Need a quick and healthy option that will boost energy, keep the skin glowing and cool you off when the only thing you want to do is lie next to the A/C?
Me too! I need something simple and straightforward for summer meals, but I also want to make sure I’m getting a balanced meal with adequate greens and protein.
Enter blended meals!
Smoothies Are a Great Way to Start Your (Clear Skin) Day
By replacing a typical breakfast with a healthy smoothie, skin can be clearer and more radiant in five short days! Plus it’s the perfect cooling meal on a hot summer day.
What you do first thing in the morning will positively or negatively affect your energy, complexion and digestion for the entire day.
While sleeping, the body goes through a clean-up mode. It takes about four hours for the body to finish the digestion process before it can get busy cleaning and detoxing. When late night or heavy dinners happen, it pushes this window back.
A complete overnight cleanse takes about eight hours. This is why it’s important to allow 12 hours between eating dinner and breakfast. If you interrupt the cleaning process with a big morning meal that has to be digested, the cleaning doesn’t finish and those toxins are left inside to cause trouble like breakouts and dull skin.
The Detox Power of Smoothies
Smoothies, especially of the green kind, are filled with vitamins, minerals and nutrients that are already pre-digested by the act of blending. Plus the vegetables and fruits are full of fiber that will act as little brooms to sweep away the toxins that have been released overnight and need to be properly eliminated.
The fiber will also keep you full and satisfied until lunch. Expect a lot more energy since the body doesn’t have to steal the energy to break down a heavy or large meal. What a great bonus to clearer skin!
Additional Health & Beauty Benefits
Green smoothies also balance pH levels and blood sugar. Compared to green juices, smoothies keep all the toxic-sweeping fiber from the fruit and vegetables for the best morning clean-up routine. In addition to keeping you satisfied longer, incorporating smoothies helps with those sneaky little cravings.
A daily green smoothie will also encourage natural ideal weight, pack in veggie and fruit daily recommendations, and amp up vitamins, minerals and nutrients.
Worried about missing out on protein in the morning? Well no need! One of the number one sources of protein comes from leafy greens. If a little more is desired, protein powders (I like hemp), goji berries, cacao or bee pollen can be added.
The Best Way to Drink a Smoothie
It is best to drink your smoothie alone and wait about 30 minutes before eating. This way you’re taking full advantage of all the fabulous nutrients and it can “sweep up” your morning toxins.
Chewing your smoothie also aids in the digestive process by creating saliva which contains an enzyme that helps break down food. I know it seems crazy to chew something that is already blended, but skipping this action sends the food to the stomach without this enzyme that helps digest carbohydrates and proteins and can leave you bloated.
I know you’re all busy! When your ingredients are prepared and ready to go in the fridge, it will take two minutes or less to make breakfast. Watch my How-To Video to see how easy it really is!
I like to buy and prep enough ingredients for the week and get them ready Sunday night. This way I can aim for four to five smoothies a week. Again, the more the better — you can’t overdose on green smoothies! Try one for dinner if it’s a bit too late for a full meal or it’s just too hot to turn on that oven.
Some of my favorite smoothie recipes
Green Lemonade Smoothie
8 oz. coconut water
2-3 handfuls organic spinach
juice from whole lemon
squeeze of lime
½ c frozen mango
¼ avocado
½” peeled ginger
a few pieces of mint (optional)
local raw honey or stevia to taste
Berry Medley Smoothie
8 oz. almond milk
1 c. organic spinach
¾ c. frozen berries
¼ avocado
1 tsp unsweetened coconut flakes
1 tsp ground flax meal
1 tsp chia seeds
Want something savory? This is a summer dinner fave!
Green Gazpacho Smoothie
1-2 organic heirloom tomatoes (cut up)
½ cucumber (peeled and cut up)
½ avocado
1 c. organic spinach
handful parsley
½ fresh squeezed lemon juice
1 tbsp olive oil
pinch of cayenne and sea salt
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