Zero to 1 Hundred 2015 March Issue | Page 17

No it’s not a bunch of blarney at all! All things green are truly good and that includes green smoothies. So what is a green smoothie and why are they so good for you? Well all you lads and lassies (are you getting that I’m trying to make this a little fun for March?), here are the GREEN FACTS!!

First, green smoothies make “eating” healthy easy and just about effortless. Let’s face it, we all are busy and don’t make the time to eat enough fruits and vegetables in our daily diet. Plus, kids are fussy about anything green! So the next time you think you don’t have time to eat a good breakfast, think about throwing some fruit and greens in your blender and having a nutritious, full fiber energy drink that will help you detox and is easily digestible so your body can absorb all the good nutrients.

Additional benefits are that green smoothies reduce your cravings for sugar and other processed food. Plus there is no added sodium so you will actually lose weight as this can be used as a meal replacement. Having all the fiber from the fruit and vegetables gives you a feeling of satiety. So with all this fiber, it helps improve digestion and elimination. The fiber sweeps the colon of toxins and waste.

By consuming green smoothies, you can actually achieve overall improved health. You may even experience increased energy, clearer thinking, need fewer supplements, and soon you will be adopting healthier habits by not craving sweets and poor food choices. You may even see changes in your skin, your mood and may start to crave them more often....which is a good thing!

Dark green leafy vegetables are a rich source of minerals (including iron, calcium, potassium, and magnesium) and vitamins, including vitamins K, C, E, and many of the B vitamins. They also provide a variety of phytonutrients including beta-carotene, lutein,and zeaxanthin, which protect our cells from damage and our eyes from age-related problems. It can even slow down the aging process, now who doesn’t want that?

Is there a special way to make these gorgeous green concoctions? Well, it’s all about your taste buds and what you enjoy. I recommend 40% fruit to 60% greens. Greens can be anything from spinach, kale, various lettuces, and even from the cabbage family like bok choy. As for fruit, the darker the berry, the more antioxidants you get, such as blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries. Get creative and add some kiwi, cucumber (skin on!) or those banana, apples or pears that are getting old.....throw ‘em in! Add some water and ice to make it easier to blend and more refreshing!

Now you’ve got yourself a powerhouse of a drink that came from lots of fresh whole food that you may not have eaten in an entire day, but got it in a large glass! Top o’ the morning to you!

Hurry and get the blender.....

Not Just for the Irish

Green Smoothies

LET US KNOW SOME OF YOUR RECIPES FOR SMOOTHIES.

SUBMIT FEEDBACK OR TOPICS YOU WOULD LIKE TO DISCUSS

Karen MacNab

Health Coach

Wellness Consultant

www.karenmacnab.tsfl.com