Jennifer Thompson

Cheat Sheet / Updated 07-21-2023

Green smoothies, which are packed with nutrient-dense fruits and veggies, are gaining popularity for one main reason: They actually work. Even better, they're made from whole foods and they're totally affordable, even for a large family. In just five minutes, you can start making your own green smoothies. Get ready to see and feel a real difference in your health.

Article / Updated 03-26-2016

When it comes to making a good green smoothie, there are some definite do’s and don’ts. Green smoothies are truly amazing, and if you make them right, you open your body up to a whole new world of energy-boosting nutrients that you may have otherwise struggled to get into your diet. Drinking a blended smoothie of fruits and greens is a high-power dose of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants and a natural immune booster to keep you fit and healthy for life. You can fast-track your learning curve and become a green smoothie expert in no time if you avoid these common mistakes: Thinking more is more: You can easily get overexcited when you first start making green smoothies, and you may be tempted to just start throwing everything in the blender. People have asked if they can blend raw potatoes in their smoothies (answer: no), and one smoothie student was kicked off a bus in London because she put an entire bulb of garlic in her green smoothie and thought nothing about taking her nose-curling smoothie with her to work. With raw food, the combinations do matter if you want a good taste. Not adding water to the blender: A sure way to kill an innocent household blender is to add fruits and greens with no water. The motor of a standard blend just can’t handle all that fiber, and it’s going to burn out and die an early death. To keep your blender alive and kicking, always add your fruits and water first, and blend. Then add your leafy greens and blend again. Forgetting to add leafy greens: The star nutrition players in a green smoothie are the dark, leafy greens. Actually, the whole point in having a green smoothie is to eat more greens in an easy-to-prepare and good-tasting way. Adding green powder blends is definitely okay because they give you more minerals from other sources of greens, like kelp, alfalfa, spirulina, chlorella, and wheatgrass. But nothing trumps fresh greens. Don’t forget to add a handful of spinach, kale, watercress, fresh parsley, or Swiss chard to make a real green smoothie. Using the same greens every day: When you get into the habit of adding leafy greens to your smoothie, you have to remember to switch them out and use variety in your recipes. Getting different greens means your body gets all the nutrients it needs. You can have the same greens for a few days, but then switch to something else. Buy spinach, collard greens, and bok choy for your smoothies one week and choose kale, Swiss chard, and dandelion greens the next week. Buying low-quality superfoods: Don’t make the mistake of choosing low-priced superfoods. You get what you pay for, and cheap superfoods are cheap because they’re cut with added fillers. Ideally, choose 100-percent certified organic to avoid fillers and to make sure you’re getting a good, quality product. Remember, this purchase is an investment in your health. And because you only need a small amount of a superfood in your green smoothie (1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon), a small, high-quality bag can actually last a long time. Not washing your fresh ingredients: Leafy greens are grown in the earth, and they tend to have soil on them when you buy them fresh. They can also have little bugs and critters that also enjoy the taste of their leaves. You definitely want to wash that stuff off before you start throwing your ingredients in the blender. In your sink or a large tub, combine 1 tablespoon white vinegar per 1 gallon of room temperature water and let your produce soak for 10 minutes before rinsing repeatedly. Storing your smoothie unrefrigerated: One of the best things about green smoothies is that you can make them in advance and they’ll keep for up to two days refrigerated. That means you can make your smoothie the night before, store it in the fridge (a glass container is best), and simply grab it and go in the morning to get a healthy start to your busy day. That all works well as long as you actually store your smoothie in the refrigerator before drinking it. Don’t leave your smoothie on the counter, in your car, or sitting out at work for hours at a time and expect it to still be fresh. You can store your smoothie in a cooler if you don’t have access to a fridge. Adding hidden fat and calories: Although coconut water and vegan milks such as rice milk, soy milk, or coconut milk may seem like healthy liquids to add to your smoothie, be warned that they can quickly tip the scales of extra fat and calories, potentially giving your once-healthy smoothie even more calories than a bowl of ice cream. Most vegan milks contain added sugar, chemical preservatives, and coloring agents. All of a sudden, your smoothie isn’t as natural as it was, and you don’t even taste the extra calories! Stick with water as a healthy base for your smoothies; if you’re looking for something different, use homemade almond milk with no added sugar or preservatives. Using protein powder: A protein powder is made from extracted foods and not whole ingredients. Pea protein isn’t a bunch of peas dried and ground into powder form; rather, it’s a pea that had the protein pulled out and all other parts thrown away. Eating extracted proteins has been shown to be hard on the kidneys and isn’t great for your colon or skin, either. Your best bet is to use only whole-food powders such as hemp seed, flaxseed, spirulina, chlorella, or acai powder, and avoid extracted protein powders. Not enjoying the taste: The whole reason you’re making green smoothies is to get more valuable nutrients into your diet, but that doesn’t mean you have to suffer through the taste. Green smoothies can taste really good, even if they’re admittedly very strange in color. To make your smoothie sweeter, add more naturally sweet fruits, such as pineapple, mango, or orange. To balance out too much sweet, add more bitter greens, such as kale or Swiss chard. Enhance the flavor with your favorite organic spices. Don’t be afraid to adjust your ingredients for your taste. Long-term, you’re much more likely to stick with green smoothies if you enjoy drinking them every day.

Article / Updated 03-26-2016

One of the most important times to focus on healthy food is when you’re recovering from surgery or cancer therapy. There is simply no better time to start adding green smoothies to your healing diet. Giving your body a boost of antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins helps you get better faster, increase your energy levels, and support your body back to an excellent state of health, naturally. This fabulous recipe contains a potent combo of antioxidants to help reduce inflammation, break up any free radical damage, and promote new healthy cell growth. Remember, it’s best to choose 100 percent–certified organic superfood powders to get the best quality available. Lemon juice is good for the liver and is also great for the immune system. Parsley is a natural source of vitamin C and helps strengthen kidneys. Banana and spinach provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Just one green smoothie a day is all your need! Acai, Pomegranate, and Goji Berry Blast Prep time: 25 min Blending time: 2 min Yield: 2 servings 2 tablespoons dried goji berries 1 1/2 cups fresh pomegranate seeds 1 ripe banana, peeled 1 tablespoon acai powder 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 1 1/2 cups water 1 cup baby spinach, loosely packed 1 cup parsley, loosely packed Place the goji berries in a bowl with 1/4 cup of room temperature water. Place in the fridge to soak for at least 20 minutes or overnight. Combine the goji berries, pomegranate seeds, banana, acai powder, lemon juice, and water in the blender and secure the lid. Starting at low speed and gradually increasing toward high, blend the ingredients for 1 minute or until the mixture contains no visible pieces of fruit. Add the spinach and parsley and blend again at medium speed for 30 seconds, gradually increasing the speed to high. Blend on high speed for another 15 to 30 seconds or until the entire mixture is smooth. Pour the smoothie into two glasses and enjoy! Per serving: Calories 215 (From Fat 27); Fat 3g (Saturated 0g); Cholesterol 0mg; Sodium 38mg; Carbohydrate 48g (Dietary Fiber 10g); Protein 4g. If you don’t have acai powder, use 1/2 cup of blueberries instead. Or try 1-1/2 cups of fresh orange juice instead of water for added antioxidants and vitamin C.

Article / Updated 03-26-2016

Throughout the year, as the availability of different fruits and greens changes, so should your grocery list for green smoothies. Remember: Think local and in season first. Look for organic if it’s available and affordable. Check all produce for freshness. Be open to changing your list if any particular item doesn’t look fresh. Sample shopping list for green smoothies When you make your grocery list, figure out how many people you need to make smoothies for first. For example, one smoothie per day for two people requires two servings per day of ingredients. A family of four requires double that, and so on. Here’s a sample weekly shopping list for two people having one green smoothie per day each for seven days: Sample Green Smoothie Shopping List: One Week, Two People Fruits Greens Extras (Optional) 2 packages of raspberries 1 bunch of Swiss chard leaves Raw honey 1 package of strawberries 1 bunch of kale 1 package of hemp seeds (12 or 16 ounces) 2 packages of blueberries 1 bunch of watercress 1 package of chia seeds (12 or 16 ounces) 2 apples 1 bunch of fresh mint 1 package of ground flaxseed (12 or 16 ounces) 5 bananas 1 bunch of fresh parsley 1 container of local bee pollen (avoid if allergic to bees or pollen) 2 peaches 1 jar of organic coconut oil (12 or 16 ounces) 1 lemon 6 ounces of raw, unsalted almonds 1 avocado 1 jar of ground turmeric 1 mango 1 jar of ground cinnamon 2 kiwis Superfoods and spices will last you several weeks or even months. After you’ve stocked up, you won’t need to repurchase them every week. Sample menu: 1 week of green smoothies Use the sample grocery list in the preceding section to make the following recipes for seven different smoothies in one week. Follow this section as a guide to create your own menus and shopping lists. The ingredients listed here are for two servings per smoothie, and the ingredients are listed in the order you should add them to your blender. In each case, first blend the ingredients listed up to and including the water until smooth; then add the remaining ingredients (the greens), and blend again until smooth. Sample Green Smoothie Menu for One Week Day Recipe Ingredients Monday Bee and Berry Power 2/3 cup raspberries, 2/3 cup strawberries, 2 ripe bananas, 1 tablespoon raw honey, 2 tablespoons hemp seeds, 1 tablespoon bee pollen, 1 tablespoon coconut oil, 2 cups water, 4 large Swiss chard leaves Tuesday Peaches and Green 2 peaches, 1 ripe banana, 2/3 cup fresh strawberries, 3 tablespoons raw almond butter or 8 raw almonds, 2 tablespoons coconut oil, 1 tablespoon raw honey, 1 1/2 cups water, 4 large kale leaves Wednesday Blue Green Dream 2 red apples, 1 cup blueberries, 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 2 tablespoons chia seeds soaked in water, 1 1/2 cups water, 1/2 cup parsley, 1 1/2 cups watercress, 4 mint leaves Thursday Hearty Kale, Blueberry, and Hemp 1/2 avocado, 1 1/2 cups blueberries, 1 tablespoon raw almond butter, 2 tablespoons ground hemp seeds, 2 tablespoons manuka honey, 1 1/2 cups water, 4 large kale leaves Friday Smooth Mango, Kiwi, and Watercress 1 ripe mango, 2 kiwis, 1 ripe banana, 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed, 1 1/2 cups water, 2 cups watercress Saturday Lemon Berry Avocado Nirvana 1/2 avocado, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 1/2 cup raspberries, 1/2 cup blueberries, 1 1/2 cups water, 4 mint leaves, 3 Swiss chard leaves Sunday Chia, Raspberry, and Turmeric Zen 1/2 cup raspberries, 1 ripe banana, 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric, 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 2 tablespoons chia seeds soaked in water, 1 1/2 cups water, 4 Swiss chard leaves

Article / Updated 03-26-2016

Green smoothies seem to be everywhere nowadays, from Hollywood to fitness trainers to talk shows to diet gurus. Male and female, young and old — people of all persuasions are drinking green smoothies. Here’s why you should be drinking them, too: They’re fast, easy, and affordable. You can make a green smoothie in less than five minutes, and doing so is really easy. In fact, after you start making them, you’ll wonder why you didn’t start sooner. They won’t put a dent in your wallet either. If you already have a blender, you don’t need to buy any equipment. All you need is fresh fruits, leafy greens, and water. Throw the ingredients in the blender (blend fruits and water first, then greens) and a minute later, you’ll be drinking your first green smoothie. Yes, just like that! You’ll save money on doctor’s bills. Green smoothies give you a boost of nutrients for a stronger immune system. By increasing your intake of antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, you reduce your risk of disease naturally. Staying healthy means fewer visits to the doctor’s office and less money spent on medical bills. Many people who have been drinking green smoothies for a few years can’t even remember the last time they were sick! They “keep things moving” every day. Because green smoothies are made in a blender, all the fiber in the fruits and greens remains intact. When you drink a smoothie with fiber, more bulk moves through your digestive tract. On a technical level, that gives you improved digestion and elimination and reduced constipation. Simply speaking, it means your pipes start moving more regularly. They help you lose weight and keep it off. One of the main reasons green smoothies are so popular is because they really work. When you start eating more fiber and reduce your sugar cravings, you naturally crowd out the bad foods. As you get the nutrients your body needs, you have more energy to exercise and get fit. Combine those perks, and you can finally lose that extra weight. Stick to a routine of at least one green smoothie a day, and you’ll keep it off, too. They keep your bones and teeth strong. If your body is too acidic from a poor diet and stressful lifestyle, you can throw off your body’s pH. When your pH is too acidic over time, your risk of losing bone density increases because your body tries to rebalance your pH by leaching calcium from your bones. The alkaline properties of fruits and greens in green smoothies help to keep your body pH alkaline (the opposite of acidic). Leafy greens are also a good source of calcium for strong bones and teeth. They’re portable. If you’re running around trying to keep up with a busy schedule every day, then take a green smoothie with you to stay healthy while on the go. Kept chilled and sealed, green smoothies stay fresh for up to two days. You can make your smoothie the night before work or school, store it in the fridge, and grab it just before running out the door in the morning. The ingredients are good for blood and circulation. The natural green color from leafy greens comes from chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is closely related to hemoglobin, or human blood, in its molecular structure. Some people even say that by eating more leafy greens, you get a free blood transfusion. Green smoothies also contain plenty of potassium and magnesium, both of which are important minerals for good heart health, strong blood, and improved circulation. They make you crave less junk food. Craving bad foods if you’re deficient in minerals, eating foods that disrupt blood sugar levels, or not getting enough fiber to make you feel full. When you start drinking green smoothies, you may quickly find yourself snacking less and choosing better foods for the rest of the day, too. The fiber fills you up and makes you feel less hungry, your blood sugars stabilize, and you no longer have cravings because you’re finally getting the minerals and vitamins your body needs! They’re cheaper than plastic surgery, and all natural, too! The fastest way to clear and ageless skin is to eat your way there. The natural antioxidants in fresh fruits and greens help repair and renew cells, and the first place it shows is on your skin. Green smoothies increase your intake of omega-3 fatty acids with extra flaxseed or chia seeds, and they give you a natural detox from the added fiber. The extra fluids help hydrate your skin and reduce wrinkles. They’re a great conversation starter. As you zip around town carrying your green-colored smoothie, whether it’s to the gym, in the supermarket, at school, or out with friends, get ready for a few questions and comments. Some people may want to know why your drink is green, and others will ask how to make it. No matter what, drinking your smoothie with pride is a great chance to meet some new friends and spread the word about the wonder of green smoothies!

Article / Updated 03-26-2016

In any given household, you can find at least two, three, or even more family members trying to achieve different health goals, such as improving fertility, eating nutritious breakfasts to start the day right, and making diet changes because of medical conditions. How is catering to so many different goals and health needs possible under one roof and with just one kitchen? With a little bit of know-how, a blender, and some fresh ingredients, you can succeed in making green smoothie recipes to address all your health goals and take care of your entire family, at every age. The best place to start with your family’s wellness plan is with you. What are your specific health goals? As a parent, you can teach your children healthy habits by example. Children can support their parents as they age by sharing recipes and helping them prepare foods to support their bodies back to health naturally. And when you have the healthy green smoothie glow, the rest of your family is going to notice. Your loved ones may not even need convincing to drink their daily greens, but if they do, here are some tips: To get your spouse or significant other to drink green smoothies: Explain that the zinc in leafy greens and the omega-3 fatty acids in flaxseed and hemp seeds help increase sex drive. Make a yummy post-workout smoothie that your spouse can take to the gym and enjoy on the way home. Support your spouse in losing that last five pounds by doing a three-day green smoothie detox together. To get your kids to drink green smoothies: Tell them that their green drink is their energy juice and brain boost for the day; it gives them power like a superhero! Make more sweet-tasting smoothies by using more sweet fruits and less bitter greens; add raw honey or carob powder as a natural sweetener. Drink your green smoothies together as a family so your children learn to keep a good daily habit from an early age. In the same way that you shower and brush their teeth to clean the outside of your body, your green smoothie is a daily cleanse for the inside of your body to keep your healthy and strong for life! One of the healthiest ways you can make a difference for the whole family is simply by adding a daily nutritional smoothie to the meal plan. It’s all about balance, and small changes can make a huge impact on your family’s health.

Article / Updated 03-26-2016

You can get a ton of the nutrients you need for breast feeding in one easy-to-make afternoon snack or midday meal — a green smoothie! All you need is a blender and 5 minutes. Healthy fats like avocado and coconut are key for making nutrient-rich breast milk. Omega-3 foods like ground flaxseed are important for a baby’s developing brain. Berries and high vitamin C foods like pineapple add rich antioxidants to help ward off colds, coughs, and flu for both you and your baby. Dark leafy greens, such as kale, provide high amounts of minerals and chlorophyll that not only keep you strong but also build a strong baby too. Check out this recipe. It actually tastes really good too! Amazing Avocado and Pineapple Pizzazz Prep time: 3–4 min Blending time: 2 min Yield: 2 servings 1/2 avocado, peeled and pitted 1 1/2 cups pineapple chunks 1 cup raspberries 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed 1 tablespoon coconut oil 2 tablespoon unsweetened shredded coconut flakes 2 cups water 3 large kale leaves Combine all the ingredients except the kale in the blender and secure the lid. Starting at low speed and gradually increasing toward high, blend the ingredients for 30 to 45 seconds or until the mixture is smooth. Remove and discard the stems of the kale. Add the kale and blend again at medium speed for 30 seconds, gradually increasing the speed to high. Blend on high speed for another 15 to 30 seconds or until the entire mixture is smooth. Pour the smoothie into two glasses and enjoy! Per serving: Calories 319 (From Fat 153); Fat 17g (Saturated 8g); Cholesterol 0mg; Sodium 39mg; Carbohydrate 43g (Dietary Fiber 11g); Protein 5g. If you don’t have fresh raspberries, add a ripe banana (peeled) instead.

Article / Updated 03-26-2016

Are you looking for a healthy snack that packs a powerful energy boost? This yummy Tahini and Coconut green smoothie recipe will satisfy your hunger, reduce sugar cravings, and help get you through the day feeling great. Tahini is a vegan source of calcium and also contains zinc, a potent fertility mineral. Coconut is a healthy fat that boosts the immune system thanks to its flagship component: lauric acid. Flaxseed contains omega-3 fatty acids and is a fantastic source of fiber to keep you regular with good digestive health. Swiss chard gives you chlorophyll, minerals, and plenty of fiber to not only fill you up, but also to balance sugar levels and give your skin a healthy glow. If you’re trying to lose weight, you can reduce the coconut oil to 1 tablespoon and skip the coconut flakes. Tahini and Coconut Anytime Snack Prep time: 3–4 min Blending time: 2 min Yield: 2 servings 2 green apples 1 ripe banana, peeled 2 tablespoons tahini 2 tablespoons coconut oil 2 tablespoon shredded unsweetened coconut flakes 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed 2 cups water 3 large Swiss chard leaves Cut the apples and remove the cores, keeping the skin intact. Cut the flesh into quarters. Combine all the ingredients except the Swiss chard in the blender and secure the lid. Starting at low speed and gradually increasing toward high, blend the ingredients for 30 to 45 seconds or until the mixture contains no visible pieces of fruit. Remove and discard the stems of the Swiss chard. Add the Swiss chard and blend again at medium speed for 30 seconds, gradually increasing the speed to high. Blend on high speed for another 15 to 20 seconds or until the entire mixture is smooth. Pour the smoothie into two glasses and enjoy! Per serving: Calories 404 (From Fat 234); Fat 26g (Saturated 14g); Cholesterol 0mg; Sodium 54mg; Carbohydrate 45g (Dietary Fiber 9g); Protein 6g. If you don’t have tahini (a sesame paste), use 2 tablespoons of almond butter instead. Or instead of apples, try a cup and a half of halved strawberries or blueberries. Add a dash of ground cinnamon for a sweeter twist or 1 tablespoon of raw cacao powder for a smooth chocolate flavor.

Article / Updated 03-26-2016

If you’re new to the green smoothie game, you probably have a lot of questions. Here are the ten most frequently asked questions about green smoothies. How can you lose weight on green smoothies? It’s easy! Drink your green smoothie as a replacement meal for one or two meals each day. You can follow this regimen for four to six weeks or however long you need to reach your weight loss goal. Avoid adding too much fat to your smoothies to keep the calorie count low. Minimize your use of coconut oil, avocado, nuts, nut milks, almond butter, and tahini. How can you gain weight on green smoothies? To gain weight by drinking green smoothies, increase the calorie content. Fats contain twice as many calories as protein or carbs. Choose fats that are cholesterol-free and high in nutrients. Here are some healthy fats to add to your green smoothie: 1 cup pureed avocado: 387 calories 4 tablespoons avocado oil: 496 calories 4 tablespoons coconut oil: 468 calories 4 tablespoons raw cashew butter: 376 calories 4 tablespoons raw tahini (sesame paste): 344 calories Drink an extra green smoothie about an hour before bed to help you gain weight faster. Have one green smoothie before or after your workout for a power boost and/or recovery drink, and make an additional smoothie to drink before bed as a healthy calorie-loading snack. How do you get more protein, iron, and calcium in your smoothies? Luckily, green smoothies are already naturally high in protein, iron, and calcium. You can boost the protein, iron, and calcium content even more by using naturally high sources of each in your smoothie: Protein: Focus on hemp seeds, chia seeds, ground flaxseed, sunflower seeds, almond butter, tahini, and/or spirulina powder. Iron: Add cherries, dried organic apricots, molasses, and more leafy greens (both powdered and whole-food forms). Calcium: Use homemade almond milk, beet greens, bok choy, collard greens, dandelion greens, kale, turnip greens, and spinach. Why do you feel gas and bloating after your green smoothie? If you’ve been eating a diet high in refined or processed foods or only heavy foods or cooked foods, drinking a blended smoothie full of raw fruits and greens can be a bit of a shock to the system. Technically speaking, your stomach may actually be low in digestive acids, or you may have an imbalance of gut bacteria. The result is excess gas and bloating as your stomach tries to correct itself and find a healthy balance. Reduce the amount of leafy greens in each recipe by one-third. You can also add a probiotic capsule to your smoothie to bring in more good gut bacteria. Do you have to use greens in your green smoothie? You can make a smoothie without greens, but then it’s not a green smoothie! Remember, the whole point of having a green smoothie is to get more leafy greens into your diet. The benefit of drinking your greens is that it’s easy to do every day, takes less than 5 minutes to prepare, and removes the guesswork about how to cook them. Can you use powdered greens instead of fresh greens? Nothing trumps a handful of fresh leafy greens in a green smoothie. Fresh is always best. But sometimes you just can’t get fresh — such as when you’re traveling or in winter months — and in that case, powdered greens are an excellent second choice. Which is better: a green smoothie or a green juice? Try not to think of it in terms of which is “better” because green smoothies and green juices are both great for your health! Rather, consider which one is more practical for your busy lifestyle. In terms of the health benefits, both green smoothies and green juices offer a vast array of minerals, vitamins, and chlorophyll. The biggest difference between the two is that green smoothies still have all fiber intact, whereas juice has no fiber. A green smoothie can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to two days. Fresh juice needs to be consumed immediately. Is it possible to drink too many green smoothies? As long as you’re integrating your green smoothies with a healthy diet, your body isn’t going to let you drink “too much.” When your body finally starts getting the nutrients it needs in a whole food form, you naturally feel like you want more. In the beginning, you may want one to two liters a day as your body gratefully accepts a new, easy-to-digest natural fuel. That’s okay! Green smoothies have a lot of natural fiber in them. Fiber in food fills you up and stops you from overeating. The refined flours and sugars in processed foods aren’t filling, which is a reason why those foods are easy to overeat. Do you need to take a daily vitamin if you're drinking green smoothies? The short answer to this is that it depends. Drinking a green smoothie gives you a high boost of minerals and vitamins from real food with fiber, but you won’t get everything from a green smoothie. For example, vitamin B12 occurs mostly in animal products and fortified (but processed) foods, so it won’t be present in your smoothie. If your diet includes animal products, you may not need a B12 supplement, but for vegans and vegetarians, taking an additional B12 supplement is important. (Deficiency in vitamin B12 can cause fatigue, hair loss, and numbness in the fingers and toes.) Do green smoothies work against cellulite? Green smoothies offer you a unique and powerful combination of chlorophyll, fiber, minerals, and added hydration that allows your skin to detoxify, repair, rebuild, and emit a youthful, healthy glow. The cause of cellulite is basically weak collagen, excess fat accumulation, and a buildup of toxins. As you age, collagen production declines and weakening of the skin occurs. Dark leafy green vegetables contain powerful antioxidants that naturally help your skin produce more collagen. Fresh fruits are high in antioxidants and vitamin C, giving even more of a collagen-producing effect. Add to that some flaxseed or chia seeds for omega-3 fatty acids and fresh aloe vera to help repair and rejuvenate the skin, and you’ll quickly start seeing results.

Article / Updated 03-26-2016

Adding a green smoothie can complement your current diet and shine new light on a healthy way of living. With a blender, fresh ingredients, and less than five minutes, you have an easy, fiber-rich replacement meal or afternoon snack to keep away the hunger. Where there’s a green smoothie, there’s hope! Combining a balanced, healthy diet with regular exercise is the key to long-term weight loss success. Drink your green smoothie, but also get active for at least 20 to 30 minutes every day. The more lean muscle you have, the better your body is at burning fuel. Slimming Apple Lemon Celery Blend Preparation time: 3–4 minutes Blending time: 2 minutes Yield: 2 servings 1 red delicious or gala apple 1 green apple 1 orange, peeled and seeded 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice 2 tablespoons raw apple cider vinegar 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed 2 cups water 5 mint leaves 1-1/2 cups celery leaves, loosely packed 1/2 cup parsley, loosely packed Cut the apples and remove the cores, keeping the skin intact. Combine the apples, orange, lemon juice, vinegar, flaxseed, and water in the blender and secure the lid. Starting at low speed and gradually increasing toward high, blend the ingredients for 30 to 45 seconds or until the mixture contains no visible pieces of fruit. Add the mint, celery, and parsley and blend again at medium speed for 30 seconds, gradually increasing the speed to high. Blend on high speed for another 30 seconds or until the entire mixture is smooth. Pour the smoothie into two glasses and enjoy! Per serving: Calories 187 (From Fat 27); Fat 3g (Saturated 0g); Cholesterol 0mg; Sodium 79mg; Carbohydrate 42g (Dietary Fiber 10g); Protein 4g. Add 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon for a warm, spicy flavor. You can also replace the orange with 2 cups of peeled chopped cucumber. Energy-Boosting Blackberry and Mint Preparation time: 3–4 minutes Blending time: 2 minutes Yield: 2 servings 2 ripe pears 1-1/2 cups blackberries 1/2 cup fresh lime juice 1 tablespoon ground hemp seed 1 tablespoon psyllium husk powder 2 cups water 3 large kale leaves 1/2 cup mint leaves Cut the pears and remove the cores, keeping the skin intact. Combine the pears, blackberries, lime juice, hemp seed, psyllium powder, and water to the blender and secure the lid. Starting at low speed and gradually increasing toward high, blend the ingredients for 30 to 45 seconds or until the mixture contains no visible pieces of fruit. Remove and discard the stems of the kale. Add the kale and mint and blend again at medium speed for 30 seconds, gradually increasing the speed to high. Blend on high speed for another 15 to 30 seconds or until the entire mixture is smooth. Pour the smoothie into two glasses and enjoy! Per serving: Calories 232 (From Fat 45); Fat 5g (Saturated 0.5g); Cholesterol 0mg; Sodium 26mg; Carbohydrate 48g (Dietary Fiber 16g); Protein 7g. You can use 1 drop of pure peppermint oil instead of fresh mint leaves. Use blueberries or raspberries instead of blackberries. During summer, use 1 ripe mango (peeled and stone removed) instead of pears. Strawberry Vanilla Healthy Indulgence Preparation time: 25 minutes Blending time: 2 minutes Yield: 2 servings 2 tablespoons chia seeds 2 ripe peaches 1 ripe plum 1-1/2 cups halved strawberries, stems and leaves removed 1/2-inch piece fresh ginger (peeled) 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract Dash cayenne pepper 2 cups water 4 large Swiss chard leaves Place the chia seeds in a bowl with 1/4 cup of room temperature water. Place in the fridge to soak for at least 20 minutes or overnight. Cut the peaches and plum and remove the stones, keeping the skin intact. Cut the flesh into quarters. Add all the ingredients except the Swiss chard to the blender and secure the lid. Starting at low speed and gradually increasing toward high, blend the ingredients for 1 minute or until the mixture contains no visible pieces of fruit. Remove and discard the stems of the Swiss chard. Add the Swiss chard and blend again at medium speed for 30 seconds, gradually increasing the speed to high. Blend on high speed for another 15 to 30 seconds or until the entire mixture is smooth. Pour the smoothie into two glasses and enjoy! Per serving: Calories 211 (From Fat 54); Fat 6g (Saturated 1g); Cholesterol 0mg; Sodium 55mg; Carbohydrate 38g (Dietary Fiber 10g); Protein 6g. If you don’t have fresh ginger, use 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger instead. If you don’t have chia seeds, use 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed instead. If you don’t have access to peaches, try 2 peeled kiwis.