Reinventing the Green Smoothie

I think many of us are trying to get back on the ‘straight and narrow’ after a full December holiday season (full in more ways than one!). Sometimes the simplicity of a smoothie in the morning can be a welcome and light start to a new day. Although light, smoothies can be very nutrient dense when made with some seasonal ingredients and, of course, a little love.

I suggest starting with either a protein source or fresh/frozen fruit of choice (think seasonal as much as possible; apple, cranberry, pear, or perhaps you froze some sumptuous local berries this past summer), and then build from there.

If you are looking for a meal in your smoothie, think protein. This does not mean that you need to run to the health store for the latest protein product (although there are a few good ones out there). There are many protein options in your pantry as well, including even vegan ones: nuts/seeds, tahini/nut butters, nut/grain milks, yogourt/kefir, pre-soaked/sprouted or dehydrated peas/beans, soy milk/tofu, soaked grains such as oats, quinoa and barley. You can pick and choose according to your preference and tolerance.

If you’re looking for something as simple as possible there are a small amount of holistic products on our health food shop shelves. One of them is Vega’s Whole Food Smoothie Infusion. It is made from pea protein, organic hemp protein, organic sprouted flax seeds, organic brown rice protein, organic green food blend (including wheatgrass, spirulina, kale etc.) Whatever of these you choose, you are making a healthy snack or meal for yourself that will be easy to assimilate and nutrient-dense – a win-win situation for many of us who are in need of dense nourishment and the optimal absorption of those nutrients.

Lisa Marie’s Easy & Yummy Green Smoothie (It IS possible!)

• 1 scoop Vega Smoothie Infusion (instead of the 2 recommended scoops) *adjust to your taste.
• Or 1 tbsp powdered chlorella, spirulina, wheatgrass or ½ cup sprouted mung beans or green lentils
• 2 organic apples of choice, cored
• 2-3 leaves of organic kale (any variety)
• Approx. ¼ cup Ryza brown rice milk (it’s one of the best quality rice milk brands) *adjust to desired texture
• Approx. ¼ cup Organic coconut milk (this thickens and ‘carries’ the apple and kale well and contains health-promoting and fat-burning medium chain fats) *adjust to desired texture
• Add a few ounces of fresh/frozen pineapple -optional

Blend together until smooth and enjoy!

Be well!

Lisa Marie

Contact me for a personal nutrition consultation @ 604.714.4065 or lbhattacharya@inspirehealth.ca

Drop by Inspire for my free Nutrition Circle (IH members only) every other Thursday from 2:30-3:30pm (Next date: Thursday Jan 13 at 2:30pm).

Check out my nutrition blog at: www.eatingitreal.blogspot.com for more healthy recipes and articles on eating healthfully.

My upcoming holistic nutrition booklet/cookbook is currently ‘in the works’. If you know anyone who may be interested in helping fund a cookbook with a focus on ‘healing with food as medicine’, please contact me at the above email or phone number.