Green juices are not linked to weight loss, for the purpose of "detox" or meal replacement. They have multiple benefits that are not directly related to these beliefs. Vegetable blends can be consumed as a snack and are easy to incorporate as a refreshment by the poolside.
It has happened to me, for one reason or another, to suggest this type of green juice in the morning to my clients. Why? Forget the concept of a "detox" in the morning, I don't believe in it. For some, this gesture is a guarantee of establishing a winning routine and a symbol of the ability to take care of oneself. The simple act of preparing this vitamin "blend" in the morning upon waking can motivate people to continue good habits throughout the day.
Lunch is an important meal and often dictates how well we will be able to perform physically and mentally throughout the day. The smoothie will then play a transitional role in slowly establishing the habit of having breakfast in the morning towards a solid and more complete meal.
By choosing the ingredients appropriately, the smoothie can also help support digestion. Having it as a snack allows you to include something easy to digest between meals. It is one tool among many but a significant one in this regard.
There are multiple options depending on tastes, intolerances, and seasonal fruits/vegetables. I recommend prioritizing organic, fresh products from a market gardener or your garden, as the ingredients need to be of good quality to help you and provide the benefits.
Don't hesitate to try, including well-washed peels, leafy parts of vegetables, and broccoli stems, for example.
I leave you the mixes per serving, but by using raw vegetables you can prepare everything for a few days in the fridge! Adding a small portion of plain protein is a smart choice.
If you can add crushed ice to your blender to add more freshness, it’s even more delicious.
Carrot, cucumber, and basil juice
Me and basil ... herbs ... I literally put them everywhere to add flavor. Freshness guaranteed!
Ingredients (for one serving)
- 1 cup of spinach (first time in my garden this year and it's growing wonderfully)
- ½ Cucumber
- 6 fresh Basil leaves (quantity of your choice)
- 2 whole grated carrots
- ½ apple (without the peel)
- 1 tbsp avocado (or 3g coconut oil if prepared individually)
In the blender, add water until the ingredients are submerged, and voilà!
Green juice for a burst of freshness
I really like this one on hot days or by the pool with some ice!
Ingredients (for one serving)
- 1 whole grated carrot (carrots are a must for me in mixes. They are inexpensive and help reduce bitterness with their slightly sweet taste)
- 2 celery stalks cut into small pieces
- 1 orange (no juice! We keep the fruit fibers)
- ½ teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 tsp fresh coriander
- 3g coconut oil (adding unsweetened shredded coconut flakes is interesting)
- Sliced almonds on top
In the blender, add water until the ingredients are submerged and voilà!
Enjoy your tasting and feel free to show us your masterpieces on IG and Facebook!
Article written by Émilie Provencher
Co-Owner Balance Performance Nutrition Center / Professional Athlete
Émilie Provencher and Alain Gosselin can be reached at Instagram and on Facebook.