One of my favorites …
I thought I’d share one of my favorite, go-to, green smoothie recipes. When I don’t have the time to cook and I want a quick, delicious, pick-me-up or a meal on-the-go, this is my choice. I throw it all in the blender and go! OR I can make it the night before, put it in the fridge and grab it as I’m heading out the door.
It’s usually part of my breakfast, but feel free to have it anytime of the day. I also call it a ‘liquid salad’ or a ‘salad-in-a-glass’…but some wrinkle their nose at that. Don’t give up on it before you taste it though ~ I’ve been drinking it for years and love it!
Here is the recipe:
10-12 ounces of water
1 cup packed kale
1/3 – 1/2 medium, peeled cucumber
1/4c blueberries (or a small handful)
1 – 2 TBL of your favorite nut butter (almond or cashew)
add a few ice cubes for more thickness (optional)
Blend the ingredients and enjoy!
You can also use spinach in place of the kale or a combo. And you can also change up the nut butters from time to time. If you have a favorite protein powder, you can add that in as well.
Here are just some of the benefits:
Kale – It’s considered a super food due to its high antioxidant activity. 1 cup of kale is off the charts with vitamins, A, K and C. Vitamin A is needed for healthy skin and protects us against infections. It’s also an antioxidant and an immune booster. Vitamin K is needed for bone health and it helps control blood clotting. Vitamin C strengthens our immune system and helps fight infections. Kale has even been compared to beef due to the iron, protein and calcium.
Cucumbers – They belong to the same family as squash, watermelon and pumpkin and are made up of ~ 95% water so they can help you stay hydrated all year long. They can also help with nutrient deficiencies that are common with the Standard American Diet (SAD). Considered a ‘de-puffer’, they can help to cool any inflammatory responses going on in your body. That’s why slices of cucumbers are good to put on your eyelids to reduce any puffiness.
Blueberries – They are BLUE! This is due to the Anthocyanins which are also known to neutralize free radicals. They are high in vitamins K and C, along with manganese being the most prominent mineral. Along with a combination of many other compounds, this makes them a great source for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Nut Butters – Swapping out the ‘bad’ carbs for the healthy fats helps your body to begin burning fat as your primary fuel, instead of sugar. Raw nuts and nut butters are a good source of these healthy fats.