HIGH-ENERGY SMOOTHIES
If you want to get the most out of your body, you have to give it everything it needs to perform at its best. That doesn’t mean donuts, energy drinks, pasta, and coffee, either. If you’re tired of that 2 p.m. collapse or are regularly experiencing brain fog, lethargy, difficulty concentrating, or a general feeling of “blah,” then you’re probably not getting the nutrients you need to get you through the day. The good news is that as long as you’re willing to put down the candy bar and make a few changes to your diet, you’ll be running like a track star again in no time at all.
When you continually eat processed foods and simple sugars, two very negative things are taking place that can affect your energy levels. First, you’re causing your body to work overtime to eliminate the toxins and indigestible junk you’re eating. Second, simple sugars burn quickly and don’t provide your body any long-term energy. They’ve also been linked by research to diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cancer, and possibly even Alzheimer’s.
The obvious answer to solving your energy problems and avoiding disease is to minimize your consumption of processed sugars and flours, and to eat more healthful fibers, complex carbohydrates, and plant proteins. This sounds simple, but in reality, it can be tough to take the time to eat balanced meals. Smoothies are the perfect solution for time-sensitive weekdays or action-packed weekends. You’ll be healthier, and your energy levels will shoot through the roof, so break out your blender and drink up!
Pineapple Celery Pick-Me-Up xxx
This smoothie is refreshing and great for a little boost of energy to get you through the afternoon. It tastes terrific, too!
• 1/4 pineapple, peeled
• 3 stalks celery
• 1 cucumber, quartered
Cut the pineapple into 1-inch pieces.
Blend all ingredients together and enjoy!
Yield: About 3 cups.
Snap Back Serum xxx
Ginger is an amazing energy booster, and the antioxidants and fiber in this smoothie will keep you going for hours, not to mention preventing that 2 p.m. energy crash.
• 1 inch slice ginger
• 1 carrot with greens
• 1 apple, cored and quartered
• 1 lemon, peeled
Blend all ingredients together and enjoy.
Yield: About 2 cups.
The Dish on Apples
The Good: High in nutrients, fiber, and antioxidants, apples are in fact more effective than a cup of coffee for waking you up in the morning.
The Bad: The seeds of apples contain arsenic. Swallowing a seed whole is likely to be fine because your body just passes it through, but don’t toss them in the blender, as once they’re cracked, the toxin is released.
Granny’s Go Juice xxx
Because it’s high in sugar, this one’s best as a treat or for breakfast. It’s still extremely high in antioxidants, though, along with a long list of health benefits, so don’t feel too guilty.
• 1 cup strawberries, capped
• 1 cup blueberries
• 2 carrots
• 1 cup wheatgrass
• 1 beet
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 cup water
Blend all ingredients together and enjoy!
Yield: About 2 cups.
If you want to get the most out of your body, you have to give it everything it needs to perform at its best. That doesn’t mean donuts, energy drinks, pasta, and coffee, either. If you’re tired of that 2 p.m. collapse or are regularly experiencing brain fog, lethargy, difficulty concentrating, or a general feeling of “blah,” then you’re probably not getting the nutrients you need to get you through the day. The good news is that as long as you’re willing to put down the candy bar and make a few changes to your diet, you’ll be running like a track star again in no time at all.
When you continually eat processed foods and simple sugars, two very negative things are taking place that can affect your energy levels. First, you’re causing your body to work overtime to eliminate the toxins and indigestible junk you’re eating. Second, simple sugars burn quickly and don’t provide your body any long-term energy. They’ve also been linked by research to diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cancer, and possibly even Alzheimer’s.
The obvious answer to solving your energy problems and avoiding disease is to minimize your consumption of processed sugars and flours, and to eat more healthful fibers, complex carbohydrates, and plant proteins. This sounds simple, but in reality, it can be tough to take the time to eat balanced meals. Smoothies are the perfect solution for time-sensitive weekdays or action-packed weekends. You’ll be healthier, and your energy levels will shoot through the roof, so break out your blender and drink up!
Pineapple Celery Pick-Me-Up xxx
This smoothie is refreshing and great for a little boost of energy to get you through the afternoon. It tastes terrific, too!
• 1/4 pineapple, peeled
• 3 stalks celery
• 1 cucumber, quartered
Cut the pineapple into 1-inch pieces.
Blend all ingredients together and enjoy!
Yield: About 3 cups.
Snap Back Serum xxx
Ginger is an amazing energy booster, and the antioxidants and fiber in this smoothie will keep you going for hours, not to mention preventing that 2 p.m. energy crash.
• 1 inch slice ginger
• 1 carrot with greens
• 1 apple, cored and quartered
• 1 lemon, peeled
Blend all ingredients together and enjoy.
Yield: About 2 cups.
The Dish on Apples
The Good: High in nutrients, fiber, and antioxidants, apples are in fact more effective than a cup of coffee for waking you up in the morning.
The Bad: The seeds of apples contain arsenic. Swallowing a seed whole is likely to be fine because your body just passes it through, but don’t toss them in the blender, as once they’re cracked, the toxin is released.
Granny’s Go Juice xxx
Because it’s high in sugar, this one’s best as a treat or for breakfast. It’s still extremely high in antioxidants, though, along with a long list of health benefits, so don’t feel too guilty.
• 1 cup strawberries, capped
• 1 cup blueberries
• 2 carrots
• 1 cup wheatgrass
• 1 beet
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 cup water
Blend all ingredients together and enjoy!
Yield: About 2 cups.