Post-Holiday Repair

Holiday eating.  

Even staying 'technically' on plan meant loads of heavy S foods for me.  They were rich and satisfying, almost too rich and satisfying, and then there was that whole over-eating thing that  happened.  All in all, not a bad experience, but I still feel the need to detoxify and lighten up.

I've been having E meals the last few days, but you know I'm always up for a smoothie.

My kids call this the Toxic Smoothie, but I prefer to think of it as a De-Toxifying Smoothie.  You see, the fruits, herbs (and yes, they are herbs), and apple cider vinegar can help balance, rebuild and restore your body.

I could say a bit on each, but someone else has probably done that already and probably has done a much better job than I would anyhow, so I challenge you to research what each does and make choices based on this info.  Take note of how things work for you personally.  We are not all the same and what is good for me might not be the best choice for you.  This one works for me and I love the taste.

I will add that everyone in my house over the age of 2 thinks it is bitter and not quite right, but the fact that the baby will drink it makes me think that they are just slightly wimpy.

I have been enjoying this as a post-workout fuel and as an afternoon snack.  So often I personally find that if I overeat, I want to skip meals.  This totally throws off my metabolism and I need to make sure I'm getting all my meals and snacks.

It's simple in its ingredients, provides tons of vitamins and enzymes, and feels like a healthy winter-time drink to help ward off all the crud that can surface this time of year.

De-Toxifying Smoothie-FP

1 lemon, quartered (yes, that is peel, seeds, pith and all!)

3-5 strawberries (I use frozen)

1/4 cup frozen or fresh cranberries

2 cups water

1 tsp ginger

1 tsp turmeric

1/8-1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar

dash or 2 of sea salt

stevia to taste

1/2-1 scoop protein powder

Add everything except the protein powder to a blender (I use a Blendtec, whole juice setting) and blend till liquified.  Add protein powder and pulse a few times to froth.

Enjoy!

This post is shared for Trim Healthy Tuesday at Gwen's Nest.

Morning Sunshine!-FP

You know I love smoothies, both green and pink, but some times I'll admit that I have a hard time making myself just have one.
You see, I'm not a natural veggie or fruit eater.
Many people know me as the person who is always on them about getting in those vegetables, but in truth, it is mainly because I know I need to hear those words myself.  It's easy to focus so much on protein and grains and treats, but vegetables really should be the core to most eating plans in my opinion.  They are what make you feel full and have so much nutrition.
But making sure I get them daily is many times a struggle.

So I'll admit that I've been in a veggie funk lately.  Nothing seems good, everything tastes the same or I've eaten it a million times.
Smoothies even seem kind of old and tired.

And then I saw a new Trim, Healthy Mama drink on the facebook page.  I started to read the directions and they were soooo long and seemed to have so many steps......
Sorry, but this just isn't my style.
I need quick and to the point.

But the drink did inspire me.
Why not take a drink idea and make a smoothie?
Lemons?  No need to peel and cut and slice.  Cut it in half and throw it in is how it do it.  The seeds and peel and pith all have their value and that's part of why I have a Blendtec.
I will add that my Ninja handled whole citrus quite well too.

I also opened up my copy of the Green Smoothie Girl's book with a bunch of recipes and inspiration.
Inspiration is always a good thing, but I really just wanted simple with a little sour and a little bitter and a touch of sweet to take the edge off.

So often smoothie means greens or berries to people, but this one is a lovely, zingy gold.  Like a cup of sunshine.
I kept it Fuel Pull-FP but it might hint at Energizing-E due to the grapefruit, but 1/2 of a grapefruit makes an S-helper so I translate 1/4 as within parameters.  I also left out any protein as I wanted to make a large container to sip on for several hours and to have pre- and post- workout for electrolyte and mineral replacement.  Feel free to use it with or as a meal with the added protein.
I've also been craving bitter and sour lately, and my husband who loves smoothies, thought this was a little too sour for his tastes.  Adjust the seasonings for yours.

Morning Sunshine-FP

1/2 lemon, cut in half
1/4 grapefruit, cut in a few pieces (I do NOT peel my citrus or remove seeds before using as there is a lot of nutrition present, but feel free to do so if you like!)
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp ground turmeric
generous dash of Redmond RealSalt
1/2-1 tsp coconut oil
Dash of NuNaturals Pure, or a comparable stevia
1 quart filtered water
1 cup ice

Combine all in your Blendtec, or other high powered blender, and mix on Whole Juice setting or until liquified.


This smoothie is the perfect base for customizing.  Add in berries or other fruits and veggies as you have them around.
My favorite is to add in a handful of blueberries, but while you'd think yellow+blue = green, this makes a nice rosy-pink drink.

This post is shared at Stacy Makes Cents and Gwen's Nest for Trim, Healthy Tuesday.  Check her out for more great THM links!