Holiday eating tends to get very carb and sugar heavy, starting on the fourth Thursday of November and continuing through to the new year. This means, that although Thanksgiving, Chanukah and Christmas are behind us, the holiday eating still has a little way to go.
All those sugar and carbs are more than likely leaving your body sluggish and your mind lethargic and making you feel like you could really use a boost. I know I've been feeling this way, and when I do, the answer is usually in the greens.
A great way to get your greens, and feel full and satisfied is to toss them in a blender for a smoothie. While I usually stay away from colder smoothies during the winter months as they make your digestive system work harder than in warmer months, it's sometimes a nice treat to use a frozen banana, as long as your body is not already contracting. In other words, if you are shivering or your hands or feet are even a little cold, opt for soup instead of a smoothie!
As long as the heat is turned up though, this Glowing Green Smoothie is a great way to get a boost, while also satisfying the sweet craving you've been left with from your holiday indulging.
Glowing Green Smoothie
Ingredients
1 Cup preferred non-dairy milk (rice, almond, or fresh coconut water are recommended)
1/2 ripe avocado
1 small frozen banana
3 dates, pitted and quartered
2 to 3 cups kale, about 5 leaves dino/lacinato kale (remove stems if your blender is less powerful)
2 Tablespoons hemp protein powder
2 Tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut, optional
Directions
Toss everything into a blender and puree until smooth.
Why these ingredients are good for you after holiday indulgence:
Avocado helps absorption of nutrients (particularly fat-soluble carotenoids) and helps to regulate blood sugar. It's also great for skin conditioning, and if you're anything like me, then your skin is getting really dry during the winter!
Potassium helps your muscles and nerves function properly and maintain the proper electrolyte and acid-base balance in your body, in turn helping to lift your energy and pull you out of fatigue.
Dates add extra sweetness while providing beneficial dietary fiber to help aid digestion, giving your body and your sweet tooth that sugary sensation with benefits you don't get from cane and refined sugar in baked goods or decadent desserts.
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