Struggling with healthy eating in sobriety? Let’s talk smoothies!
Smoothies can be a powerhouse of nutrients to fuel your day and having them regularly has a whole host of benefits:
- They are nutrient-dense, meaning you get a whole range of nutrients in one quick meal
- The fruits, vegetables, and liquids can help you feel hydrated
- They’re really easy to make and you can take them with you on your way to work
- They are a better source of vitamins and minerals than supplements
- They’re super filling
- They can balance blood sugar levels
- You can sneak in vegetables and not even taste them
- They can help reduce cravings, especially if they contain protein
- They improve digestion as foods are better digested in liquid form
- They can counteract acid reflux and heartburn
- They boost your immunity
- They have detoxifying properties if you include papaya, beets, chlorella, and spirulina
- They’re full of fiber
It’s important to note though, that just blending a banana with some milk doesn’t necessarily make it a good smoothie. Smoothies should have an adequate amount of fat which is essential for bodily functions and helps your cells absorb vitamins and minerals; protein to keep you full and support your muscles; and fruits packed with vitamins and minerals to keep your body in top form and ward off any viruses.
Here are my top three favorite smoothies:
Creamy Ginger Citrus Smoothie
This creamy ginger citrus smoothie recipe is absolutely delicious. Adapted from my favorite website, Nutrition Stripped, this recipe is packed with bone-strengthening minerals (potassium, copper, magnesium, calcium, iron, phosphorus, zinc, and manganese) and healthy fats from the avocado and tahini. I added papaya for added immunity benefits and to help improve my skin.
Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 3 cups of fresh spinach
- 1/2 small avocado
- 1 tbsp. tahini
- 1/2 inch of fresh ginger, peeled
- 2 medjool dates, pitted
- 1/2 cup frozen papaya
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lime
Directions:
Blend all ingredients in a high-speed blender until smooth. Enjoy!
Acai Dragonfruit Berry Bowl
This recipe is full of immune-boosting ingredients and is packed with protein which will keep you fuller for longer.
Recipe
- 2 packs of frozen dragon fruit
- 1 pack frozen acai
- 1/4 cup almond milk
- 1 banana
- 1 tbsp. peanut butter
- 2 scoops protein powder (I use Clearvite)
- 1/4 cup frozen strawberries
- 1 cup baby kale
Directions:
Blend all ingredients in a high-speed blender until smooth. Top with your favorite toppings. I used sliced almonds here. Enjoy!
Tropical Detox Smoothie
This is a super detoxing smoothie bowl, which is great if you’re feeling bloated, and can even be good for heavy metal detoxification.
Recipe:
- 1/4 small papaya
- 1/2 cup frozen pineapple
- 1/4 cup frozen mango
- 1 tbsp hemp seeds
- 1 scoop protein powder
- 1/2 cup almond milk
- 1 tbsp ground flax seeds
- 1 tbsp of chlorella and/or spirulina
- Squeeze of raw honey
Directions:
Blend until the desired consistency. For a bowl use less liquid. Top with your favorite toppings, I https://www.workithealth.com/blog?tag=recipeused coconut, pumpkin seeds, honey, and bee pollen here.
Ready for more recipes? Check out our mocktails, or more healthy recipes from Liv. You can also find more recipes from Liv over at Liv’s Recovery Kitchen.