Have you ever tried a green smoothie?
RELATED: 4 Green Smoothies To Sip Your Way To Lower Cholesterol
A few years ago, I tasted my first one. It was delicious! Around the same time, a friend bought me a book, called Green for Life, by Victoria Boutenko. I put the book on a shelf and did not pick it up again (or drink another green smoothie) until recently.
…really glad I finally did!
A Solution: Green Smoothies!
What is a green smoothie ? It is a blended drink containing green leafy vegetables and fruit.
Combining fruits and greens in a smoothie each day can help solve the problem of not getting in enough fruits and vegetables every day. It is a source of multiple servings of fruits and veggies every day that doesn’t force you to chew all day long! Why green leafy veggies and fruits? Because they are loaded with more nutrients, including fiber, than any other food on the planet! Contrary to popular belief, they are also a great source of protein!
Some of the experiences documented in the book, Green for Life, that people have felt after 30 days of green smoothies include: more energy, less desire for junk foods/bad carbs, better sleep, weight loss, increased regular bowel movements
Here's a couple of recipes:
Mint Chocolate Chip Green Smoothie
Ingredients
2 heaping cups organic spinach
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
1 cup filtered water
1/2 avocado
1 scoop chocolate protein powder of choice
1/4 cup fresh mint or 1 drop of mint extract to desired taste
1 tablespoon dark chocolate chips or cacao nibs
Ice (optional)
Directions
Blend all ingredients into a high-speed blender until thick and smooth.
Green Goblin Smoothie Bowl
Serves 2
Ingredients:
2 dates, chopped
1 pear, chopped
1/4 cup loosely packed cilantro
1 small cucumber, peeled and chopped
2 cups tightly packed spinach
Juice of 1 lemon
1/2 cup coconut water
1 teaspoon turmeric
Suggested toppings:
Goji berries
Chia seeds
Hemp seeds
Flax seeds or powder
Cacao nibs
Bee pollen
Directions
In a blender combine all ingredients until smooth. Place into a bowl and garnish with your preferred toppings.
Is This Part Of Your Diabetes Care Plan?
I have personally experienced several of these benefits within only a few weeks! I’m hooked because they are really delicious, and I have more energy and less junk food cravings when I drink them. I now make green smoothies a part of my plant based diet and healthy lifestyle. The source of this blog information is the book I read, Green for Life, and my personal experience.
Please enjoy my recent Radio Show on Fitness and Green Smoothies:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/learnforlife/2012/11/18/funerals-and-fried-chicken-tm
You may also want to read the book, Green for Life: http://www.greenforlife.com/.
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