The arrival of spring brings a change in the weather. When it starts getting a little warm outside you may want to switch that hot chocolate for a summer-inspired drink that’s cool and refreshing.
Although spring is quickly moving into summer, and for us here in Florida, although it is spring, it is HOT! Spring is the most unpredictable of all seasons. It can be as hot as a summer day, or it can be as cold as a winter day. Such deviations in temperature affect our skin, hair and overall health so much that it becomes necessary to take precautions against.
Spring is probably my favorite season. I am not a cold weather person. In Florida, our seasons are, to some extent, non-existent! We seem to go from the cold of winter to the heat of summer. We cherish those perfect days when it’s in the 70s and the humidity is low. It’s a great time to be outdoors and get some “fresh air” exercise before it becomes just too hot to be out there. Spring opens up to new possibilities, I think. Our thoughts are shifting from “cabin fever” of the cold days of snow and winter to the blossoming flowers and the beauty of nature as the season changes. I love this time of year. I especially love the foods that come into play as we go into spring and summer. I love the seasonal fruits and vegetables, and somehow my mindset takes on a healthier outlook. How about you?
Spring is also known as natural detox season and with it comes all the green, leafy, fresh vegetables and fruits. There is an urge to detoxify oneself after a long winter and all those spicy hot drinks with very little water intake. This is the time of year that I love to offer a spring detox to people. It lifts your spirits and it revitalizes your body. Check it out >>HERE<<
Don’t miss out on these delicious spring smoothies.
Green smoothies:
An excellent way to eat a lot of your veggies without even knowing it. Raw vegetables are a higher source of proteins than when they’re cooked. They’re also healthier than fruit smoothies. All you need is a blender and you can enjoy homemade smoothies anytime cheaply.
Here are a couple of recipes for a natural, fresh and green smoothie.
Ingredients
2 cups Spinach
2 cups Kale
2 cups Swiss chard
2 cups Dairy-free milk
Avocadoes/grapes (your choice) 3 cups
Method
Blend in your leafy green vegetables and liquid base first. Once that’s good, add your fruit of choice.
Note: Use one of the fruits in a frozen form to add a chill to your smoothie.
It might take a little longer to make, but this one will be your favorite. You can even serve it to guests. The little extra hard work you are going to put will pay off when you take the first sip.
Ingredients
Dairy-free milk 1 1/2 cups
Ginger powder/ fresh ginger 1/4 teaspoon
Turmeric powder/fresh turmeric 1/4 teaspoon
Spinach 1 handful
Green apple (peeled) 1
Kale leaves 3
Lemon 1
Ice
Method
Add the spinach, apple and kale leaves one by one to dairy-free milk and blend. Add the lemon, ginger, turmeric, ice, and blend again.
Note: Dairy-free milks are loaded with vitamins and proteins. They are packed with minerals. The best part is they are cholesterol free which makes them very easy to digest.
Fruit smoothies:
Fruit and yogurt smoothies are a great post-workout snack or a sweet snack in between meals to keep you boosted with energy. These fruits contain a lot of antioxidants, vitamin C, fiber, and potassium.
Ingredients
Banana 1
Frozen strawberries/raspberries 3 cups
Plain non-dairy yogurt ½ cup
Fresh orange 1
Ice ½ cup
Method
Add all ingredients in the blender and blend. Don’t forget to take out the seeds of the orange.
Don’t let spring smoothies be a one-time thing. They are perfect for detoxifying and give a boost to your metabolism. They are rich in minerals and proteins, too. Add them to your daily routine if possible. You won’t regret it.
For more information about the spring detox, click >>HERE<<