No-Breakfast Breakfast
The Ultimate Green Breakfast
You have probably heard about these magical green concoctions, possibly even slurped down a few in your time.
Green smoothies, for those who don’t know, are well known for being used to assist weight loss, give you glowing skin and are jam packed with fruit and vegetables, the key ingredient being dark leafy (high alkaline) greens such as kale and spinach.
Here are a few good reasons why these babies are so much more than just a ‘fad diet’ and if added to your daily meal plan, will present an abundance of worthwhile and positive long-term health benefits. Your body will thank you and you will wonder how you ever got by without them.
Firstly, being fit and healthy isn’t just about what you see on the scales or your skin fold measurements. It is inside and out.
If supreme health and fitness is your goal you need to not only work hard in the gym (or park or track etc). You need to get the right amount of nutrients in your diet to sustain your active lifestyle and your longterm health. It’s not about how little fat there is in the food, it’s about the immune-boosting nutritional content. Raw, blended fruit and vegetables are the answer to this. Your body needs a variety of nutrients each day to function correctly and fight disease. Let’s not forget about the all important fibre these smoothies provide.
We all know that it is important to get your ‘5 a day’, so why not get all 5 serves of greens already in your first meal? Anything after that is a bonus.
Secondly, they are incredibly easy to make! We are all active, busy people. We have to get to work, training, social events, to the couch to catch the latest episode of The Apprentice. We don’t always have time to be preparing gourmet healthy meals for every meal, especially for breakfast.
Green smoothies are a faster meal than a Bacon and Egg McMuffin from McDonald’s drive-thru. Pick about 5 ingredients (especially dark leafy greens), add some water, blend and serve! Even better, they keep for up to 48 hours, so make two at a time and you already have tomorrows breakfast made!
Thirdly, they are delicious and you can tailor make them to suit your taste buds. If you don’t like the taste of dark leafy greens, throw in some berries or green apple! Everyone can find a combination or 5 that works for them and it’s always fun to experiment with different flavours. If you are not used to eating vegetables, it may take a while to get used to it, but after a few days of drinking green smoothies, I can guarantee you will be craving your next one and your body will be thanking you.
Here are a couple of combinations to try:
Mix 1
1 ½ cup of Kale – superfood – High in fibre, iron, anti-cancerous properties, vitamin a, antioxidants and so much more!
Banana – Potassium, Vitamin C for your immune system
½ Cucumber – Vitamin B, high in fibre and effective in ridding the body of toxins from the digestive system.
Green apple – Aids in stabilising blood sugar
Lemon Juice – Vitamin C & supports weightloss
Mix 2
1 ½ cups spinach – superfood – High in fibre, iron, anti-cancerous, vitamin c, e & a, aids healthy brain function and so much more.
½ cup cilantro – Rich in magnesium, iron and phytonutrients, lowers blood sugar
½ cup mango – lowers cholesterol, clears skin, prevents blindness and dry eyes
1 cup pineapple – strengthens bones and keeps gyms healthy
½ avocado- full of essential good fats, anti-aging properties, boosts heart health.
Add ons:
Protein Powder – Two birds with one stone if you are having this drink post workout.
Chia Seeds – superfood – High in omega 3, calcium and protein
Coconut Oil – aids in hair & skin care and supports weight loss & immunity
Ginger– aids in NUTRIENT ABSORPTION, anti cancerous properties, helps with joint pain and many more healing properties.
Things to avoid:
Processed and pre-made juices – these contain artificial and toxic sweeteners. Keep it fresh and organic at all times.
Dairy products – These are a no-no, in my books. There are some conditions, circumstances, buts, and ifs, HOWEVER, if you really feel you some kind of “milk”, choose some unsweetened nut milk like almond or coconut milk. You can even make it yourself or buy fresh. Either of these is a great choice… I guarantee, you’ll love it!
Pernell Marsden – Guest Contributor