Breakfast & Smoothies

“Green Zen” Detox Smoothie Recipe

Now that you’ve survived the holiday festivities, thoughts about “editing and undoing” some of the damage done via a detox may be swirling around your head. Incorporating a daily detox smoothie is an easy way to ease into the process.

I will be providing you with three detox smoothie recipes this week.  These smoothies should be ideally taken for breakfast or in the afternoon between 3-5pm. You will notice that chia seeds and hemp hearts are present in all 3 recipes. By combining these two in the amounts specified, we achieve a bonus of approximately 15g of protein and 14g of fibre per smoothie. This has many benefits, which includes helping you feel fuller longer, controls blood sugar, reduces cholesterol, diminishes sugar cravings, and can contribute to weight loss. First up, my “Green Zen” smoothie! Be sure to check out my Liver Restore and Berry Boost detox smoothie recipes as well.

Green Smoothie – “Green Zen”

Ingredients

• 1 handful of fresh kale
• ½ English cucumber (peeled and coarsely chopped)
• 1 medium organic granny smith apple (cored and seeds removed)
• 3/4 cup frozen blueberries
• 3 tbsp hemp hearts
• 3 tbsp chia seeds
• 1 tsp matcha green tea powder
• ½ x ½ inch freshly chopped ginger
• Add water to desired consistency

Directions

Blend above ingredients in a high efficiency blender (think Blendtec/Vitamix/Nutrabullet). If you do not have access to one, make sure you chop the ingredients into small pieces to ensure optimal blending.

Naturopathic tip: Matcha green tea is not only a potent antioxidant that can contribute to beautiful skin and support cells during detoxification; it also contains an amino acid known as “L-theanine.” This amino acid can induce a state of relaxation without acting like a sedative.