Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Family Features
It can be challenging to eat right during the holidays, especially when the entire season seems filled with hearty meals, rich dishes and sweet treats. While it’s OK to moderately splurge before kick-starting the New Year with a healthy diet, it’s important to build momentum prior to Jan. 1 by making smart dietary decisions over the holidays to ensure a healthy immune system during the winter months and increased energy for burning off those extra calories.
Drink to Your Health
A simple way to enjoy a healthy holiday season and New Year is to start each day with a nutrient-rich beverage packed with essential ingredients that produce increased energy levels, decreased cravings for seasonal junk foods, and greater overall wellness.
Whether it’s a nourishing morning pick-me-up or a midday energy and immunity boost, these nutritious and delicious recipes from NutriBullet will help ensure a healthy holiday season and put you on the right track to wellness in the New Year. The NutriBullet emulsifies healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables and grains into their most easily digestible state.
Learn more at www.nutribullet.com.
Sniffle Snatcher
A tasty combination of vitamin C-rich ingredients, cayenne to reduce congestion, and rosemary to reduce inflammation and soothe a sore throat.
1cup kale
1carrot
1pear (cored and seeds removed)
1/2cup cubed pineapple
Dash of cayenne pepper
Dash of fresh rosemary
Add water to the max line of the large cup, and blast.
Sweet Apple Pumpkin Pie
An antioxidant-rich, protein-packed healthy dessert option so you can enjoy the flavors of the season guilt-free.
1/4cup organic silken tofu or organic Greek-style yogurt
1/2cup canned pumpkin or cooked fresh pumpkin
1/2apple (cut, cored, and seeds removed)
1tablespoon raw almond butter
Pinch of cinnamon
Pinch of ground cloves
1–2teaspoons pure maple syrup
1cup almond milk
Add ingredients to large cup, and blast.
Flu Fighter
Vitamin C, antioxidants, and anti-bacterial ginger help keep the immune system at its peak during the winter months.
1/2cup spinach
1/2cup Swiss chard
1/4cup parsley
1kiwi (peeled)
1/2lime (peeled)
1banana (peeled)
1/2bell pepper (seeds and stem removed)
1 inch fresh ginger root (peeled)
Add water to the max line of the large cup, and blast.
Cranbanana Blast
Filled with heart-healthy nutrients and anti-viral properties, cranberries blend well with bananas and dates for a tart-sweet treat.
1cup spinach
1ripe banana (peeled)
1/2cup fresh or frozen cranberries
2dates
Add water or almond milk to the max line of the large cup, and blast.
Sweet Potato Pick-Me-Up
Complex carbs from the sweet potato will provide sustained energy, and cinnamon keeps blood sugar balanced.
1/2cooked sweet potato (skin on)
1/2teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch cinnamon
Pinch nutmeg
1cup ice cubes
Add almond or coconut milk to the max line of the large cup, and blast.