Smoothies

I have a few people ask me about smoothies lately, so here are a few of the recipes I use in my diet and in my programs.  If you don't have a blender or a Magic Bullet or Nutri-Bullet, I suggest getting a personal-sized blender, like the Hamilton Beach one they sell at Wal-Mart for $15. 

Smoothies make great on-the-go breakfasts or snacks.  If you are having a smoothie for breakfast, be aware that some smoothies have a lot of fruit in them and that means a lot of sugar (even though it is natural sugars in the fruit).  I recommend either saving these smoothies for an afternoon pick-me-up or pairing it with plenty of whole grains and vegetables to lower the impact on your blood sugars.

Spinach Smoothie: (Makes 1-2) Blend 1 cup spinach, ½ cup pineapple chunks, ½ cup plain Kefir, 1 medium banana, 1 cup water.  For more nutrients, I recommend replacing 1/2 cup of water with 1/2 cup Bolthouse 100% Carrot Juice.

Cilantro Surprise Smoothie:  Blend 1 cup almond milk, 1 cup coconut water, 1 cup papaya or frozen mango, 1 cup cilantro, 8 large fresh or frozen strawberries, 4 dates until smooth. *This is a great detoxing smoothie for removing metals from the body. 

Big Breakfast Smoothie:  (Makes 2) Blend 3/4 cup water, 1 banana, 1 Tbsp ground flaxseed, 3 cups spinach,  1 apple (peeled and cored), 1/2 cup pineapple, 1/4 avocado, 2 Roma or vine tomatoes, and 1 whole carrot.

Spicy Blood Mary Lover's Smoothie:  (Makes 1-2) Blend 8 vine or roma tomatoes on high.  Add 2 large red bell peppers, 1-2 white onion slices, 4 large celery stalks, 1 Tbsp ground flaxseed, 1 tsp celery salt, 1 Tbsp chili powder, dash cayenne pepper, and 1/4 avocado.

Fruit Smoothie:  Blend 1/2 cup plain unsweetened almond milk, 1 Tbsp ground flaxseed, 1/4 cup frozen blueberries, 1/4 banana, and 1/2 cup ice.

Main Squeeze Summer Smoothie:  (Makes 2) Blend 1 1/2 cups ripe strawberries, hulled and sliced, 1 cup raspberries, 1 banana, peeled and sliced, 1 cup orange juice (preferably freshly squeezed).

Apple Pie Smoothie:  (ice optional)  Peel and cut one apple.  Combine apple with 2 Tbsp wheat germ, 3/4 cup plain yogurt, tsp pure vanilla extract, sprinkle cinnamon or apple pie spice.

The above smoothie recipes and more can be found in the My Healthy Helper cookbook! 

If you have a juicer, Dr Oz has a great Kale, Pineapple and Ginger Detox recipe:  Juice 1/2 cup pineapple, 2 large cucumbers, 1 bunch kale without the skins (4 cups chopped), 1/2 lemon squeezed, 1/4 inch of ginger and 1 bunch of mint (1/2 cup).