How Smoothies Rock Your Health and Hormones

shutterstock_green smoothie sunrise smoothie yellow striped straws 380369818 I love smoothies.

In addition to being just plain delicious, smoothies are pretty much the best-tasting, most nutritious on-the-go meal known to (wo)man-kind–not to mention the best use of 10 minutes in the kitchen!

Here are the main reasons why smoothies are so amazing for your health and hormones.

Smoothies:

Are chock full of vitamins, enzymes, and minerals
Are easier for your body to digest, which means optimal nutrient assimilation (they get where they need to go in your body quickly)
Stabilize blood sugar (especially smoothies with a healthy fat, omega and protein in them, as they are key for blood sugar stabilization)
Are a fabulous way to consume a variety of different fruits or vegetables at one time–I get 8 servings of greens in my 1 quart smoothie every morning!
Are terrific for cleansing the body of toxicity due to high antioxidant load
Are an easy way to add more fiber to your diet for optimal bowel function
Improve digestion
Increase energy
Assist with weight loss
Cleanse the liver
Balance hormones

In addition, blending your food provides even more benefits.

The health of your body depends on your digestion. When you blend your foods, you are supporting the digestion process by doing much of the work. Your body does not have to work so hard to break down the nutrients.
Did you know that 80% of your energy is spent digesting and assimilating your nutrients? Less work for your body means more energy for you.
Instead of having to prepare and eat cup after cup of healthy greens or fruits, they are packed into one nutrient-dense smoothie–remember I said smoothies were the best use of 5-10 minutes of your kitchen time?
Smoothies can also be a good way to get picky kids to “eat” their fruit and veggies without even knowing it.
By adding greens such as spinach, kale, collards, etc. to your smoothie, you can take all these benefits to the next level.
Need to try it yourself to believe me? Here is a great recipe to get you started.

Here’s a smoothie great recipe for you to enjoy:

Raw Love Smoothie:

3 c water

2 c spinach

1/2 avocado

1 c strawberries

1 scoop vegan protein

1T ground flax

1/2 T maca

1 T honey

Ice

Blend all ingredients together and enjoy!

Protein helps you burn fat, build muscle, and make your green smoothie “last” like a complete meal since it stabilizes blood sugar as it moves through the digestive tract slower and keeps you full longer.

I make my smoothies a complete meal by adding a vegan plant protein and also ground flax (for my omegas) to keep me full longer, and my blood sugar stable.

Plus, protein helps me burn fat and build lean muscles which improves my metabolism (which we all need as we age), and omegas, like flax, help with mood, energy and rebuilding the nervous system.

While maca, helps to reduce cortisol stress hormone levels, and can boost libido.

Live Life Optimally,

Kristie