I know you want one.....or maybe you're not sure!  SERIOUSLY - Don't be a naysayer until you read about the health benefits of incorporating some of these ingredients into your life;) You'll be so glad you did!

I feel like shouting it from the roof tops! 
"DRINK GOOD- FOR-THE-BOD SMOOTHIES!" :) 

I can't say enough about how much better I feel since starting this "Healthy Journey" several years back.  It started after surviving kidney cancer,  a few other life changing events...and the fact that I was sick of back and tummy fat I could not wish away! 

I decided to be a DO-ER rather than a spectator!  STARTING SLOWLY...... I began walking more, did moderate exercise and began my research on super-foods, the meaning of their colors, shapes and so on. Interestingly enough, the benefits ARE SO ENTICING......eating healthier has just become a No-Brainer.

Aside from shedding 17 lbs, losing 2 sizes (which was NOT my goal....but I'll take it)...I FEEL so much healthier with more energy than I've ever had! I'm telling you this because it was NOT THAT HARD TO DO....and I wasn't planning on losing what I did....it just came off with better choices.

There's something to be said about watching what we put into our bodies! Good in - Good Out! Period.

It probably seems contradictory or confusing to some, that I offer healthy recipes like these...love to eat and cook organically as much as possible....and then offer all sorts of delicious sweets and treats here in my STORE!  The fact is, I LOVE TO BAKE, cook and eat well....AND I do not deprive myself of Sweets:) or occasional calorie laden foods.  

MODERATION  IS KEY! 

Only YOU can decide what your goals are, what you can or cannot afford to ingest....and believe me, if you're not sure....YOUR BODY WILL TELL YOU!  If I eat too much sugar, I get a headache.  If I eat too much food period, I feel bloated or gain weight.....and so on. 

Whatever journey you're on in the HEALTH & BODY category, I hope it is a SMOOTH-IE one.....LOL!

Try One of these Good-for the Bod Smoothies.....you don't have to buy any fancy machinery...or extract, juice, macerate and the like!  Just BLEND for a bit & see how you like it.  Give it TWO WEEKS, then write in & tell me how you're feeling. 

I've included a few links to a protein powder I like,  

1. http://www.amazon.com/Garden-Life-Protein-Nutritional-Supplement/dp/B00CLD74U8/ref=sr_1_5_s_it?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1460742507&sr=1-5&keywords=garden+of+life+protein+powder

...and one GREEN product I LOVE. When you're too busy to blend these powders up with your favorite fruits & veggies, just mix both powders with coconut water....stir add ice & go!
2. http://www.amazon.com/Garden-Life-Perfect-Food%C2%AE-RAW/dp/B00FB1S988?ie=UTF8&keywords=garden%20of%20life%20products&qid=1460750063&ref_=sr_1_1_a_it&sr=8-1


....and Ive added benefits of some of my FAVORITE Ingredients after each recipe. 

HAPPY "SMOOTH-IE-ING" FOLKS! 

Seriously........I look forward to hearing from you.  Play around and create your own recipes! 

If you have a FAVORITE concoction....Email Me and I'll include you and your recipe in an upcoming blog post.


Lean, Mean, Greenie!
 
Ingredients:

1 Cup Kale
1 lg piece turmeric - washed, not peeled
2 tsp fresh ginger - washed, not peeled
1/2 large cucumber, peeled
1 stalk celery
4 strawberries
1/2 squeezed lemon
1 scoop of your favorite protien powder
8-12 oz coconut water

Put all ingredients in blender, bullit or vitamix & blend away! Chill or add ice when mixing....if you like it colder!

Just for starters......check out the benefits of Turmeric, Ginger and Cucumber......search the web for the rest!  You'll be amazed!

TUMERIC BENEFITS:  
                 THIS SUPER-FOOD IS BEYOND MIRACULOUS!
                    It's The Most Important Ingredient on My list!  
                                         I CANNOT SAY ENOUGH!

Even if  you choose not to go the Smoothie route, get TURMERIC!  

1. Anti- Cancerous Property:We all know that cancer is a dangerous disease. However, only a few of us are aware of the fact that its prevention is present in our kitchen itself. Turmeric possesses anti-cancerous property which can be attributed to the presence of a chemical called curcumin that not only kills cancer cells but also prevents their formation and growth. Turmeric has been found effective in preventing stomach, lung, colon, prostate, skin, breast, and liver cancers. You can incorporate turmeric in your diet to prevent cancer.
2. Liver Health:
Turmeric is good for liver health. It is a natural detoxifier. It removes toxic substances from the blood by producing several enzymes. Turmeric intake stimulates these enzyme production and helps in eliminating toxic substances from the body. Its intake repairs damaged cells of the liver and fights several liver problems like cirrhosis, hepatitis and jaundice.
3. Alzheimer’s Disease:
Alzheimer’s (brain disease) is a form of dementia, which mostly occurs in old people. Turmeric is effective in preventing and treating Alzheimer’s disease as it decreases the plaque level in the brain and stimulates oxygen flow in the brain. It prevents neuron from degenerating, prevents memory loss and reduces inflammation.
4. Indigestion:
Turmeric helps in treating indigestion problem. It stimulates bile production, which is essential for proper digestion and fat absorption. It also helps in getting rid of heartburn, bloating, gas problem and eases bowel movement as well.
5. Heart Health:
Turmeric helps to prevent various heart diseases like Atherosclerosis by clearing blocked arteries and reducing inflammation. It minimizes the risk of heart attacks and strokes by preventing plaque and reducing bad cholesterol. Overall turmeric use is conducive to heart health.
6. Relieves Arthritis:
Arthritis is a condition marked by joint inflammation. Though turmeric cannot entirely cure this condition, its anti- inflammatory property can definitely help in reducing joints inflammation and pain.
7. Lowers Cholesterol (LDL) :
Healthy cholesterol is important for heart health. High levels of bad (LDL) cholesterol can lead to various heart problems like heart attacks, strokes, atherosclerosis, etc. Apart from regular medications to control cholesterol level, the addition of turmeric to your diet lowers ‘bad’ cholesterol level (LDL) naturally, thus preventing several health issues caused by high cholesterol level.
8. Treatment of Diabetes:
Diabetes is a common condition nowadays, but it can be controlled by adding turmeric to your diet as it balances sugar level and maintains the insulin level. Its regular use can also prevent the onset of diabetes. However, it is advisable to consult your healthcare provider before its use if you are taking any diabetes medication.
9. Treatment of High Blood Pressure:
If you have high blood pressure you can incorporate turmeric in your diet as it lowers blood pressure naturally. Turmeric reduces inflammation, which is also a cause of high blood pressure and maintains blood flow of the heart. So turmeric can be a natural remedy for high blood pressure, but ensure to consult your physician before using it for this purpose.
10. Weight Loss:
Turmeric can be helpful for overweight people struggling to lose weight. Turmeric intake helps burn excessive fat by increasing your metabolism rate. Turmeric detoxifies your liver naturally, which is responsible for fat metabolism. As metabolism speeds up, calories burn faster.
11. Reduces Depression:
Turmeric has been found effective in reducing depression mainly due to its antioxidant and anti- inflammatory properties. Studies have shown that supplementing turmeric with anti-depressant drugs enhances their effectiveness.
12. Heals Wounds:
Turmeric is an age old remedy in India for healing wounds. Application of turmeric on bleeding or open wounds, reduces pain while its anti- inflammatory property reduces inflammation. Being an anti-biotic, turmeric kills the infectious bacteria of the wound.
13. Improves Immune System:
Healthy immune system means lesser number of health issues. The antibacterial, anti-fungal and antiviral properties of turmeric helps in killing various bacteria and fungus which are responsible for causing illnesses like cold, flu etc. Drinking a glass of turmeric milk is a natural way to improve your immunity.
14.Treatment of Diarrhea:
Turmeric can help you in treating diarrhea as its anti- bacterial and anti- viral properties help kill infectious bacteria, virus and parasites of intestine which cause diarrhea. For diarrhea treatment, you can mix turmeric powder in plain water or milk and drink it regularly.
15. Treatment of Headache:
Turmeric helps in reducing headaches like migraine, cluster headache, etc. due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. As headache is usually caused by nerve inflammation, the anti-inflammatory property reduces nerve inflammation and pain.
16. Antioxidant Property:
As stated above, the anti-oxidant property of turmeric helps eliminate free radicals from the body. Free radicals can cause several health problems like premature ageing, heart problems, skin diseases etc.
17. Treatment of Jaundice:
It is a common saying that you should not take yellow colored food when affected with jaundice. But surprisingly turmeric helps in jaundice treatment. In case of jaundice, you can drink a glass of warm water with a pinch of turmeric in it 2-3 times a day.
18. Treatment of Bronchitis:
Bronchitis is a disease characterized by lung passage inflammation. The anti-inflammatory property of turmeric reduces inflammation and helps in treating bronchitis. It also kills infectious bacteria which cause cold and flu along with bronchitis.
19. Eliminates Intestinal Worms:
Turmeric is an effective home remedy for removal of intestinal worms. If you are troubled with intestinal worms/parasites, all you need to do is take food with turmeric or drink a glass of water with turmeric for quick results.
20. Treatment of Conjunctivitis (Pink Eyes):
Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of conjunctiva (outer layer of the eye). Turmeric is used in its treatment as it helps in reducing inflammation of conjunctiva and its anti-biotic property reduces the symptoms. For the treatment of conjunctivitis, you can soak cotton balls in turmeric water (2 teaspoon in a cup of boiled water) and compress it on the affected eye.
Benefits of Turmeric for Skin and Hair:
The medicinal properties of turmeric make it usable in various skin care products. Consumption and topical application of turmeric provides the following benefits to your skin and hair.
21. Acne and Pimple Cure:
Acne and pimple makes you feel uncomfortable. Turmeric is very effective in treating and preventing them both. It removes excess oil and opens clogged pores which cause acne and pimples. Its anti-inflammatory property reduces acne inflammation while its anti-bacterial property kills acne causing bacteria. For acne, you can use a face pack comprising of sandalwood and turmeric powder.
22. Removal of Facial Hair:
Turmeric and gram flour (besan) scrub can help in removing facial hair. You can prepare this scrub by mixing turmeric powder and gram flour in milk. Apply it on your face and remove it by massaging in circular motions with fingertips. This should be done regularly for 4 weeks to get noticeable effect.
23. Skin Lightening Properties:
There are many fairness creams available in the market, but if you are looking for any natural remedy for lightening your skin-tone, turmeric is the answer. You can mix turmeric powder, gram flour and lemon juice and apply it as a face pack. Use this face pack regularly for 2-3 weeks to get beneficial results. Application of this face pack also evens out your skin tone and removes tan.
24. Treatment of Wrinkles:
The antioxidant property of turmeric helps fight signs of ageing like wrinkles. You can consume turmeric orally to prevent the occurrence of wrinkles. Apply a face pack prepared with turmeric and curd/milk for 10 minutes and then rinse with cold water. This pack is effective in removing fine lines and wrinkles.
25. Treatment of Stretch Marks:
Stretch marks are common during puberty and pregnancy. To lighten your stretch marks, you can add turmeric in your creams or make a paste of milk and turmeric, curd and turmeric or lemon juice, turmeric and milk. Daily massage with any of these mixtures will help fade stretch marks.
26. Treatment of Burns:
Burns and their marks look extremely unappealing. Turmeric is an effective cure for them. The antiseptic property helps in healing burns. Turmeric also reduces inflammation and pain. You can mix turmeric with cold water or aloe vera gel and apply it 2-3 times a day. It also reduces burn marks.
27. Beneficial for Oily Skin:
Turmeric is good for oily skin. It controls oil, removes dirt and clears clogged pores. For oily skin, you can prepare a mixture of fuller’s earth, rose water and turmeric. Apply this for 10-15 minutes and rinse it off with cold water.
28. Good for Dry Skin:
Turmeric mask is also helpful in treating dry skin. You can prepare a mixture of egg white, lemon juice and turmeric powder. Apply this mixture on the dry portions of your body. This will moisturize and soften your skin.
29. Eczema Treatment:
Eczema is a skin inflammation accompanied by itchy, red and patchy skin. As pointed out earlier, turmeric reduces inflammation. Its antibacterial property kills bacteria which cause itching and redness. You can use turmeric in different ways. You can apply milk and turmeric paste on infected areas or boil turmeric in water and use it in rinsing the affected area.
30. Beneficial for Hair:
Turmeric is also good for your hair as it prevents dandruff, scalp problems and promotes hair growth.
CUCUMBER BENEFITS:

Here is a short list of the impressive health benefits that a cucumber carries:  Top 3 are my fav!

• Good for diabetics. Patients of diabetes can enjoy cucumber while also reaping its health benefits: cucumber contains a hormone needed by the cells of the pancreas for producing insulin.
• Cuts cancer risk. Cut down your risk of several cancers by including cucumber in your diet. Several studies show its cancer-fighting potential.
• ​Reduces cholesterol. A compound called sterols in cucumber helps reduce bad cholesterol.
• Keeps you hydrated. If you are too busy to drink enough water, munch on the cool cucumber, which is 96 percent water. It will cheerfully compensate!
• Fights heat, both inside and out. Eat cucumber, and your body gets relief from heartburn. Apply cucumber on your skin, and you get relief from sunburn and itchy skin.
• Flushes out toxins. All that water in cucumber acts as a virtual broom, sweeping waste products out of your system. With regular use, cucumber is known to dissolve kidney stones.
• Nourishes you with vitamins. A B and C, which boost immunity, give you energy and keep you radiant. Give it more power by juicing cucumber with carrot and spinach.
• Supplies skin-friendly minerals: magnesium, potassium, silicon. That’s why cucumber-based treatments are popular in spas.
• Aids in weight loss. Enjoy cucumbers in your salads and soups. My favorite snack? Crunchy cucumber sticks with creamy yogurt dip.
• Revives the eyes. Placing chilled slices of cucumber on the eyes is a clichéd beauty visual, but it really helps reduce under-eye bags and puffiness.
• Stabilizes blood pressure. Patients that struggle with blood pressure, both high and low, often find that eating cucumber brings relief.
• Refreshes the mouth. Cucumber juice refreshes and heals diseased gums, leaving your mouth smelling good.
• Smooths hair and nails. Silica, the wonder mineral in cucumber makes your hair and nails stronger and shinier.
• Soothes muscle and joint pain. All those vitamins and minerals in cucumber make it a powerful enemy of muscle and joint pain.
• Keeps kidneys in shape. Cucumber lowers uric acid levels in your system, keeping the kidneys happy.

KALE BENEFITS:

• Jump Starts Digestion

Many people don’t realize that they are actually chronically constipated and that slows down their mental processes and makes them sluggish. The high fiber content will not only help you feel more full, it will help move things through your system faster.
Slow digestion opens you up to a number of life threatening diseases. A large kale salad can give you at least half of the daily recommended allowance of fiber. Fiber will help purify your blood because your body will rid itself of toxins more regularly. This can aid in memory and mental sharpness as the blood in the brain will be able to deliver more oxygen and it can even help hair growth because the blood will deliver more nutrients to the hair follicles.
If you’re not digesting on a daily or bi-daily basis, you are considered constipated. Constipation can lead to type 2 diabetes and obesity because of overeating. Kale can also help prevent and reduce the risk of certain types of cancer such as gastric cancer.

• Full of Antioxidants. 
  

​Antioxidants are a mechanism that will help reduce free radicals in your body that cause painful inflammation in your muscles and joints. Besides that, they also help strengthen your body’s immune system which protects you against viruses and diseases. The two compounds that help protect against free radical damage are called flavonoids and carotenoids. They help reduce the signs of aging and are prevalent in many darker colored plants. Moreover, these strong antioxidants have been found to help prevent cancer.

• High Iron Content

It’s no secret that vegans and vegetarians have a hard time getting enough iron and this can cause all sorts of health and energy problems. Kale is now being popularized as an iron supplement and it is extremely effective in helping the hemoglobin count in the blood. This is an important factor in the functioning of the body’s largest organ, the liver. The liver controls the removal of toxins from the body and hemoglobin counts are important for getting oxygen to the rest of the body so it can function properly. Therefore, Kale is an important component for preventive and radiant health.
GINGER BENEFITS:

1. Maintains Normal Blood Circulation. Ginger contains chromium, magnesium and zinc which can help to improve blood flow, as well as help prevent chills, fever, and excessive sweat.
2. Remedies Motion Sickness. Ginger is a known effective remedy for the nausea associated with motion sickness. The exact reason is unknown, but in a study of naval cadets, those given ginger powder suffered less.
3. Improves absorption. Ginger improves the absorption and stimulation of essential nutrients in the body. It does this by stimulating gastric and pancreatic enzyme secretion.
4. Cold and Flu Prevention. Ginger has been used for thousands of years as a natural treatment for colds and flu around Asia. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that to treat cold and flu symptoms in adults, steep 2 tbsp. of freshly shredded or chopped ginger root in hot water, two to three times a day
5. Combats Stomach Discomfort. Ginger is ideal in assisting digestion, thereby improving food absorption and avoiding possible stomach ache. Ginger appears to reduce inflammation in a similar way to aspirin and ibuprofen
6. Colon Cancer Prevention. A study at the University of Minnesotafound that ginger may slow the growth of colorectal cancer cells.
7. Reduce Pain and Inflammation. Ginger contains some of the most potent anti-inflammatory fighting substances known and is a natural powerful painkiller.
8. Fights Common Respiratory Problems. If you’re suffering from common respiratory diseases such as a cough, ginger aids in expanding your lungs and loosening up phlegm because it is a natural expectorant that breaks down and removes mucus.. That way you can quickly recover from difficulty in breathing.
9. Ovarian Cancer Treatment. Ginger powder induces cell death in ovarian cancer cells.
10. Strengthens Immunity. Ginger helps improve the immune system. Consuming a little bit ginger a day can help foil potential risk of a stroke by inhibiting fatty deposits from the arteries. It also decreases bacterial infections in the stomach, and helps battle a bad cough and throat irritation.
11. Combats Morning Sickness. Ginger has demonstrated a success rate of 75 percent in curing morning sickness and stomach flu.

STRAWBERRY BENEFITS:
1. Helps burn stored fat
The red coloring contains anthocyanins, which stimulate the burning of stored fat. When a group of animals was fed a high-fat diet along with anthocyanins, they gained 24 percent less weight than the animals eating the high-fat diet without added anthocyanins. (The Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry)
2. Boost short term memory
The anthocyanins boost short term memory by 100 percent in eight weeks. (The Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry)
3. Low in Calories – High in Fiber
One cup contains only 54 calories.
4. Ease Inflammation
Strawberries lower blood levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a signal of inflammation in the body. In a study, women who ate 16 or more strawberries per week were 14 percent less likely to have elevated levels of CRP. (Harvard School of Public Health.)
5. Lower cardiovascular disease
Flavonoids — which are responsible for the colour and flavour of strawberries — lower the risk for heart disease.
6. Promote bone health
Strawberries contain potassium, vitamin K and magnesium which are important for bone health.
7. Prevent oesophageal cancer
Studies show freeze-dried strawberry powder may help prevent human oesophageal cancer.
8. Anti-aging properties
Strawberries are filled with biotin, which helps build strong hair and nails. They also contain the antioxidant ellagic acid, which protects the elastic fibers in our skin to prevent sagging.
9. Good for weight loss
The compound nitrate found promotes blood flow and oxygen in our body, which is great for weight loss.
10. Promote eye health
Eating three or more servings of fruit like strawberries may lower the risk of macular degeneration, a condition resulting in vision loss. (Archives of Ophthalmology)

Vitamin C Blast!


This Beautiful Baby is packed with immunity boosters and AIDS in lowering cholesterol & helps prevent high blood pressure.

1 Cucumber
4 Stalks Celery...
2 Small Green apples
1 1/2 Cups Red Cabbage
1 inch piece of ginger - peeled
Juice of a lime❤
1/2 cup ice

Mix in blender until puréed!
Enjoy.... Makes 2 8oz drinks.

CELERY BENEFITS: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/11-super-health-benefits-in-just-1-celery-stalk.html

RED CABBAGE BENEFITS: https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/vegetable/red-cabbage.html

GREEN APPLE BENEFITS: http://www.instah.com/diet/green-apple-benefits/


Beet Greens Smoothie!

Ingredients:

2 cups packed beet stems & leaves...
13 oz coconut water
4 large strawberries
1 Granny Smith Apple peeled
1 - 2" piece of ginger
2 large pieces of turmeric
1/2 cucumber peeled
2 Tbs Chia seed
1/2 Cup Ice

Put all ingredients in blender & blend away!

BEET BENEFITS:  http://dailynaturalremedies.com/10-nutritional-facts-and-health-benefits-of-beets/?utm_source=beets%20benefits&utm_medium=beets&utm_campaign=bing

COCONUT WATER BENEFITS: http://www.knowledgepublisher.com/article-320.html

CHIA BENEFITS: https://authoritynutrition.com/11-proven-health-benefits-of-chia-seeds/

Here's to your health!