Even though I have a fairly healthy, clean lifestyle, I never hold back during the holidays when it comes to indulging in my favorite foods, and this year was no exception.
Unfortunately, I wasn’t exactly indulging in rice cakes and celery sticks.  Let’s just say that I would have won if I was up against Santa in a cookie eating competition.
So, like mostly everyone else on the planet, I am committing to a healthier way of eating- starting with a healthy green smoothie each morning.
This detoxifying smoothie is a tasty and effective way to get back on track.  It contains ingredients, such as apple, pineapple, and blueberries, which provide fiber and detoxifying phytonutrients, and also aid digestion and reduce inflammation. The kale is an excellent source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, while the flaxseeds are a natural appetite suppressant.  The honey and cinnamon add a little bit of sweetness, but they also have antimicrobial properties.  Finally, the parsley and water decrease bloating and help to flush out toxins.
The result? Clear skin, a slimmer waistline, increased energy, and flatter stomach.
That’s not such a bad way to start off the new year, is it?
New Year’s Detox Smoothie
(makes 1 serving)
Ingredients:
1 cup of water
1 apple (cored and sliced)
1 banana
1/2 cup of blueberries
2 cups of kale (loosely packed)
1 tablespoon of ground flaxseeds
1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon of chopped parsley
1 teaspoon of raw honey
Directions: Â Mix water, kale, and parsley in a blender at low speed until smooth. Â Next add all remaining ingredients and blend on high. Serve cold and enjoy the healthy benefits!
