Simple Green Smoothie

7 December, 2017 by

Brandi Black, RHN

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

Believe it or not, putting an end to the afternoon energy slump is easy- all you have to do is eat the right kind of foods. You know, the kind of foods that are guaranteed to provide your body with fuel that lasts for the entire day.

While you may be picturing a cup of coffee (and then another, and another), I'm definitely not talking about caffeine. The best foods to eat for energy are those that contain carbohydrates (which the body breaks down into sugar molecules to be used for energy) and fiber (which helps slow the release of the natural sugars into your bloodstream to provide you with steady, slow-releasing energy).

If you need a nap each day by 3pm without fail, you just might fall in love with this energizing and simple green smoothie recipe. But first, let me offer some insight as to why you're always tired when the afternoon hits.

(PS: even if you have energy throughout the day, you'll still appreciate the taste and nutritional value of this green smoothie recipe!)

Why You're Always Tired by the Afternoon

When you hit a mid-afternoon energy slump, it simply means you didn't receive enough- or the right kind- of energizing nutrients at the beginning of your day.

Sure, your body may crave a sugary muffin, starchy breakfast sandwich or a triple shot vanilla latte first thing in the morning to get a quick energy jolt. But these are the exact foods that work against you and your health and wellness when it comes to having energy that lasts throughout the day.

When your body craves these foods, it's looking for the quickest source of energy possible. But you can provide your cells with a much better source of energy by eating fruit, leafy greens and other plant based foods first thing in the morning. In return, you're guaranteed to notice an improvement in your energy levels throughout the day.

As a side note, if you're used to including high amounts of refined sugar and caffeine in your diet, your body will tend to crave these foods if you eat them regularly. A great way to start reducing the cravings for sugar or caffeine is by incorporating plenty of simple superfoods such as fruits and veggies in your diet each day (and that includes the exact ingredients in this Chlorella Pina Colada recipe).

Now, if you have little to no energy each day, you may find it hard to believe that long-lasting, natural energy is within your reach. But as long as you include energizing superfoods in your morning routine, you may end up with more energy than you know what to do with.

Processed Sugar and Caffeine: What You Need to Know About These Anti-Energy Foods

I like to categorize processed sugar and caffeine into a group called "anti-energy” foods.

Caffeine and sugar provide you with an initial false sense of energy. This is because both substances cause your blood sugar levels to rapidly rise (which is when you feel the energy hit) and then drop a few short hours later (which is when you feel tired).

The erratic "spiking and crashing” of blood sugar levels (and therefore your energy levels) is enough to have you reaching for more caffeine and sugar throughout the day to get your energy back up. And so the vicious cycle begins.

Furthermore, both caffeine and processed sugar have addictive properties, which can quickly create a dependency and make both substances very difficult to remove from your diet.

Now that you understand how caffeine and sugar works against you and your energy levels, here's a recipe for Mother Nature's version of an energy drink.

Energizing and Simple Green Smoothie Recipe: Chlorella Pina Colada

One of the reasons we tend to skip breakfast in the morning is because of hectic commutes, rush hour traffic and rushing to and from meetings or appointments. Ironically, the mornings we have no time for breakfast are the mornings we need it most!

Luckily, this energizing and simple green smoothie recipe is almost too quick and easy to make. The time can also be cut in half if you prepare your smoothie ingredients the night before, and place them in a blender in the fridge before you go to bed. In the morning, all you have to do is add water and blend. Pour it in a to-go cup, and you're all set for an energy-filled day ahead.

So, let your cells do a happy dance this week and give this simple green smoothie recipe a try. Your taste buds will rejoice from the juicy, flavorful pineapple and shredded coconut- which adds a "tropical vacation-esque” touch to your cup!

This energizing Chlorella Pina Colada recipe also helps promote:

Digestive Support and Natural Body Detox
Every fruit and veggie in this smoothie contains fiber, which acts as an intestinal broom to sweep waste and toxins out of your digestive system. These toxins can contribute to bloating, weight gain, fatigue and digestive issues. Pineapples are also rich in a particular enzyme called bromelain, which helps your body better digest the food you eat. And, the less digestive energy your body needs to use, the more energy you have to spare.

Cellular Repair
Chlorella contains a very special nutrient called Chlorella Growth Factor (or CGF). Chlorella is the only known food to contain CGF, which helps to repair and regenerate cells by providing the body with the nucleic acids RNA and DNA.

You may have heard of RNA and DNA before as the "blueprints” for our genetics. Getting RNA and DNA from our diets is a massive health benefit, as the body has to produce it on its own, and the amount it can produce declines with age.

Clearer Skin
The nucleic acids RNA and DNA found in Chlorella Growth Factor can also help promote not only your natural wellness, but a brighter complexion by improving the health of your cells. The healthier your skin cells are, the healthier (and often younger appearing) your skin will look.

Long Lasting Energy
Each ingredient in this smoothie recipe will provide your body with long lasting energy because it contains natural sugars from carbohydrates and fiber to slow the release of the sugar into your bloodstream. When the natural sugars are paired with fiber, you'll receive the slow, steady supply of energy you need to get you through the day.

The amazing green superfood, chlorella, is also one of the only plant foods to contain a high concentration of bioavailable vitamin B12. B vitamins are one of the most important antioxidant vitamins to include in your diet each day as they're required to convert food into useable energy^[1]And now for the recipe!

Energizing Green Smoothie Recipe: Chlorella Pina Colada

Ingredients
- 1 cup baby kale or spinach
- ½ cup romaine lettuce
- 1.5 tbsp unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup fresh or frozen pineapple
- 1 cup filtered water
- 2 stalks celery
- ¼ avocado
- 1 tbsp parsley
- 1 tsp (3g) Sun Chlorella Powder

Method
1. Wash and chop all vegetables and place in your blender.
2. Add water and blend as soon as you're ready to drink the smoothie.
3. Enjoy!