Rant: Detox, Destress, Drink This, Eat That - What Does it All Mean?
Have you ever wondered why we're told to eat this, drink that, no fat, eat fat, no carbs, eat the right carbs. Why? Seriously, I'm asking because I'm more confused now than ever before. I can’t keep up!
INHALE AND EXHALE TO THE COUNT OF 5 AND BEGIN
I decided to roll up my sleeves, turn my lap top on and google the heck out of this topic. On a mission to demystify the health food industry. My first google search generated endless pages of information and while I clicked, scrolled and scanned the links I quickly became overwhelmed with the healthy verbiage in front of me. Scrolling blog posts, articles and self help motivational quotes I realize I'm now knee deep into the world of healthy lifestyle hashtags and feel good mantras.
LUNCH IS SERVED
In need of a break, I walk over to the kitchen to make lunch. A large bowl of chopped lettuce, topped with chicken, and a sprinkle of chia seeds because one of the 50 posts I read said its good for me, but aren't these the seeds used on Chia Pets? Determined to continue my search, I belt out “Okay Google, why am I doing this again?” to which my Google Home responds “Sorry I’m not sure how to help.” EVEN GOOGLE HAS HIT A WALL!
WAIT A MINUTE!
That's it! My lightbulb moment! I've had the answers all along and have been practicing this for years.
MEET THE FAB 5
- Do what works for you
- Eat the colour of the rainbow
- Eat heathy whole foods
- Shop local when you can.
- Choose fresh over processed
I'm going share a few recipes to get you started on your journey to a healthier you. Smoothies are my go to for a healthy meal replacement or snack, but the key is to pack each smoothie with the right nutrient-rich ingredients. I like to include 1 cup milk (almond milk or filtered water), 1 cup fruit, a handful of greens, and a healthy fat, like avocado, flaxseed oil or coconut, and a protein as my template to a delicious smoothie.
DETOX SMOOTHIE
Image Description: glass cup set on a wooden table filled with the smoothie mixture and a polkadot straw
SERVES: 1
1 packed cup fresh baby spinach
1/3 cup cucumber, diced
1/2 banana
1/2 cup diced kiwi
1 tsp matcha powder
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
2 tsp flaxseed oil
1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
1/2 cup filtered water
Why is this a detox smoothie?
More then half of the ingredients aid in digestion, all are nutrient-dense power house ingredients that are bursting with antioxidants, and fibre.
STRAWBERRY BANANA AVOCADO SMOOTHIE
SERVES: 1
1 cup frozen cauliflower
1 tbsp almond butter
1/2 banana
1/2 cup strawberries, diced
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
2 tsp chia seeds
1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
1/2 cup filtered water
KEY LIME PIE SMOOTHIE
SERVES: 1
1 tablespoon shredded coconut, and 1 cup water*
1 small banana
1/4 cup mango
1 cup fresh baby spinach
1/4 cup avocado
1 teaspoon lime zest
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
2 teaspoons honey (optional)**
1 scoop vanilla protein powder***
1/2 to 1 teaspoon matcha green tea powder
3 ice cubes
SUBSTITUTES
* 1/4 cup frozen coconut, and 1/2 cup water, OR 1/2 cup coconut water, and 1/2 cup water
**pure maple syrup
*** 1 to 2 tablespoons hemp hearts
Why should I eat this?
Scroll through the images to find out.