When I think of springtime, I think of the colorful flowers blooming, greens sprouting, and the seasonal fruits growing that we now can enjoy. Fresh seasonal colors can get you into festive spirits and motivation for eating healthier and feeling energized.
As we shift into the warmer weather, try to open your senses to what nature has available! Read on to learn about the healthiest greens you can add into your diet and take away a few excellent smoothie recipes you can make with your FITBLAST protein by Total Gym.
THE HEALTHIEST GREENS
Green is the color of life. It’s fresh, pure, and healing. Adding more greens into you diet can do wonders for your body inside and out! Here’s a green medley list of special ingredients to add into your diet or healthy shakes.
Mint
Mint, also known as menthe, is grouped with roughly 20 plant species, including peppermint and spearmint. The leaves are used in tea, food, beauty products, oils, and for natural healing. It promotes digestion, soothes indigestion or inflammation, cleanses the palate, reduces pain, aids in weight loss, boosts the immune system, and relaxes the mind and body. This is an all-around amazing plant that will refresh and replenish you in more ways than one! Mix up a fresh mint mojito shake and enjoy.
Spirulina
This green super food is a nutrient-dense algae that contains 60% protein! It’s known to reduce inflammation, combat allergies, strengthen the heart, and is quite good for your skin. It’s typically found in powder form and is an excellent ingredient to add to a smoothie or other recipes!
Chlorella
Chlorella is an algae containing healthy compounds of chlorophyll, essential fatty acids, and protein that can give your body in instant nutritional boost. It’s found in powder form and can be added to water or other smoothies. It does have a grassy, weed-like flavor so it adding this one to your smoothie would be ideal to mask the taste.
Wheatgrass powder
Wheatgrass is one of the most concentrated sources of nutrients you can get packing over 70 vitamins and minerals in a shot! This can be ingested as a shot at a juicer or by powder. It may take a couple tastings to adjust to the grassy taste, but mixing it into a smoothie or adding a ginger shot can do the trick!
Matcha
Matcha is a special form of powdered green tea typically grown in Japan. With matcha, you’re actually drinking the tea leaves that have been finely ground into a powder. The powder can be used to brew an antioxidant rich hot/cold green tea or in other recipes such as smoothies. Matcha is rich in antioxidants, fiber, chlorophyll source, and is great for weight loss and skin health. Try adding it into your next smoothie!
Avocado
This go-to ingredient isn’t just for guacamole! It’s excellent for just about everything from salads, to sweets, and great in smoothies. Avocados contain nearly 20 vitamins and minerals! They are good for your eyes and skin, and helps control blood pressure, which is crucial for cell repair, and helps fight off disease and infections. They are also low in sugar and contain fiber, which helps you feel full longer. They are a healthy fat that you body needs and will crave! Check out the ‘Creamy Avocado Delight’ smoothie recipe in this blog- delicious!
Seaweed
Seaweed is a species of large algae that grows in the ocean, rivers, lakes, and other water bodies. It’s like a vegetable in that it’s low in calories and benefits your health and skin from the essential nutrients and vitamins it provides. Nori, kelp, or other seaweed snacks are flavorful options to try when you need a little nibble.
Jalapenos
Kick up your metabolism and your taste buds with spicy peppers! They get their kick from capsaicin, a compound that is good for weight loss and a sustained life. Try adding a sliver to your shake to turn up the heat and rev up your metabolism!
This is my favorite ‘hot & taste’ juice:
- 1 cup frozen pineapple
- 1 cup spinach
- 1 large chunk of ginger
- 1 slice of jalapeno (quarter size)
- 1 cup water or coconut water
- dash of cayenne pepper
- Blend until mixed, drink and feel the heat!
Green Goodness Dressing
If you’re a salad lover, you will love this dressing! This yummy tahini-lemon dressing contains tons of flavor without containing additives and artificial ingredients. It’s simple to make for your next leafy green meal.
- 1 ripe avocado
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup tahini
- ¼ cup water
- 1 small minced garlic clove
- ½ cup chopped parsley
- ¼ chopped tarragon
- 3 tbsp chopped chives
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt & pepper to taste
Option to use ¾ cup vegenaise (alternative to mayonnaise) and ¾ cup plain yogurt (alternative to sour cream) instead of the avocado, olive oil, and water.
Blend all ingredients until evenly smooth (about 30 seconds).
Dress your greens or serve as a dip.
SPRINGTIME SMOOTHIE RECIPES
Here are few refreshing and healthy smoothie recipes to try at home. They are simple to make and will leave you feeling energized.
STRAWBERRY LEMON FIELDS
- 1 cup frozen or fresh strawberries (about 3-4 strawberries)
- ½ freshly squeezed lemon or cold pressed lemon juice
- 1 cup spinach
- 2 table spoons coconut flakes
- 1 cup coconut water
- 1 scoop FITBLAST
- 2-3 ice cubes
Sprinkle coconut flakes on top for a garnish
Check out the video to see how this amazing shake is made!
VANILLA APPLE PIE
- 1 granny smith apple (peeled and seeded)
- 1 frozen banana
- 1 cup kale or spinach
- 1 cup almond milk
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 pitted date
- 1 scoop FITBLAST
- 2-3 ice cubes
Dust with cinnamon
CREAMY AVOCADO DELIGHT
- ½ or whole avocado
- 1 fresh or frozen banana
- 1 cup frozen strawberries
- 1 cup spinach
- 1 cup kale
- 1 ½ cups coconut milk
- 1 scoop FITBLAST
- 2-3 ice cubes
Top with blueberries, goji berries, and flaxseeds!
Experiment mixing up some of the most colorful and nutritious blends of foods that will allow your body to feel good on the inside as well as look great on the outside. Your skin will start to glow, your body will feel amazing, and you will have so much energy to fill your day!
So get inspired to let your senses and taste buds take advantage of all the flavorful fruits and vegetables nature provides us.
Happy Blending!
Maria
