ANTIOXIDANT GREEN SMOOTHIE
JOGB SMOOTHIE... AVOCADO PROTEIN POWER
Bring on those summer vibes (as the sun keeps peeping out) with this super fresh, healthy and tasty smoothie juice, inspired by the Green Smoothie in the fascinating US book The Plant Paradox by Dr Stephen Gundry. This book questions the way we now lazily prepare certain foods, because of old we would remove skins and seeds, that are potentially aggravating to illnesses and disorders such as some cancers and most autoimmune diseases including thyroid, diabetes, fibromyalgia and multiple sclerosis. I'm currently following his protocol to see if I can alleviate symptoms of peripheral neuropathy in my legs and feet - often very painful. I feel as if I've read every book on anti-inflammatory diets, yet they often contradict each other: one-minute legumes, peppers, and quinoa are 'healthy', the next they're toxic to the body. Yes, even quinoa!
I'm keen on regular fasting and try to be a 'healthy vegetarian' (i.e. no sugar) - but that is my weakness... but I'l try anything and stick to it if I can feel less pain. What's your motivation? I'll list my favourite anti-inflammatory books on a book club post soon...but do tell me yours
Try this:
PERFECT POWER GREEN AVOCADO JUICE
Easy as can be, this pure green protein juice takes moments to make with the ingredients to hand (obviously) - oh, and a power blender.
INGREDIENTS
one ripe avocado, sliced then cubed (can be smushy and bruised)
(2 small apples, sliced & diced) optional for sweetness but avoid if trying to reduce sugar load
one cup of spinach leaves
one cup of filtered water
one cup of ice cubes
the juice of 1-2 lemons
a cluster of fresh mint leaves: half in the blender, half to decorate
Bespoke your own juice by adding: more fresh lemon juice; more spinach or kale leaves and/or a small handful of coconut flakes. (Psst! I LOVE coconut flakes and eat them as a healthy snack).
INSTRUCTIONS
Place all the above ingredients in a blender; secure the lid, then blend on a medium setting until the mixture is completely smooth. This is a banana-free, lump-free smoothie (I find banana a little too intense in flavour & internally!)
TO SERVE
Pour into a glass, pop in a straw, garnish with a little curly kale and serve immediately. Makes enough for two small glasses to share. (Shown here with my favourite summer glass of elderflower cordial and fresh mint.)
WHY AVOCADO?
A true superfood, avocado, or alligator pear, is rich in antioxidant vitamins B (5, 6 & 9), C, E, K, potassium (more than bananas) plus magnesium, copper, iron, zinc in smaller amounts. It’s a complete food. Yes, it’s high in calories, but these are made from healthy monounsaturated fats (oleic acid) and fibre that the human body – every one of us – loves to digest. Eating avos is even said to help balance cholesterol levels (lowering the bad LDL and increasing the good HDL). I’m a big fan of natural oils: inside and out as protein is key for healthy hair, skin and nails. Check out avocado oils the BEST daily cooking oil that can be heated to high temperatures (along with coconut oil) without destroying the structure of the oil: so it's healthier.
AND WATCH OUT FOR a few tried and trusted avo-beauty recipes for great hair and skin coming soon – though personally, I’d rather eat them!
What’s your favourite smoothie? Are you a vegetable or fruit smoothie fan? Bear in mind the level of sugar in fruit smoothies - so a combination is always better if you have a sweet preference (I know I do).