This is the first guest post on Crunchy Kat! And it’s a perfect recipe for this time of year. Did you overindulge in holiday treats? Have you told yourself you’re going to try something new in 2017? Perhaps you’re going to do a Whole 30 starting on January 1. Or, maybe you just love green smoothies!
A few weeks ago, a reader, Deciduous D (DD), contacted me and asked if I’d like to 1) interview him since he has a nut allergy and 2) feature his daily morning smoothie recipe. Yes and yes!
I know there are a few other Crunchy Kat readers with nut allergies and whereas DD’s smoothie is nut-allergy friendly, it’s also great for anyone who likes green smoothies.
First, the interview
Crunchy Kat (CK): What kinds of nuts are you allergic to?
Deciduous D (DD): I am allergic to all tree nuts and peanuts. (Coconut is just fine—not actually a nut). Fortunately, my allergy is not super-sensitive, so I don’t mind the product labels that say “might have been made in the vicinity of other nut products.”
CK: What do you like to use in your smoothies in place of nut milks?
DD: Since I can’t get my protein from nuts, I really rely on protein powder. I use green juice in place of nut milk.
CK: What are your go-to snacks? What do you take with you when you’re on the go?
DD: My favorite go-to “healthy” snack is a Cliff Bar, the chocolate chip ones in particular. Some other Cliff Bars do contain nuts or peanut butter, so I stick with the chocolate chip ones.
CK: If you don’t have a smoothie, what’s your favorite breakfast?
DD: The green smoothie is my regular breakfast meal… my alternate is three hard-boiled eggs, a great source of protein! My favorite splurge breakfast is Cracker Barrel pancakes!
CK: When did you start drinking your go-to morning smoothie?
DD: I started my morning green smoothie routine two years ago after watching Australian Joe Cross’s documentary on the benefits of adding juiced vegetables and fruits to your diet—highly recommend!
CK: Tell me about the difference you saw in your diet and health when you switched over to the smoothies.
DD: Although I didn’t have a weight problem per se, I was amazed how the smoothie routine cut fat and increased muscle definition—I lost about 30 lbs in 8 months just by adding the smoothie routine to my diet (one for breakfast, one for a snack after work).
CK: Anything else you’d like the Crunchy Kat readers to know?
DD: As Joe Cross describes, adding juiced vegetables and fruits (especially the green ones) to your diet is highly beneficial—it’s the best nutrition I get every day!
Recipe
- 1/4 cup Suja green juice (or any green juice)
- 1 whole orange, peeled
- 1 half green apple (peeled if not organic)
- 2” section cucumber (peeled if not organic)
- 3-4 broccoli pieces (organic if possible)
- 2 kale leaves (organic if possible)
- 1 tbsp flax seed
- 1 tbsp chia seed
- 1 serving grass powder (such as Amazing Grass Detox)
- l large scoop protein powder (optional)
Frozen ingredients:
- 1/2 banana, frozen
- 1 kiwi, peeled and frozen
- 1/4 lime, frozen with peel
- 1 large pineapple wedge, frozen
- 5 ice cubes
Steps:
- Add all ingredients in top half of recipe except the protein powder and blend.
- Once mixed, add protein powder (optional).
- Add all ingredients in the bottom half of recipe and blend again (minimum, avoid whipping).
- Enjoy!
Crunchy Kat’s notes
If you don’t like the tanginess of the lime in your smoothie, I’d suggest cutting the lime into eight pieces rather than four. This smoothie is also very green, so be prepared!
Thanks, Deciduous D, for sharing your recipe and health tips with us!