Spring Cleanse with these Smoothie Recipes

Cleansing the body with a daily smoothie is a great way to offer it the nutrients it needs to gently cleanse and detoxify. Green smoothies provide vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fiber, healthy fats, and protein that are necessary for detoxification and elimination of toxic compounds. We are constantly bombarded by toxins and environmental pollutants that cause cellular oxidative damage and can contribute to chronic illness. Air pollution, medication use, poor dietary choices, alcohol use, excessive sun exposure and cigarette smoke all contribute to the toxic burden placed on our bodies. In order to thrive physically, mentally, and emotionally, we must offset oxidative damage with adequate nutrition and antioxidants. The addition of daily green smoothies offers many protective and restorative compounds needed to optimize whole body health.

As a holistic health coach, I love to focus on seasonal and locally grown produce to enhance nutrition, support the local economy, and to follow the wisdom of mother nature. Most of these recipes have a ton of chia seeds to improve fiber intake, and coconut oil for healthy fats and to encourage satiety and also to slow down the release of sugar to the blood stream.

I recommend consuming green smoothies daily for optimal health and at the bare minimum incorporating them into the diet for 7-10 days seasonally or after big holidays or events.

2-3 large leaves of kale
2 large leaves of chard
1-2 whole peeled beet (raw if using a Vitamix, shredded if using other blenders)
1 medium banana
1/4 wedge lemon
1 Granny Smith apple
2 tbsp Chia seeds
4- dl water,  depending on desired thickness
1 tbsp coconut oil unrefined (optional)

2 cups od greens mix
1-2 whole peeled beet (raw if using a Vitamix, shredded if using other blenders)
1/4 wedge lemon
strawberries
2 tbsp Chia seeds
1 tbsp coconut oil
2 dl coconut milk
3-4 dl water, depending on desired thickness

For both smoothie, combine ingredients in Vitamix or other blender until all ingredients are smoothly blended. Garnish with fresh fruit or enjoy as is!