Cheers to a New Year!

The holiday season has passed, and we’ve entered into another new year! Collectively, the human race often enjoys a sense of renewed motivation and inspiration around this time. However, many of us may find ourselves feeling sluggish, unmotivated, drained, or a little “down” emotionally. While there may be many reasons for this, at the top of the list is the dietary overindulgence so common during the holiday season. By cleaning up your diet, you’ll not only give your liver a break, but you’ll also experience

• More mental clarity
• Less irritation, fatigue, anxiety, and depression
• Better sleep
• Increased energy levels

Working towards new goals and resolutions can be challenging when you’re not feeling your best, whether it be physically, mentally, or emotionally. In order to experience an increased sense of overall wellbeing, we at Jupiter Counseling always suggest a holistic approach.

This “detox smoothie” is packed with nutrients to nourish both your mind and body.

Sweet & Green Detox Smoothie

Makes 2 servings

• 1 frozen banana
• 1 ½ cups of pineapple
• 2 cups organic kale
• 2 cups organic spinach
• 2-inch slice of fresh ginger (peeled)
• 1/2 of an organic cucumber
• 3 cups of either spring water or coconut water

Blend the coconut water, spinach, and kale first – this ensures the leafy greens are fully blended. Then add the frozen banana, blending until smooth. Lastly, add in the pineapple, ginger, and cucumber. Blend and serve or freeze immediately.

The health-benefits of this smoothie are pretty extraordinary! Take a look at the individual benefits of each ingredient.

Bananas

• Assist in overcoming depression due to high levels of tryptophan, which is converted into serotonin (the mood-boosting neurotransmitter).
• Help improve mood by regulating blood sugar.
• Help normalize bowl motility.
• Due to high levels of vitamin B-6, bananas reduce swelling, protect against type II diabetes, aid in weight loss, strengthen the nervous system, and help with the production of white blood cells.
• Bananas are high in potassium, an electrolyte that regulates hydration at the cellular level. Among other things, drinking alcohol depletes our potassium levels, so bananas make for a great hangover cure.
• Bananas contain high levels of pectin, which aids in digestion and the removal of toxins and heavy metals from the body.
• Bananas are a natural antacid, providing relief from acid reflux and heartburn.

Pineapple

• High in vitamin C, pineapples offer a hearty dose of immune system support.
• Contains bromelain, an enzyme that helps to break down proteins and improve digestion.
• Helps combat inflammation resulting from stress, dietary imbalances, and illness.
• Prevents or relieves cold and allergy symptoms – bromelain helps to reduce mucus in the throat and nose.
• Pineapples are an excellent source of the trace mineral manganese, which is important for energy production and antioxidant defenses.
• Pineapples work from the inside out to treat skin ailments (such as dry skin or acne).