I love making green smoothies, or as my husband calls them – ‘colon blow.’ Because nothing says gluttony in balance like starting my day with a healthy green smoothie and then ending it with a big plate of nachos.
But in somewhat sort of seriousness, I’ve been working with a nutritionist on improving my thyroid function. Years ago, I found out that my Ferratin level is very low which basically means that my body doesn’t absorb iron and other nutrients from food. The green smoothie allows me to get so much good stuff into me. Stuff I probably wouldn’t consume on its own.
So, here is what I recommend for the perfect green smoothie:
- Organic spinach – this is important. Conventional spinach is loaded with so many pesticides that you could be doing yourself more harm than good by consuming it.
- Organic frozen fruit – I am loving cherries lately because they provide just enough sweetness. Good news is that you can buy large bags of organic fruit at a place like BJs for way cheaper than Whole Foods. I haven’t noticed any difference in quality.
- Protein Powder – this will help to fill you up and also provide a wide variety of the nutrients that your body needs, especially after exercise. I like the Nutribullet brand. It has all the things – and is non-GMO and is reasonably priced.
- Maca – I learned this is good for thyroid support so why not throw some in there? It’s some sort of root. It seems to give me good energy for my sometimes long and boring workday. I found this jar from New Chapter on the ‘last chance’ shelf at Whole Foods. Looks like I’ll be able to order online when they run out.
- Some sort of nut butter. This will make your smoothie flavorful and tasty – hiding any spinach taste that may be present. I love spinach but my husband does not. I love this Hampton Farms kind because it has chia and pumpkin seeds in it too. Tip – store it upside down because it gets pretty oily and separated if you don’t.
- Coconut Oil – the jury is out, but a number of sources say that coconut oil can support thyroid health. Coconut oil is known to have many benefits so why not throw some in to the smoothie? I teaspoon for me and a teaspoon for my pup.
- Spices – I like Cinnamon and Trikatu. It’s got ginger and other stuff to promote good digestion and allegedly supports a healthy weight. Why not? My weight is still above healthy I would say but this adds a nice flavor either way.
- Almond Milk to finish it off. I LOVE this Almond Coconut milk blend. Normally I would never drink almond milk, but this one is so tasty it is an exception.
So, that’s it. Put it all in a blender and enjoy. I promise you will fill great all day and be able excuse any of the crap that you put in your body later. At least I do..
