Green Smoothies are an energizing, filling and nutritious way to start your day!
I have ALWAYS struggled to find a breakfast that made me feel full, didn't make me sick, and that I knew was healthy for my body. I am always trying to listen to my body after I eat something to know whether or not I jell with the food. Sometimes I can even imagine myself eating it and may feel a small inkling of nausea and know that today I should avoid that food item. Other days, I am craving that food item like crazy. This is the relationship I have with eggs, which can make breakfast tough.
Not only that, but I am a pescatarian, meaning I don't eat meat, but I do eat fish, seafood, and other animal products like cheese and eggs. This factor complicates breakfast even more when you eliminate foods like bacon and sausage. For a while I was eating fake, meatless bacon and sausage, but found that I felt bloated and tired after.
I did yogurt and fruit for a long time, sometimes adding granola or honey, and would even switch to dairy-free yogurts from time to time. This breakfast is great but is a lot of sugar and to be honest, there is a lot of chemicals in dairy alternative products unless you make them at home (but who has the time!?).
A good friend introduced me to green smoothies and my world has since been changed! I always presumed that this was a huge endeavor - so many ingredients! But it is actually very simple. I will preface this with the fact that I am not the best cook. I like recipes simple and in lament's terms. Otherwise, I burn the toast. So, I have aimed to make this green smoothie as simple as possible for you! Trust me - If I can make it, so can you!
First, let's go shopping!
Some of these ingredients may be new to you! But all of them have amazing health benefits, and don't worry, they taste yummy too!
Bee Pollen - strengthens the immune system, reduces stress, relieves inflammation, boosts liver health. (Avoid if allergic to bees!)
Maca Powder - boosts energy and endurance, increases libido (and even helps with erectile dysfunction!), improves mood, improves memory, reduces blood pressure.
Hey ladies! I have found that this one also helps a lot with PMS symptoms.
Coconut Oil - improves cholesterol, improves skin, hair and dental health, boosts brain function, reduces hunger and belly fat.
Got brain fog? Shift to cooking with coconut oil!
Almond Butter - stabilizes blood sugar, lowers cholesterol, healthy for the heart, high in Vitamin E, lowers blood pressure. (If you are struggling with mold intake, avoid nuts altogether!)
Banana - rich in nutrients, moderates blood sugar, improves digestive health, supports heart health, improves kidney health.
I have found that bananas also help with muscle spasms and muscle twitching.
Avocado - rich in fiber, heart healthy fatty acids, lowers cholesterol, helps you absorb nutrients from other plant foods, great for eye health.
I have found that avocados are amazing for the brain! Once, after getting a concussion, my doctor ordered 3 avocados a day and they helped my brain heal so much faster.
Lemon - supports heart health, helps control weight, supports kidney function, protects against anemia, reduces the risk of cancer, improves digestion.
Feeling a cold coming on? Load up on lemon juice! Awesome detoxifier.
Ginger Root - improves digestion, relieves nausea, eases a cold or flu, relieves pain, reduces inflammation, and boots immune system.
Turmeric Root - increases antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, improves brain function, supports heart health, helps to prevent cancer.
Achy joints? Turmeric's got you.
Blueberry - the king of antioxidants, protects against aging and cancer, lowers blood pressure, supports heart health, improves memory, fights against UTI's.
Green Apple - increases metabolism, high in Vitamin A and Vitamin C, strengthens bones and teeth, fights against aging.
Celery - lowers inflammation, supports digestion, reduces blood pressure, prevents age-related vision loss, improves learning and memory.
Cucumber - promotes hydration, aids in weight loss, lowers blood sugar, supports digestion, protects your brain from neurological diseases.
Swiss Chard - high in Vitamin K, loaded with fiber, supports heart health, promotes weight loss, lowers cholesterol and blood pressure, lowers inflammation.
Kale - high in Vitamin C and Vitamin K, supports heart health, lowers cholesterol, fights cancer, good source of minerals, protects eye health, super antioxidant.
Tip: Buy all Organic! There are fewer pesticides, fewer preservatives, more natural vitamins, and it's better for the environment!
Now, you may be feeling overwhelmed with all of these groceries. Let's do an easy prep and get them organized. Prep time is only 5 to 10 minutes and it is for your entire week!
Now that everything is all prepped and put away, you are all set for your morning breakfast!
Enjoy!
I drink mine in a large mason jar so I can bring it with me to work or running errands. Sometimes I get so full that half of my green smoothie is breakfast and the other half becomes lunch. Sometimes I save half for the following morning. It's up to you!
If you are like me and struggle with breakfast, try this green smoothie! I have found that I now crave my smoothie in the mornings and I feel good about myself that I am nourishing my body with such healthy, clean ingredients. I have yet to experience any negative side effects and in fact I have noticed a difference in weight loss, bloating, energy and cognitive function. I also find that my cravings for junk food later in the day are less.
Let me know if you tried this green smoothie and how it went for you in the comments below!
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