Green Drink

This is my absolute favorite way to start the day. When you have something this healthy for breakfast, it’s bound to be a good day no matter what comes next. Green drinks are nutritious and satisfying without making you feel slow or heavy. They are also substantial enough to be consumed as a detox program. Try drinking nothing but green drink for a week and see how amazing you feel. (Granted the first three days will not be so great if you’re a caffeine/sugar addict, but after the initial detox period you will feel amazing!)

Greens

Chard

Kale

Dandelion greens

Spinach

Collard greens

Beet greens

Mustard greens

Fruits

Apple

Banana

Berries

Peaches

Grapefruit

Grapes

Dates

Pear

Kiwi

Omegas

Flax seeds

Hemp seeds

Chia seeds

Optional add-ins

Aloe vera

Green powder (spirulina, chlorella, algae, etc.)

Stevia (for sweetness)

Maca powder (wink, wink)

To make a green drink, pick 3 greens and add 3 gigantic handfuls to the blender. Pick another 2-3 fruits and 1 source of omega (along with any other optional add-ins). Add 15oz or so of water (how much water you need will really depend on your blender and how thick you like the texture). Blend on high until completely smooth and creamy. YUM!

A few of my favorite combinations:

Spinach, kale, chard, apple, banana, grapefruit, chia seeds, aloe vera, a pinch of stevia and water

Kale, dandelion greens, chard, white peach, blueberry, hemp seeds and water

Dino kale, spinach, red grapes, banana, flax seeds, Vitamineral green powder, water

Sprouted Sunflower Crackers

Sunflower seeds are high in vitamin E, which works to reverse the damage of atherosclerosis and improve the cardiovascular system. Vitamin E is also valued for its anti-inflammatory properties, which act on conditions like asthma, rheumatoid and osteo-arthritis, as well as digestive disease like Crohns and IBS. Sunflower seeds are also very high in thiamine, magnesium, folate, selenium, and B6. Selenium is protective against cancer as it induces DNA repair and synthesis in damaged cells, and helps the body get ready of damaged or abnormal cells. Another healing property of selenium is its ability to bind to toxic metals and carry them out of the body. This is important if you like to eat a lot of fish containing high levels of mercury (tuna, swordfish, shark, sea bass).

First soak sunflower seeds in a glass jar for 12-24 hours. Drain and rinse the seeds. Add 3 parts seeds, 2 parts greens and spices to a food processer and blend until smooth. Pour and smooth over Teflex dehydrator sheets. Score the sheet of into cracker-sized squares. Dehydrate on 115° for 24-36 hours. They should be crispy, but not to the point of being brittle.

Possible spice combinations:

Cumin, garlic, lemon, sea salt, cayenne

Curry, ginger, garlic, sea salt, splash of cider vinegar

Fresh basil, garlic, sea salt, dash of olive oil (basically pesto)

Cilantro, lime, garlic, chili powder, sea salt, onion

Kitchen sink: every spice you can think of

Possible greens:

Spinach, chard, kale, collard greens

**Pro tip- eat with mashed avocado, sea salt, lemon juice and cayenne. It's the healthy version of chips and guacamole. 

Energy Boosting Green Drink

This juice was apparently a favorite of Clark Gable while filming Gone With the Wind. Rich in nutrients and enzymes, this juice is great for a short fast, or a late afternoon pick-me-up. It flushes fat, provides the body with energy, and helps remove toxins. I like to add extra ginger for a little more kick.

2 carrots

½ cup green beans

½ cup of parsley

1½ stalks celery

½ cup spinach

½ inch gingerroot

1 apple

This recipe was taken from “The Seasonal Detox Diet” by Carrie L’esperance.