Banana Ginger Energy Smoothie

So many people these days consume “energy drinks.” What are they?  Energy drinks are beverages containing stimulant drugs, mostly caffeine, and are marketed as providing mental or physical stimulation. They all generally contain large amounts of caffeine and other stimulants, and many also contain sugar or other sweeteners, herbal extracts and aminoacids. These highly caffeinated drinks  are associated with a variety of health issues — like insomnia, anxiety, elevated blood pressure, and digestive problems. In fact, the whole marketing of these products is little more than an updated versio of the medicine man shows of old. There are, however, real energy drinks, drinks consisting of nothing more than wholesome natural ingredients – like the one below.

From Dropping Acid – The Reflux Diet: Cookbook and Cure, by Jamie Koufman, MD. & Jordan Stern, MD with French Master Chef Marc Bauer:

Serves 3

Nutritional Information per Serving:

Calories 178
Protein 10g
Carbohydrates 338
Fat 2g

Ingredients

1/2 cup ice
2 cups milk
2 bananas, ripe
1 cup yogurt
1/2 teaspoon fresh ginger, peeled and grated fine
2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey (optional)

Directions

1. In a blender, add the ice, milk, yogurt, bananas, and ginger.
2. Blend until smooth.
3. Add sugar as needed.

NOTES – If you don’t like ginger or there’s none fresh, substitute 1/4 teaspoon orange zest or vanilla or almond extract. This smoothie is delicious and combines many of the best reflux foods. Did you know that ginger in moderation is good for reflux? It packs a lot of flavor and is versatile as an ingredient in many dishes.

Enjoy, gentle reader, enjoy!

CS

Detox Kosher Style – Delicious Summer Berry Smoothies

[Today we present a new guest poster, Lisa Yeoman. After graduating in Food and Nutritional Sciences, she began working as a nutritionist before becoming a mother. Now she works from home as a freelance writer who covers topics as diverse as the latest in health research, green food production, family nutrition and health, living with conditions and health education. CS]

Mmmm, summertime! The perfect season for pool parties and sitting out in the radiant sun, as well as enjoying some terrific kosher food. The great thing about kosher food is that it can accommodate virtually everyone’s tastes, whether it is a tangy lemon egg soup or savory samosa. Not only incredibly delicious, kosher offers a large selection of meals which provide as much nutrition as they fulfill the palette, and today we are going to take a look at a great recipe which also boasts another massive health benefit and is an excellent way to cleanse the body and celebrate the hot summer months: the detox berry smoothie.

Kosher for Goodness & Health

Detox might be a slightly loaded word for a kosher meal, but one of the many benefits that the kosher culture has to offer is one which holds advantages for everyone. A kosher diet is one which strives for healthy living while also providing an essential opportunity for various communities to pull together and celebrate, and it is also enjoying the important role of reaching out and helping people in need too. With nutrition forming an important component not only in identifying part of a person’s well-being, this article highlights some of the ways in which food plays a vital role in recovering drug addicts and alcoholics. Implementing a well-rounded diet has become a crucial part of recovery programs from alcohol to food to opiate addiction recovery, and outreach programs in the Jewish community. The benefits of a kosher detox recipe involve ingredients which will replenish the body with the right amount of vitamins and minerals, all combined for a refreshing, delicious, and easy meal. It’s delicious and serves the greater good!

Smooth Operator

Photo from Wikimedia Commons, by: Romuald Bokėj from Sweden

Smoothies are one of the best selections for a relaxing, inexpensive snack containing high nutritional value beneficial to everyone – let’s face it, at one time or another everyone could do with a good detox regardless of diet. A fruit smoothie is ideal for its versatility – you can add, swap, and improvise to your heart’s content – and it’s very difficult to go wrong. Now is the best time of year to buy fruit in its prime, and preparation is minimal. It’s become a household staple for many, and taken off with a blast on the commercial cuisine circuit with several restaurants, bars, and cafes opening their menus up to the luscious drink as well as entire franchises operating in devotion to a multitude of flavors which covers a scale of diverse international influences.

Berry smoothies in particular are very adaptable – unlike most fruit, berries can be frozen and even used right from freezer to blender instead of using ice. For a delectable treat sure to please, here is your detox berry smoothie (approx. two servings):

Ingredients:

• 1 cup frozen mixed berries
• Half a medium-sized banana
• Half a tablespoon ground flax seed
• Half a cup non-fat Greek yogurt
• 6-8 ounces orange juice

Preparation:

Put berries, banana, flax seed and yogurt into a blender, adding about 4 ounces of orange juice. Mix on a high setting while adding orange juice to reach a smooth consistency. When finished, add a few fresh berries and/or orange slices and serve.

Alternatives:

For something a little more exotic, swap the cup of frozen berries for a cup of frozen pineapple, and add 4 ounces of orange juice and 4 ounces of light coconut milk using the same measurements for banana, flax seed, and Greek yogurt. Bananas and Greek yogurt can be replaced with a few green leaves as well. Double the ingredients for multiple servings and enjoy!

Seasoned Delight

This recipe is perfect for several occasions, whether it is for guests by the pool to cool off on a hot day or a healthy snack during winter, it is a great detox for the body without losing any flavor. No need to stop at the berry patch, though – as mentioned above, there are several other recipes to enjoy as well, perfect year-round. Mango, apple, grape, kiwi, even peanut butter make excellent treats which children and adults alike can appreciate and get the daily required fill of nutrients, and it can be savored at morning, noon, or night. In fact, according to the above source, smoothies are even better than multi-vitamins. Get your shake on today and create a snack bound to become a favorite!

Enjoy!

Lisa Yeoman