When it’s time to clean up your body you may consider a metabolic detoxification program, but keep in mind that what you put into and do with your body while you detox has a huge impact on your end result. It’s important to incorporate the right nutrition, movement, and relaxation into your detox plan. In the spirit of keeping our bodies clean and at peak-performance during detox, consider sipping this cool treat developed by The Institute for Functional Medicine to help you refresh and relax.
Kale Pineapple Banana Smoothie
Makes 2 servings
1 ½ cups unsweetened almond or coconut milk
1 cup chopped, packed kale
½ cup diced or chunk pineapple (fresh, frozen, or canned in juice and drained)
½ banana (frozen is best)
½ cup ice, if desired
2 scoops vanilla vegan protein powder*
1 tablespoon chia or ground flax seed
*Soy-free. Typical varieties include rice, pea, hemp. Should be sweetened with stevia or unsweetened altogether. 1 scoop should be ≈ 17 g protein.
So what’s so special about this detox smoothie? For starters, it’s a refreshing way to cool down and relax on a hot day – remember that it is just as important to rest during a metabolic detox as it is to feed and move your body. These nutrient-packed ingredients are primed for keeping you on target with your program:
- Kale has become a well-known super-food! It contains plenty of vitamin A to support your liver in its detoxification pathways as well as vitamin K, vitamin C, potassium, manganese, calcium, and fiber. It is considered a cruciferous vegetable which means that it brings with it all those incredible phytonutrients that work their anti-inflammatory magic!
- Pineapple is a tropical, tasty source of bromelain, an enzyme that will help your body “clean up” any unwanted debris. It also helps support eye, heart, vascular, and skin health.
- Banana adds an element of natural sweetness. The potassium found in bananas can also help balance electrolytes which is important to keep your cells functioning at their optimal level.
- Chia or Flax seeds provide a good dose of fiber which will help to feed your gut microbiome. These wonderful little seeds also pack a punch with a helping of healthy fats and support liver and gastrointestinal health.
- Protein powder is important because it helps you keep your protein levels up while you are detoxing. Protein is essential for helping to balance your blood sugar and to provide the building blocks for tissue repair and regeneration.
When you combine the components of this delicious, healthy smoothie recipe with moderate exercise, relaxation, and a healthy attitude, you’re setting yourself up for success!
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