Spring is synonymous with eating more green foods. We look forward to a more plant-based diet to cleanse the body of the excess fat and protein consumed during winter's naturally heavy diet. Many of today's popular nutrition experts support a plant-based diet such as Dr. Neal Barnard, Howard Lyman, Dr. Fuhrman, T. Colin Campbell, Ph.D. and Kathy Freston.
Eating less beef in particular is a sustainable practice because em . . . believe it or not . . . cow farts contain methane gas, a substance thought to heat the atmosphere twenty times more than the carbon dioxide. The United Nations Food & Agricultural Association claims that the world’s 1.5 billion cows are worse then all the cars, planes, and all other forms of transportation put together.
In addition to sustainability another motivating factor to eating greens is vanity. Greens are beauty foods. Chlorophyll is a blood builder. The more greens you eat the more your skin glows and the under eye circles begin to disappear. Greens also contain a high amount of magnesium, which is known as the "relaxation mineral". Eating greens can promote a peaceful and calm mood, which I believe also, contributes to creating a better world. Just imagine a world where everyone felt peaceful and calm (even just some of the time).
What makes getting in greens difficult is that they generally taste bitter. I don't know about you but bitter foods do not top my list of foods I often crave. Eating greens feels more like something I should do rather than something I truly enjoy. Green smoothies offer convenience and a palatable way to get in those nutrients. I don't always want a cold smoothie in the middle of winter but spring is the perfect time to bust out the blender. Here's an easy recipe to try on:
The Easiest Green Smoothie In the World:
In a blender just dump:
- Whatever greens are on sale (seriously you can't go wrong)
- 1 frozen banana
- Unsweetened or Original Living Harvest Hempmilk (just enough to get the blender going, add more if you prefer a thinner consistency)
- For an extra boost of protein you can a scoop of Living Harvest Tempt's Original
- For a "superfood" boost add any of the following: goji berries (soak them first for a few hours), cacao powder, a sprinkle of cinnamon, spirulina power or hemp seeds
A few tips:
- If you can't find a good sale on fresh greens then add some frozen spinach
- If you prefer a sweeter smoothie add the following:
- More frozen bananas
- A tsp of stevia or 1-2 TBS of agave nectar or a few pre-soaked dates (remove pits before blending)
- If you really love bitter greens use dandelion, which is an amazing liver cleanser
- If you really hate greens go with a bunch of chopped romaine lettuce