I tend to be a creature of habit– and that goes for both the good ones and the bad. So I’ve tried to make one of my habits the evaluation of my habits. As I’ve found out the hard way, there really can be “too much of a good thing.” Think of that catchy pop song: can’t get enough of it for a couple weeks. After that, you’d rather do anything than hear that chorus one more time.
Here’s the lesson: catchy pop songs, good (some might argue). Same song over and over endlessly? Not so much.
Green smoothies are the catchy pop songs of my diet.
I’m a total geek for them. When I get a taste of a new one, I get giddy. And invariably, I’m prone to overdoing it. What develops, as it turns out, can be more than just a taste aversion.
You may feel like you’ll go crazy if you hear Justin Bieber croon the word “baby” one more time, but your daily regimen of almond milk, almond butter and raw almonds, for example, can actually cause a physical intolerance to your favorite food, even if that food is packed with essential nutrients.
Food allergies come in two categories: fixed and unfixed. Fixed allergies are those that you’re born with. Unfixed allergies are developed intolerances to foods your body, after prolonged use, no longer processes as well.
Bottom line, mix it up a bit. Instead of using spinach in your smoothies every day for example, try dandelion greens, kale, chard — anything green, really. Variety, so they say, is the spice of life. And while I’m not sure that sentiment applies to replacing spinach with kale in a healthy blended drink, it does apply to the required consciousness behind even the simple changes, the little discoveries. I promise you, your body and taste buds will love you for it!
When I first started experimenting with dandelion greens, I was turned off by the name. Who wants to eat a bitter weed? But as it turns out, dandelion greens are just that – greens! The leaf is a little jagged, but it looks like any other leafy green. And dandelion greens help with detox and fluid retention. So if you’re feeling a little bloated or puffy, try switching it up with some dandelion greens.
What’s cooking in your blender? We’d love to hear how you’re keeping things spicy! We hope the recipe below offers you a great place to start!
With pep and peaches,
Peppy Peach Smoothie
Yield:1 quart
Ingredients:
1-2 cups water ½-1 bunch dandelion greens 2 stalks celery 1 handful parsley ½ inch fresh ginger root 1 cup peaches 1 cup pineapple ½ lemon
Directions: Add all the ingredients to a high-speed blender and blend until smooth and creamy. Pour into your favorite glass and enjoy the pep you’ll get in your step!
Jo Schaalman and Jules Peláez are co-authors of the book The Conscious Cleanse: Lose Weight, Heal Your Body and Transform Your Life in 14 Days, a best-selling, step-by-step guide to help you live your most vibrant life. Together they’ve led thousands of people through their online supported cleansethrough their accessible and light-hearted approach. They’ve been dubbed “the real deal” by founder and chief creative director Bobbi Brown, of Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, beauty editor of the TODAY show.
Complement this delicious and detoxifying smoothie recipe with Yoga Download's Yoga for Detox, Cleansing, & Vitality package!