Vegan, detox smoothie.
Now it's warming up in the Northern Hemisphere, here's a detox smoothie you might like to try, which I've been enjoying whilst living in Byron Bay. It contains many of the ingredients I have included in other smoothies before but this one has a couple of new additions that help with detoxing, add extra health benefits, and is totally vegan. Most of all it's quick and easy.
INGREDIENTS - organic wherever possible
(1 T is 1 Tablespoon & 1 t is 1 teaspoon)
Half a glass of almond milk or coconut water
1T blueberries or one small banana
1T golden flaxseeds - rich in Omega 3 & phytoestrogens for happy hormones
1T psyllium husks - cleans your bowel & moves them, big time!
1T raw protein powder. I have been using this one in Australia
1T blackstrap molasses - a fantastic source of iron for vegans
1T coconut oil - a really important fat for weight loss & health
1t cinnamon - good for helping cholesterol & blood sugar levels
1t turmeric - the best anti-inflammatory spice I know of
1t kelp - supports the thyroid, big time
1t green powder - include wheat grass, chlorella & spirulina for a detox.
1t matcha tea powder - for a big natural caffeine kick!
That's it, throw them all into your blender, whizz up and drink immediately.
The coconut oil is made up of Medium Chain Fatty Acids which produce energy instead of body fat. It's also 50% made up of lauric acid, which strengthens the immune system & is good for the gut. It's an all round good fat and will keep you going for hours.
While I've been here in Australia, I've gone onto the 16:8 way of eating, nearly ever day, instead of the 5:2 plan twice a week. This is another form of intermittent fasting that is proving very popular, has plenty of scientific research behind it, (check out Professor Longo here) and seems to be very successful for weight loss and, more importantly, the body's health.
Because it's so hot here all the time and I've never been a big fan of breakfast, I have found it really easy to have my supper at 7.00 pm. and then not eat again till 11 or 12 the next day. (Drinking plenty of liquid, of course.) Most days I am only having two meals a day, with plenty of exercise in between eating whatever I like at those meal times, as long as it's healthy, and does include Prosecco from time to time!
I will report back, with photos, when I return to the UK in April and get my b.p., cholesterol, visceral & body fat measured at the doctors and the gym. Then you'll be the first to hear whether my intermittent fasting has had the desired effect on my health!
As ever, let me know if you do intermittent fasting and whether it's benefited your health. Would love to hear.
See you soon,
