Feel Like You Can’t Eat Enough Fruits & Veggies In A Day?
We have all heard that we should be consuming 7-12 servings of fruits and vegetables daily, but are you???
Even as a nutritionist, I can find it challenging to wash, prepare, cut or cook and chew as many colourful pieces of produce as I am supposed to, so what do I do to make sure I get them in?
I create a plan of Simplicity.
Each week I look at what my calendar and life hold for me. I am a very busy business owner and mother and while I 100% believe in the value of eating healthy at every single meal and snack I also know I can’t be in the kitchen or chewing a salad every 3 hours.
Two of my big secrets for success in getting my daily dose of alkalizing and mineralizing vegetables and fruits are 1) smoothies and 2) juicing.
Great quality blenders and juicers don’t come cheap, but they are an investment that serves like a gift that keeps on giving! Drinking down produce is an easy and quick way for me to get my nutrients in.
Fruits and veggies help to regulate mood-stabilizing proteins in your brain and taking in a minimum of 7 servings (of produce not juices or smoothies) daily, can also lead to higher energy levels and less mood swings, depression and anxiety, PLUS help to keep your weight in check!
In smoothies go for combination like this:
1 cup unsweetened cashew milk (see my recipe below) or water
1/2 banana or 1/4 avocado
1/2 cup frozen berries or pineapple
2 handfuls greens; spinach, kale, chard or romaine
tbsp ground flax or chia seed
*optional 1/2 scoop Genuine Health Vegan Protein Powder
Blend and enjoy 4-5 servings of produce in this one glass!
For juices try a combo like this:
kale, spinach, lime, ginger and apple
OR
swiss chard, dandelion greens, lemon, beet, ginger, carrot and apple
amounts will vary depending on the size of your produce and how much you are trying to make.
Cashew Milk
1 cup raw cashews, soaked for 2-6 hours and rinsed well
4 cups water
2-4 dates
1/4 tsp cinnamon and nutmeg
Blend in high until smooth. Store in a glass container. Good in the fridge for 5 days.
BONUS…juices and smoothies are a great way to use up any produce before it goes bad!