February is National Heart Month, and what better way to participate than to treat your heart to a delicious home made green smoothie? Broccoli, cabbage, carrots, celery, spinach and beets are in season right now and these vegetables contain compounds that are known to protect us from diseases such as cancer and heart disease. If you would rather drink your vitamins, make a home made green smoothie to help increase your intake of antioxidant vitamins, minerals, and heart-healthy fiber.
In addition to eating right and losing weight, does your new year’s resolution include exercise? Exercise helps you burn calories, lose inches, and prevent chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans is 150 minutes of exercise a week. Just 30-minutes a day of moderate exercise can keep 15 lbs. a year off of you!
Join me on February 8th at the Market Basket Select location at Phelan and 23rd, for National Heart Month, and try some delicious green smoothie recipes.
Here are a few smoothie recipes to try:
Breakfast Smoothie
Makes 2 Servings
Ingredients:
2 cups cold water
1 apple
2 carrots
1 frozen banana
2 cups spinach
2 stalks celery
1 tomato
½ cucumber, peeled or unpeeled
Instructions:
Add water to blender, then add the other ingredients and blend until smooth.
May add some protein powder if desired.
Powerful Carrot Smoothie
Makes 2 Servings
Ingredients:
1 cup spinach leaves
1 apple, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
½ banana
½ teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup craisins (dried cranberries)
½ cup plain yogurt
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 cup water
2 cups ice cubes or crushed ice
Instructions:
Place all of the ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth.
Recipe can be frozen for later use.
