I
recently got a Nutribullet and I absolutely LOVE it. It makes smoothie prepping
super easy, and it doesn’t leave chunks, pulp or seeds in the smoothies either.
For
more information about the Nutribullet as well as featured recipes, I have
attached a link below to the manual that comes with the purchase
Here
is the recipe for the MORNING GOOD smoothie J It’s packed
with great minerals and nutrients, and will boost your metabolism to ensure a
great energy-packed day.
INGREDIENTS:
Handful
of Kale or Spinach
1 Banana
1 Apple (skin on, core out)
6-10 Pieces of Pineapple
5-10 Strawberries
Tablespoon of Flax Seed
Tablespoon of Pumpkin Seed
Juice (optional) or Water
Ice Cubes
The
first step in creating this is adding a handful of either spinach or kale
*I
like to add this first so then the rest of the ingredients can push down the
leaves, so you have more room to work with
Add
all of your prepped fruit and seeds in, and fill up about 2 cups of juice or
water
Blend
this for at least 30 seconds, then add ice and blend for another 30 seconds…until
the consistency you want is reached
ENJOY
J
Alright,
now to break it down and explain how all of these ingredients BENEFIT you:
Kale/Spinach
First
of all, it’s important to note that kale delivers more than twice the calcium
than spinach. But both of these leafy greens contain powerful antioxidants and
help protect against many cancers and diseases. They are also great for detox
cleanses and boosting your immune system. They also have anti-inflammatory
properties!
Bananas
Provide
energy through the high content of healthy carbs and potassium, promotes
cardiovascular health, natural antacid effects which protects against stomach
ulcers, digestive/colon health, balanaced mood & brain health, improved
nutrient and mineral absorption, improves kidney health and supports your
immune system.
Pineapples
Pineapples
are an excellent source of manganese as well as vitamins C, B1 and B6.
Pineapples are also good sources of copper and dietary fiber. Pineapples have
anti-inflammatory properties and they help with digestion. They contain an
enzyme, bromelain, which helps break down protein.
Apples
(with skin)
Apples
are a good source of fiber, vitamin C and antioxidants. Studies suggest that
apples may protect against osteoporosis and Alzheimer’s disease. Apples may
help prevent lung, breast, colon and liver cancer. Apples are shown to lower
cholesterol, help manage diabetes and help with weight loss. Apples are a
heart-healthy food and support lung function. Some studies have shown that
pregnant women who include apples in their diet have a lower risk of giving
birth to children who develop asthma. Also, studies suggest that children with
asthma who drink apple juice regularly show reduced symptoms.
Strawberries
Packed with vitamins, fiber, and particularly
high levels of antioxidants known as polyphenols, strawberries are a
sodium-free, fat-free, cholesterol-free, low-calorie food. They are among the
top 20 fruits in antioxidant capacity and are a good source of manganese and
potassium. Just one serving -- about eight strawberries -- provides more vitamin
C than an orange.
Flax
Seed
First,
flax is a great source of fiber. Most Americans do not get enough fiber in
their diet. Each tablespoon of flax contains about 8 grams of fiber. This helps
keep the bowels regular. Because of all the fiber, be sure to start slow (say,
with a half-teaspoon) and build up. Otherwise, you may experience bloating.
Second,
flax is a plant source of omega-3. Once again, most Americans are short on
their omega-3 fatty acids. These essential fatty acids ("essential"
meaning they must be consumed because our bodies don’t make them) play an
important role in the anti-inflammatory system of our body. Flax contains the
shorter chain omega-3 called ALA (alpha-linolenic acid). Thus, it is not a
replacement for fish or fish oil supplements that contain DHA (docosahexaenoic
acid) and EPA (ecosapentaenoic acid.)
Third,
flax contains lignans which reduce the risk of breast cancer in women and
prostate cancer in men. The lignans alter the way your body metabolizes
estrogens into safer forms.
As
if this wasn’t enough, flax has been shown to reduce hot flashes in
menopausal women. To reap the benefits, this requires a daily dose of 2
tablespoons. And flax can normalize the menstrual cycle by supporting the
second phase (the luteal phase).
Pumpkin
Seed
Raw
pumpkin seeds provide a rich source of fiber, a type of carbohydrate that
prevents constipation and benefits digestive health. The seeds also boost your
intake of protein -- each ounce of seeds provides almost 9 grams of the
nutrient. You also increase your mineral intake when you eat pepitas. The seeds
contain iron, a mineral important to red blood cell function, as well as
potassium, phosphorus, zinc and magnesium. Because fiber, protein and minerals
are not destroyed by roasting, these nutrients are found in roughly equal
amounts in both raw and roasted pumpkin seeds.