Smoothies are a simple and quick way to get in a high dose of nutrients for the day. Unlike juicing, where the fiber and pulp is removed, smoothies utilize the whole of the ingredients. Fiber is critical for maintaining blood sugar, helping you to feel full, and keeping a stable weight.
Smoothies are:
- Chock full of vitamins, enzymes, and minerals
- Easy to digest, which means optimal assimilation of nutrients
- Great for stabilizing blood sugar (you will see each smoothie here has a healthy fat, and fat is key for blood sugar stabilization)
- A fabulous way to consume a variety of different fruits or vegetables at one time
- Terrific for cleansing the body of toxicity
- An easy way to add more fiber to your diet for optimal bowel function
Drinking smoothies in the summer provide a nice quick meal without being weighed down. Smoothies will give you more energy and are the best on-the-go meal for busy moms (and dads, too).
Here are 3 slimming summer smoothies and their health benefits for you. Simply place ingredients in a high-speed blender and blend until smooth (ice optional). All ingredients can be found at your local natural grocer. Enjoy!
Summer Bliss2 cups kale
1 cups frozen berries
1 1/2 cups water or non-dairy milk (coconut, hemp or almond milk)
1/2 banana
1 tablespoon coconut oil
1 tablespoon shredded coconut flakes
3 Brazil nuts
Brazil nuts, are a fabulous source of selenium, which is good for the thyroid. The recommended serving is one ounce per day, since they contain high amounts of selenium.
Chocolate Cherry Bomb
Chocolate Cherry Bomb
1/2 cup frozen cherries (fresh optional)
1 1/2 cups water or coconut, hemp or almond milk
2 cups spinach
1 handful parsley
1 teaspoon raw cacao
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon honey or 1-2 drops liquid stevia
1 tablespoon unsweetened shredded coconut (optional topping)
Parsley helps the body to naturally detoxify while raw cacao is chock-full of magnesium and antioxidants; super helpful on those extra-busy days!
Superfood Energy2 cups spinach
1 1/2 cups water or non-dairy milk (coconut, hemp, or almond milk)
1/2 cup frozen mango
1 tablespoon flax meal
2 tablespoons bee pollen (optional)
1 teaspoon chia seeds (optional)
Bee pollen, chia seeds, and flax meals are all considered superfoods; foods which contain a high amount of vitamins and minerals per calorie.
Find more free tips and recipes at www.perfectlynourished.com. To download Janelle's free Smoothie Slimdown e-guide, click here.Looking for guidance on how to naturally cleanse and slim down this summer? Learn more about Janelle's Summer Nourishing Cleanse Program!
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Janelle Casella is a Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, blogger, and healthy recipe creator. Janelle specializes in helping clients achieve their health goals naturally via nutrition and lifestyle choices. Specializing in autoimmune and weight loss, Janelle is a graduate from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in New York City. In addition to coaching, she teaches nutrition courses at the New Hampshire Institute for Therapeutic Arts and offers many online programs at her website, www.perfectlynourished.com.
