My Daily Smoothie!

I've been drinking these smoothies for a while now. They've helped me gain energy and really boost my normally terrible immune system. There isn't anything crazy in them, just some good greens and a few berries and a banana. I'll explain the benefits of all of those below. Sometimes I add more or less of one of these things because I don't measure for precision but the ingredients are always the same for the most part.

Alysea's Green Smoothie:

Kale- the benefits of green veggies are endless but being specific to kale, its benefits are : protects our cells from free radicals via antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, provides glucosinolates which have been shown to prevent colon, breast and many other cancers, high in fiber for the regulation of your digestion system, lowers cholesterol, high in Vitamin K to strengthen our bones, boosts immunity and lower blood pressure.

Spinach- aids in digestion, maintains low blood sugar, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, lowers blood pressure, protects the eyes from cataracts, strengthens bones, healthy skin, healthy nervous system and brain function.

Banana- keeps digestion regular, low blood sugar, lowers blood pressure, retention of calcium, breaks down bacteria in the stomach that causes ulcers, lessens your chance at getting kidney cancer, ensures the production of enough white blood cells to fight off infection in the body.

Berries- packed with antioxidants, lower blood pressure, decrease bladder infections, high in fiber, anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties, great source of Vitamin C, and reduce dental plaque.

I also add two tablespoons of ground flax seed to my smoothies when I have it on hand because flax is a miracle worker for the body all on its own! I even eat it in my oatmeal :)

For someone who finds herself not always able to sit down and have a bowl of fruit or a side of vegetables, this is the quick and easy and DELICIOUS way might I add, to get the vitamins my body needs. It's the perfect pick me up to start the day.

You can even as celery, even broccoli or cucumber and lemon or an apple etc. the concoctions are endless, this is just one of my favorite blends :)

Fear not, adding a very ripe banana (with brown spots is the best!) is an excellent way to naturally cut the bite of the vegetable flavor. Kale and spinach, however, are much milder in flavor than say celery.

Here are some photos:

Drinking to a healthier you,

xox

Putting Up A Strong Fight Against The Common Cold/Flu This Season!

I came across an article in the Martha Stewart Magazine (the little one) from February of earlier this year.  I like to save these magazines for inspiration when I am cooking or doing table-scapes :) Since I cannot share this article online with you all as it is pretty outdated, I am going to go ahead and tell you in my own words pretty much what it entailed as I think it is pretty useful information.

In this article it touches upon various foods that can help boost your immune system and fight off the common cold and flu viruses!

Apples contain Soluble Fiber which can help you recover quickly from almost any illness.  They are also great for your heart! Make sure to keep the skin on, however, as it contains the most fiber :)

When choosing a mushroom for a healing purpose, get the common white mushroom as it can increase your body's production of antiviral proteins that fight off infections.

Allicin which is found in garlic, fights off bacteria and stops viruses from reproducing.  Using this vegetable raw is best! :)

No this is not an ice cream sundae! haha We are talking about yogurt here! Yogurt contains probiotics which are a great bacteria unlike the mean sickness causing ones! With just one cup of plain yogurt a day, you can reduce your risk of catching the common cold and flu!

To get your daily dose of Vitamin C, which I have told you all in many previous blog posts-is great tor warding off the bacteria and viruses that cause those yukky sicknesses, a red bell pepper is the top source, even more than an orange!

Sulforaphane, which is found in broccoli and cauliflower,  helps to stimulate the cells that fight off infection.  Your immune system weakens as you get older, so this is a fabulous way to keep it in "shape" haha :)








**Now let's say that you are already sick and you completely forgot about all of the above--REST is key as well as staying nourished.  A warm bowl of chicken noodle soup can actually do the trick, no its not just a myth! Studies show that chicken noodle soup can prevent inflammation that causes symptoms like coughing and congestion.  Who would have "thunk" it?! :)

**All info in this post was taken from Martha Stewart Magazine Feb 2011 Issue! Def a great magazine to pick up for everything FOOD :) xox

To creating an army against the sicknesses that come with the colder weather,

xox