Spring 2022
SMOOTHIE WEATHER IS HERE !
What a long winter it has been for us Queenslanders who are really spoiled when it comes to great weather ! I'm sure many of you are relieved that the cold weather is mostly over and that smoothie season is now upon us.
As the weather begins to warm, adding a green juice or green smoothie to your diet can be a great way to pack in those alkalising, inflammation-lowering, fresh fruits and vegetables. Not so wise to do in the winter months due to the cooling nature of such beverages but perfectly fine for the warmer weather.
Here is an example of what I like to throw together in the warmer months:
• A stick of celery
• Half a cucumber or 1 small cucumber
• A few lettuce leaves such as romaine, butter or even iceberg lettuce
• The juice of half a lemon
• A green apple (especially if you are a new to green smoothies and juices….I generally don’t add fruit to mine as it increases the sugar content)
You could blend this up if you have a high speed blender which will give you a green smoothie or otherwise you can juice it, which means most of the fibre has been extracted. The former will give you a big hit of pre-biotics which is great for building up our healthy gut bugs that line the colon. The latter will give your digestive system a bit of a break while still energising all those tiny little cells in your body.
Notice how I haven’t included kale in my smoothie/juice recipe ? The reason is that raw kale can have an adverse effect on our thyroid which is not very helpful. I also haven’t added spinach and the reason for this is that if you're having daily juices containing spinach you may get a build up of oxalic acid which can lead to kidney stones…..so this is the reason I choose the lettuce leaves.
A quick and easy spring/summer breakfast smoothie that it is packed full of protein is also something I like to prepare as it gets warmer. I recommend using a good quality, clean protein powder such as collagen (I use Designs For Health which is available for purchase in the clinic), hemp protein or fermented/sprouted rice and pea protein if you are vegan (also available in the clinic). For the non vegans and for those who can tolerate whey protein, a good clean, grass fed whey protein isolate is my recommendation.
I usually combine the equivalent of 20 gms of raw protein with a cup of water, a scoop of a prebiotic blend (I like to use Designs For Health Paleo Fibre which is available in the clinic), a glass of filtered water, a handful of nuts and half a cup of berries….and voila ! This is a fairly low calorie smoothie that keeps you feeling full for some time. Of course you are welcome to add more to it or swap low GI berries for a banana if you are trying to maintain or increase your weight. You could also replace the water with plant based milk for a higher calories smoothie.
Let me know how you go !
GOOD NEWS FOR COFFEE LOVERS
In medical news this week, a recent study showed that drinking several cups of coffee per day decreased the incidence of cardio vascular events and death. This included ground, instant and decaffinated coffee. A reduction in arrhythmia (irregular heart beat) was also observed when participants drank several cups of ground and instant coffee daily. You can read more on the study here.
About Me….
Hi, I’m Michelle Blum…. Acupuncturist and Naturopath based in the Brisbane south suburb of Moorooka, Queensland.
I have been working in the field of Natural Medicine for over 22 years and I’m passionate about all aspects of Acupuncture and Naturopathy.
I combine my Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine skill base with my Naturopathic and Nutritional medicine training.
This ensures that my clients receive thorough, comprehensive, integrative care.
Ask me anything !!.
Please click the link below and book a free 15 minute phone call to discuss how I might be able to help you with your health concern.
