Loving the BITE: Green Detox Smoothie #2

Not long ago, at the beginning of all the Holiday-feasting, we gave you a green detox super smoothie recipe.  Our purpose was to offer a chance to take a whole-food smoothie-cleansing break from the extra foods, the extra sweets, and any extra alcohol drinking that can accompany the Holiday Season.  Our super smoothie was designed to reduce the feeling of sluggishness and help diurese the body of any extra fluid retention that can occur after high-salt intake.  We wanted you to feel like a strong, well-tuned cyclist again.

Today we give you the second installment.  As you collect detox recipes that you like, or that you can tweak to your liking, you’ll have a toolbox to go to in the future when you need a good nutrition cleansing.  The goal is the same: give the body a break from junk foods while delivering the nutrients it needs to detox at a cellular level.  The formula is the same: loads of anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-toxin fruits, vegetables, healthy fats and proteins.

The ingredients are new.

Green Detox Super Smoothie #2

• 1 cup frozen cherries
• 1 medium orange, peeled
• 2 Tbsp walnuts
• 1/3 medium avocado
• 1 Cup spinach
• 1 small, peeled beet (size of ping-pong ball)
• 1-2 tsp organic honey, to taste
• Protein: Your choice.  I recommend 10-20 grams protein from undenatured whey, Greek yogurt, soy protein, hemp seeds, or a mix.

And like last time, it tastes just like Jamba Juice, right?  Wrong.  While palatable with carefully chosen ingredients, it won’t take like a dessert smoothie.  So, why drink it?

Cherries: High antioxidant value fights free radicals that cause damage to our cells.

Orange: High in the potent antioxidant, vitamin C and fiber.

Walnuts: High in anti-inflammatory omega-3s, antioxidants, and melatonin

Avocado: Vitamin E, fiber, carotenoids, and glutathione (antioxidant)

Spinach: High in Vitamin A, Vitamin K and glycoglycerolipids (super nutrients that are anti-inflammatory and protect digestive tract cells)

Beets:  High in betalains, awesome nutrients that are antioxidants, anti-inflammatory and support cellular detoxification.  Also high in carotenoids.

Organic Honey: High in antioxidants and natural enzymes

Undenatured whey protein: increases production of a super-antioxidant produced in the cells (glutathione) while providing the body with amino acids necessary for muscle retention and overall health.

Why not just eat all of these foods separately?

Just like last time, there’s really no reason.  But, you’ll want to keep all the ingredients raw. Part of the detox experience is to give your body the full nutrition offered by foods, including the chlorophyll, enzymes, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytochemicals, and fibers that can be altered, reduced, or damaged by cooking. For this super smoothie, keep it raw.

Just in time for the New Year, here’s our second Green Detox Super Smoothie to support your health aspirations.  Don’t let this last year’s junk drag you down.  Instead, start with a clean slate and a healthy, detoxed body.

Fuel Your Ride. Nourish Your Body.