For me, the answer is a resounding yes! While going through radiation treatments a year ago for my second bout of cancer, I decided to completely overhaul my diet. Part of that meant getting more greens than I ever had before. The easiest way to do that? Blend ’em up into a tasty green smoothie.
I’m feeling more energetic than ever and enjoying my new eating habits. But I’m not the only one realizing the raw power of a simple green smoothie. A 2014 documentary by author, entrepreneur and natural health aficionado Sergei Boutenko, called “Powered by Green Smoothies,” examined the effects of one quart of green smoothies per day on marathon runners and CrossFitters. The results? Nothing short of amazing: fewer aches and pains and speedier recovery times.
Some have taken this idea even further: Can changing your diet change the world—and extend your life? The results of a study published last month in Nature support this idea, showing that unhealthy eating habits negatively impact not only a person’s health, but also the environment, stripping habitats and emitting greenhouse gases. Conversely, switching to a vegetarian, Mediterranean or Pescetarian diet is less damaging to the environment and (bonus!) can substantially increase your lifespan.
If you’re looking for a green smoothie to try, here’s my favorite. All you need is: your favorite nondairy milk, strawberries, an orange, some lemon zest and some fresh spinach. (Just make sure to rotate your greens if you’ll be greening it up every single day.)
Friends, what are your favorite recipes? Please share them here. I’m always looking for new ways to freshen up my rotation!
{P.S.: A smoothie to cure jet lag, and a wintery green smoothie I can’t wait to try (think pomegranate and chocolate). Yum!}