4 Tasty & Nutritious Smoothies

By Christy Milan

In the North State, we have wonderful farmer’s markets that supply many fruits and vegetables. This gives locals and visitors alike a chance to taste what a real strawberry or tomato should taste like. It also provides the opportunity to create some healthy and tasty treats using fresh ingredients right here in Northern California. One of the many ways to enjoy this harvest is by blending up a smoothie.

The color of smoothies can vary by ingredients added and sometimes they may look unappealing. Looks are deceiving and sometimes you may miss out on taste and nutrition by judging that smoothie too harshly. Most smoothies are concocted for nutritional advantages. Some are for detox, nutritional powerhouses, digestion and even a cool treat on a hot summer day. Anyone can blend up a creamy smoothie and enjoy it even without an expensive blender. The great thing about creating your own is that you can control the ingredients and therefore control the taste and get the nutrition your body needs. Adding nuts, herbs and spices can also bring different textures and flavors together along with anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal and anti-viral benefits. Try some of the recipes to get you started with your smoothies, then adapt as your taste requires. Also included is a list containing ingredients that can be used in a smoothie. Try a few and experiment to keep things fresh and healthy. With so many choices and flavors there is sure to be a favorite that can help you obtain your goal, whatever it may be.

 Whole Detox Smoothie

1 small sweet potato

1 carrot

½   Red Bell Pepper

1 small Red Beet

1 Apple

2 Celery Stalks

1 Orange

Water or Beet juice

Add ice to blender or Vitamix. Add in all other ingredients, cut up. You can add water or beet juice for texture. Blend on Smoothie setting or High until completely smooth and combined. Serve immediately.

Liver Detox Green Smoothie:

1/2 rib celery

1 lemon, peeled

1/2 cup dandelion greens (or other bitter green)

1/2 cup parsley

2 Oranges , peeled

Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until thoroughly combined.

Garnish with citrus slices or zest and cayenne pepper for taste and health.

Serve immediately and enjoy!

Coffee Kick Start Smoothie

2 bananas

1/2 Cup coffee,

1/4 Cup coconut milk or Almond milk

2-3 Tablespoons coconut flakes (optional/if you like it sweeter)

¼ Cup of Plain Kefir (probiotic)

8 ice cubes or more to taste

Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until thoroughly combined

Garnish with flaked coconut or a swirl of chocolate syrup if desired.

These are some other options that you can add in that help with flavor and nutrition. You can experiment and find something every day that will help your body and taste so good.

Beets • Carrots • Lemons • Limes • Dark Leafy Greens • Sulphur rich foods such as onions and garlic • Cruciferous veggies like broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower • 3 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil or unrefined coconut oil, in a smoothie • About 3 cloves of garlic • Peeled ginger, ½ in or so • Cayenne pepper to taste • Garlic • Walnuts • Pine nuts • Mint • Basil • Dill • Lemongrass • Fennel

Use whole spices then grind with coffee grinder, this provides the most flavors. If you have over ripe fruit, you can freeze the fruit to use later and also use less ice. Doing this helps your smoothie not to become too watered down as you enjoy your newly made drink.

If you have an existing medical condition, consult your healthcare provider. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and products or information are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent or any illness disease.