One of the reasons we crave chocolate is that when we eat it, serotonin, a neurotransmitter responsible for better sleep and moods, floods our brain. This helps reduce anxiety and increases our sense of well-being. But if you suspect your chocolate intake is a little too excessive, this same relaxing and rejuvenating brain bath can also be accomplished by drinking juices and smoothies.
By consuming smoothies and juices you will provide your body with an abundance of vitamins, minerals, and enzymes while at the same time satisfying your taste buds so, maybe then, you won’t need so much chocolate.
Juices and smoothies made with fresh, ripe fruits and vegetables are so satisfying and can be made in unlimited combinations. There is a smoothie or juice to please every member of the family. There is so much to learn and discover about this new way of life. Just get yourself a high-speed blender and a juicer and you’ll be ready to begin.
Juicing Is Easy
You don’t have to buy the most expensive juicer to make delicious and nutritious juices. Even the most basic model will work. And the clean-up is simple and fast. A lot easier than cleaning up after cooking! Here is one simple and spectacular juice that I love.
Mother Nature’S Orange Julius
Peel only the orange rind from navel oranges. Leave the pith (the white stuff around the orange) as it will make the juice delicious and frothy. Place the oranges in your juicer and within seconds you will have a glass of the most refreshing orange juice ever.
This next juice combination I learned from watching, “Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead” with Joe Cross. His website is a treasure trove of information about juicing and its benefits and contains hundreds of delicious recipes.
World Famous Green Juice
- One bunch of Kale
- One large stalk of celery (4-6 ribs)
- One large cucumber (it’s okay to leave it unpeeled)
- 3-4 apples cut into quarters
- One lemon peeled but with the pith left on
- One chunk of fresh ginger (about the size of your thumb)
Juice together and drink. It is somewhat of an acquired taste so try it a few more times until you can feel the energy of the veggies zipping through your body and brain.
A high-speed blender is another fantastic kitchen appliance and a wise investment in your family’s health. Blending together different combinations of fruits and vegetables is a never-ending adventure. For my family, when it’s really hot outside, sometimes a smoothie is all the meal we need. You know the exact ingredients that will please your family so keep experimenting and have fun. Here are two of my favorite smoothies:
Sunshine Smoothie
- Frozen bananas broken into small chunks
- Frozen or fresh pineapple pieces
- Frozen or fresh mango chunks
Add orange juice, coconut water or plain water until you get a creamy consistency.
Blend for about 30 seconds on high and enjoy!
Purple Pineapple Smoothie
- One cup frozen pineapple chunks
- One cup frozen blueberries
- Cover with apple juice
Blend on high speed for 30 seconds.
(If you like it a little sweeter you can add a tablespoon or two of agave and blend quickly again.) Yum!
And Now… Chocolate!
Chocolate is one of the most famous foods on the planet. All around the world it is loved and coveted by millions of people. Having a craving for chocolate is practically universal. So let’s make a Chocolate Banana Smoothie!
Chocolate Banana Smoothie
Place in your high-speed blender:
- Two frozen bananas broken into pieces
- One teaspoon vanilla extract or vanilla powder
- Four pitted dates or 2 T. maple syrup or 2 T. agave
- 3 T. unsweetened cocoa powder
Cover all ingredients with your favorite milk and blend until smooth.
Voila, a fabulous, satisfying, chocolate creation that your body will love. Whip it up and relax and read while drinking your smoothie. You deserve it! And in my opinion, life doesn’t get much better than this.
About the Author
Katrina is on the content team at www.householdappliancejudge.com. She can be found around the web writing about health, nutrition, relationships, family and other lifestyle concerns. Katrina enjoys cooking, comedy and spending time with her adorable (but exhausting) young family.
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