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Many of us think of the book Green Eggs and Ham when faced with eating or drinking anything green. I rattled off and recited the entire book a few years back when I was introduced this idea of drinking green smoothies for breakfast. I'd had yogurt smoothies with fruit before, but never had a "green smoothie" as mine were always pretty shades of red or purple from yogurt and fruit, which apparently is a more easy to drink color than green.
It took a few days for me to muster up the courage to take that first sip (in a box, with a fox, in a tree and train) and now it's been a few years of drinking a smoothie at least a few times a week, with many long stretches of daily use. Since, as I've encouraged others to try a green or even red smoothie, I usually hear words of fear or "It looks gross" or "It's just so green" as the person avoids trying it. It's not pizza. I completely understand. Somewhere in the process I lovingly start to recite the book to remind the person to give it a try. They are usually shocked at how much better they start to feel after a few days of clean eating.
Also, it is becoming widely known and accepted that inflammation is the root cause of pretty much most chronic disease. Everything from Cancer to Allergies to Arthritis to Diabetes are pointed back to some root level inflammation component. These are a terrific way to help fight inflammation and also are a wonderful weight loss tool and pack a vitamin boost.
For those with food allergies and other inflammation, this is a terrific way to get pure, clean food in your body that is healthy for you and supports your immune system. You also won't have to wonder and have anxiety over ingredients. These ingredients can be pronounced and you can easily see the clean, healthy ingredients, as it is not processed.
To make a green or red smoothie, I have found that a personal blender is the easiest way. It's a great size for one person to make just what they need without feeling like they have to convince anyone else to also drink green or throw out excess. I use a Bella Cucina blender. (pictured below)
For all recipes below, I also peel and chop my ingredients. I also always add 4-5 ice cubes and about 1/2 cup of water. You can experiment with the ingredients to make it the way you like. I tend to also always include fresh ginger. I have found that I don't like to save excess in the refrigerator, but like mine more icy cold and fresh also, which is why I use the personal size blender. Sometimes people also add protein powder to their smoothies. I do not personally do this due to various powders having allergens.
Pear Based Smoothie (My personal favorite)
1 pear
1/2 of a cucumber
1 inch piece of ginger root
1 small handful of spinach or kale
4-5 ice cubes
1/2 cup of water
Blend and drink.
Apple Based Smoothie
1 green apple
1/2 of a cucumber
1 inch piece of ginger root
1 small handful of spinach or kale
4-5 ice cubes
1/2 cup of water.
Blend and drink.
Banana Based Smoothie
1/2 of a banana
1/2 cup strawberries
1 small handful of spinach or kale
1/2 of a cucumber
4-5 ice cubes
1/2 cup of water
Blend and drink.
Avacado Based Smoothie
1/4 - 1/2 of an avacado
1/4 of a banana
1/4 c blueberries
1/4 of a cucumber
small handful of spinach or kale
4-5 ice cubes
1/2 cup of water
Blend and drink
Berry Based Smoothie 1/2 c strawberries 1/4 c blueberries 1/4 c raspberries 1/4 of a banana 4-5 ice cubes 1/2 cup of water Blend and drinkSome people like to add beets or celery to their smoothies. Any fresh, clean fruit or veggie ingredients you want to add additionally are fine.
ABOUT ELIZABETH HAMILTON-GUARINO
Elizabeth Hamilton-Guarino, Hay House author of PERCOLATE - Let Your Best Self Filter Through & founder and CEO of the Best Ever You Network, understands firsthand the challenges that life can bring and has worked with thousands of people worldwide to illuminate their light within and help them live their best life. She has a degree in communications and broadcasting; is a life coach, food-allergy expert, and anaphylaxis survivor; and is the host of The Best Ever You Show. Elizabeth is a certified Food Over Medicine instructor. Elizabeth and her husband and four sons live in Maine. #BestSmoothieRecipes #ElizabethHamiltonGuarino #FoodAllergies #GreenSmoothie #BeatSugarAddiction #BestYou #HealthiestBestYou #FightCravings #Wellbeing