The start of a New Year is a time of reflection where many realize they overdid it with fat and sugar. Resolutions such as "weight loss" and "sugar detox" are popular choices. Unfortunately, many ditch these efforts within a few months as cravings kick in.
The good news is there are some action steps you can take to help your body reach optimal health. Plant-based foods, which includes vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes (beans, lentils & peas), nuts and seeds are your ultimate source of protein, carbohydrates, healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients. These foods energize your body and can prevent, and in some circumstances reverse disease. On the flip side, foods that are processed with unnatural fat, sugar and chemicals cause damage to our cells and decrease immunity. Products that come from animals such as meat, dairy and eggs are loaded with artery-clogging fats, hormones, pesticides and no fiber. Animals naturally produce their own hormones and are often fed more hormones to speed their growth. The corn and soy they are fed is genetically modified and pesticide-ladden.
If you are new to plant-based eating, start your morning with a smoothie with fresh or frozen fruit, cucumber, and a generous helping of kale or spinach. Add water or plant-based milk and you can throw in some hemp, chia or ground flax seeds for a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. See below for some great smoothie recipes. Try to incorporate veggies into every meal. For example, for breakfast I make a smoothie to go along with my oatmeal, have a huge salad at lunch and some sort of steamed or sautéed veggie at dinner.
Your Favorite Customized Smoothie
Choose one item from group A, two from group B, and one from group C. Blend together with a cup of ice and enjoy! If you are diabetic, avoid using juice. If using frozen fruit, decrease ice to 1/4 to 1/2 cup. Enjoy!
Group A:
- 2 cups spinach
- 1 cup kale
- 1/2 head of romaine
- 1 romaine heart
- 3/4 cup raw broccoli
- 1 small head of Bibb or Boston lettuce
Group B:
- 1 cup grapes
- 1 apple
- 1 orange, peeled
- 1 cup melon, peeled
- 1 cup pineapple
- 1 cup berries
- 1 banana, peeled
- 1/2 cup cucumber, peeled or unpeeled
- 1 kiwi, peeled
- 1 carrot
- 1 cup peaches
- 1 cup mango, peeled
- 1/2 cup papaya, peeled
- 2 stalks celery
- 1 pear
Group C:
- 1 cup soy or other non-dairy milk (plain or vanilla)
- 1 cup non-dairy yogurt (favor plain, unsweetened)
- 1 cup 100% fruit juice
- 1 cup water