We’ve all heard that we need to get more leafy green vegetables in our diet. But who says we have to eat them?
A few years ago I started drinking “green” smoothies and found that drinking my vegetables is a fantastic way to make sure that I am getting them each day. Through my nutrition studies I also learned that when you eat food, it takes up to 24 hours for it to go through the digestive process and the nutrients to be absorbed in your body. When you drink smoothies and juices the nutrients are absorbed much more quickly, in as little as 20 minutes! So they can start working their magic more quickly.
It’s also a great way to start the day off on the right foot. Combine a green smoothie with a glass of lemon water and you’re off to a great start with your vegetable AND your water intake! A double win! Try it and see how you feel during the day. Do you have more energy? Are you less irritable?
My favorite go-to green smoothie that I often have for breakfast during the week has all kinds of goodness that boosts fertility as well as overall health. Here’s the recipe:
- 2 cups almond milk
- Handful of raw spinach
- 1 banana
- ½ cup blueberries
- 1 Tbsp flaxseed
- a few ice cubes if you want the smoothie more “frosty” – that’s how I like ‘em – you can also use frozen banana.
Put ingredients in the blender in that order.
Blend and drink up! Sometimes I sprinkle a little cinnamon on for a little extra yum.
This combination of ingredients really packs a punch. Almonds are a real boost to fertility so almond milk is my plant-based milk of choice when making smoothies (plus it tastes great!). Spinach is loaded with folate, iron, vitamin C. Bananas are said to help boost sperm count – make sure you buy organic! Blueberries are rich in antioxidants, and flaxseed is a great source of Omega 3 fatty acids that control inflammation and increase uterine blood flow.
This makes about 16 oz. – enough for both your and your partner to enjoy! Give it a try and let me know how you like it!