recipe for a natural, fresh and green smoothie.

Just Green Smoothie

Ingredients

Spinach                                                         2 cups

Kale                                                               2 cups

Swiss chard                                                   2 cups

Dairy free milk                                              2 cups

Avocado/grapes (your choice or mix)       3 cups

Instructions

Blend in your leafy green vegetables and liquid base first. Once liquefied add your fruit of choice.

Note: Use one of the fruits in frozen form to add a chill to your smoothie.

It might take a little longer to make, but this one will be your favorite. You can even serve it to guests. The little extra hard work you are going to put will pay off when you take the first sip.

Citrus and Spice Green Smoothie

Ingredients

Dairy free milk                                              1 ¹/₂ cups

Ginger powder/ fresh ginger                       1/₄ teaspoon

Turmeric powder/fresh turmeric                 ¹/₄ teaspoon

Spinach                                                          1 handful

Green apple (peeled)                                    1

Kale leaves                                                    3

Lemon                                                           1

Ice (as desired)

Instructions

Add the spinach, apple and kale leaves one by one to dairy free milk and blend. Add the lemon, ginger, turmeric, ice, and blend again.

Note: Dairy free milks are loaded with vitamins and proteins. They are packed with minerals. The best part is they are cholesterol free which makes them very easy to digest. Be sure to check the label and avoid carrageenan which is a suspected carcinogen.

Fruit smoothies

Fruit and yogurt smoothies are a great meal replacement, especially when you add a scoop or two of your favorite protein powder. One of my favorite lunches is to make myself a salad and whip up a berry smoothie to go along with the salad. Sometimes I feel like I didn’t really have a meal when I just have a smoothie so I’ll make a salad or cut up some cucumbers, peppers and carrots to go along with the smoothie. Having something to chew makes me feel more satisfied than if I just drank all my calories. Plus, the fruits in the smoothie along with all the veggies are a powerhouse of antioxidants, phytonutrients, vitamin C, fiber, and potassium.

Ingredients

Banana                                                         1

Frozen berries                                             3 cups

Plain non-dairy yogurt                                ½ cup

Fresh orange or lemon                                1

Ice                                                               ½ cup

Instructions

Add all ingredients in the blender and blend until smooth (don’t forget to take out the seeds of the orange before blending unless you have a high speed blender which will pulverize the seeds).

Don’t let spring smoothies be a one-time thing. They are perfect all year long for detoxifying and give a boost to metabolism. They are rich in minerals and proteins, too. Add them to your daily routine, you won’t regret it.

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