Whether you’re still in the grips of St. Patrick’s Day hangovers, or you just want to start your morning in a healthy way, these green detox smoothies will steer you right.
If there’s a holiday that truly brings out my kill-joy judginess, it’s St. Patrick’s Day, or more specifically, St. Patrick’s Day in Pittsburgh (because it may be completely civilized in other parts of the world?). On the rare occasion when I have left home on this green-spirited holiday, my expression took on an active bitch face. “It’s noon. How are you people this drunk already? ARE YOU EVEN IRISH?”
So it was, I was gearing up to judge all St. Patrick’s Day partakers, including the Rustbelt Farmer and his brother. But you know what they say, pride cometh before the fall, and fall I did! I was a mere two drinks into my [dehydrated] Friday night, ie: St. Patrick’s Day Eve, when I totally and completely biffed it. I’m not even sure what happened. Did I just step on my own sweatpants?
Either way, I fell like a toddler, two bruised knees and all. My empty jam jar went flying three feet in front of me, smacking dramatically into the closet door, then spinning in place. I lay there, stunned, embarrassed, and relieved I was not in public. Then, I broke into a fit of hysterical laughter.
The Rustbelt Farmer looked at me with momentary concern before his laughter hit a high-pitched, lack-of-air squeal. Needless to say, I’m not currently in a place to judge those who may still be suffering from a very intense holiday celebration. I too may need the power of these Green Detox Smoothies. In the least, I may still need an ice pack.
Behold the power of the Green Detox Smoothies…
The Health Benefits of Green Detox Smoothies:
Apples: You know what they say… “an apple a day keeps the hangover at bay.” They don’t say that, but extra fiber and antioxidants can’t hurt your cause.
Spinach: These leafy greens work overtime to protect those eyes of yours. Spinach also helps to detoxify the body and support liver function (unlike your weekend) by preventing bacterial overgrowth in the gut. Remember when dancing the Irish jig on a beer-drenched bar seemed like a good idea? Spinach also helps to reduce inflammation. 😉
Lemons: Skip the brightly colored sports drinks, and squeeze a lemon instead. Lemon juice makes these Green Detox Smoothies a natural electrolyte replenisher and big vitamin C booster.
Hemp Hearts: Add a subtle nutty flavor and a creamy texture, and they’re a natural appetite suppressant. (I also like to sprinkle them on my whole grain fried chicken.)
Raw Protein & Greens: If you really want to push the detox factor and replenish nutrients, you can add some extra protein and greens in the form of a powder. Just be careful to avoid any hidden sweeteners or mysterious ingredients. I used Garden of Life’s Raw Protein & Greens powder.
Coconut Water: Another natural electrolyte, which helps to reduce fatigue, stress and help maintain muscle relaxation.
Then, put all those healthy, replenishing ingredients together, blend, sip, and recover! [Or, repeat as necessary.]
Detox Green Smoothies
Yield: 16 oz
Ingredients
1 cup chopped spinach
1 cup coconut water
1/2 lemon, juiced
half a cucumber, sliced
1 small apple, cored and chopped
1 Tablespoon hemp seeds, plus more for garnish
1 Tablespoon super greens protein powder (optional)
4 ice cubes
Directions
Combine the spinach, coconut water and lemon juice in a blender and mix until liquid. Add the remaining ingredients, except the ice cubes, and blend until smooth. Add ice cubes and blend to desired consistency. Garnish with hemp seeds and serve.
Cheers,
