Fresh vegetable and fruit smoothies are deeply cleansing, alkalizing and nourishing. They are easy to digest and a great way to start the day. Here are some important considerations:
Options for liquid base:
Pure, filtered water is the simplest, most affordable option.
Coconut water is a great base for smoothies as it contains electrolyte minerals which nourish, hydrate and energize. It also adds sweetness. Be sure to purchase pure coconut water as some brands contain sugar and additives. Consider diluting coconut water with filtered water in your smoothie.
Easy homemade almond milk: For a creamier consistency make your own almond milk in a Vitamix or Ninja. Simply add 4 tbsp of almond butter to 4 cups of water, blend and refrigerate. Or make a single serving by adding 1 tbsp of almond butter to 1.5 cups water and blend before adding your smoothie ingredients.
Premade plant-based milk: Canned organic coconut milk (dilute with water), Califia almond milk, Elmhurst nut milks are the purest options - check labels for sugars and additives with other brands.
Green Superfood powders like VegeGreens, Perfect Greens, Ergogenics Adventure Greens, Younited Greens, Niyama Green Goddess, Moringa or Spirulina powders make an amazing addition to smoothies as they contain a wide range of antioxidants, chlorophyll, vitamins, minerals, enzymes and fiber which cleanse, nourish, energize, alkalize and purify our cells and body. Add a Green Powder to your smoothie or enjoy it first thing in the morning or in the afternoon as a refreshing “pick up” in water.
Super Seed Mix: For a 10-day smoothie supply, you will need: 1/2 cup each flax, hemp, chia and sesame as well as 2 cups of pumpkin seeds. Combine and mix flax, hemp, chia and sesame in a jar. Keep a jar of pumpkin seeds separate. It is recommended to add 3 tbsp of mixed seeds and 3 tbsp pumpkin seeds to each smoothie recipe daily. The addition of seeds to smoothies increases fiber, protein, minerals and essential fats. This will provide approximately 15 grams of protein in your smoothie!
Plant Protein Powder: For additional protein add ½-1 scoop of plant-based protein such as Progressive Fermented Protein, VegiDay Protein, Ergogenics, Niyama, Iron Vegan or Garden of Life.
MS Prebiotic: Prebiotic fibers nourish and feed our healthy gut microbes. For extra prebiotic fiber, add 1 scoop to your smoothie or water daily. If you are new to this product, start with 1/3 scoop, gradually increasing to a full scoop over a week. This product is fantastic for bloating and regularity.
Cultured Coconut Probiotic: For additional beneficial micro biotics (gut-brain support), add 1 tbsp of Cultured Coconut to your smoothie for additional gut support. Those who are new to this product are advised to start with 1 tsp daily, gradually increasing to 1 tbsp (3 tsp) over a week.
SMOOTHIE RECIPES
Recipes make approximately 2 servings (add more liquid to increase quantity).
Blend the following ingredients in a high powdered blender. For a colder smoothie, add ice.
Smoothie Bowl Alternative: Want an alternative to a liquid breakfast? Turn your smoothie into a smoothie bowl by topping it with organic coconut, walnuts, almonds, pumpkin seeds, berries, etc. Or build a layered breakfast bowl with a base of chia pudding or overnight oats, layered with smoothie and topped with nuts and seeds.
Green Berry Glow
Handful of leafy greens (spinach, kale, or sprouts)
Small bunch of parsley
½ cucumber, chopped
1 cup frozen blueberries
1 banana
1 tbsp hemp seeds
Juice of ½ lemon
1–1½ cups filtered water
3 tbsp of seed mix + 3 tbsp pumpkin seeds
Citrus Beet Energy
1 small raw beet, peeled and chopped
1 orange or ½ cup pineapple
1 cup frozen strawberries or blueberries
½ inch fresh ginger
1 cup coconut water
3 tbsp of seed mix + 3 tbsp pumpkin seeds
Tropical Detox
1 cup pineapple
½ mango
Handful of leafy greens
Small handful of mint
Juice of ½ lime
1–1½ cups filtered water
3 tbsp of seed mix + 3 tbsp pumpkin seeds
Apple Dandelion Refresher
1 green apple, chopped
½ cup dandelion greens
½ cup frozen mango
1 celery stalk
1 tbsp sunflower seeds
Juice of ½ lemon
1 cup filtered water
3 tbsp of seed mix + 3 tbsp pumpkin seeds
Liver-Loving Smoothie
½ cup mixed berries
½ cup pineapple
1 handful spinach
¼ cucumber
½ celery stalk
Few mint leaves
1 tbsp flaxseed
Juice of ½ lime
1 cup almond milk
3 tbsp of seed mix + 3 tbsp pumpkin seeds
