Smoothies 101

A smoothie is a drink composed of blended foods, combined in a blender or food processor.  It is not a "juice."  The foods in a smoothie have been broken down into liquid form, while still retaining all of their fiber.  Because the fiber is broken down but not removed, the body will still have to do some digestive work in order to fully break down and digest a smoothie, but not as much as it would if the produce were consumed by eating and chewing. Smoothies are versatile in the ingredients that work well within them.  You can blend greens, other veggies, fruits, nuts, seeds, superfoods, protein supplements, herbs, spices, etc.  Smoothies can be made in advance and kept in the refrigerator for several days.  

Smoothies provide a quick meal on the go, for before or after a workout, or as a means for ADDing in greens and superfoods into your life.  Smoothies are light enough that they won’t weigh you down, but can be substantial enough that you won’t feel hungry again in 15 minutes.  

Smoothies are also great for those who are coming off of a fast of any kind, as it will help to re-introduce the body to solid foods again in a more gradual way than jumping straight into eating.  Smoothies will help to cleanse the colon, as they contain the much-needed fiber to sweep out the intestinal tract. These fibers will bind to toxins and usher them out of body.  Smoothies are also beneficial for those who want to start introducing more raw foods into their diets, but don’t know how.  Smoothies can hide a number of less palatable ingredients like dark greens and superfoods under the sweet taste of fruit.

Ultimately, the purpose of introducing smoothies into a healthy lifestyle is to take advantage of a quick and tasty vehicle for adding in greens, superfoods and alkaline-forming foods that might not otherwise be added in as easily.