Guest Post by Krista A. Parr, R.H.N.
Fruit smoothies with greens are perfect for light summer snacks; they make use of all the garden-fresh ingredients available, are cooling to the body, and provide extra hydration. Adding lettuce greens to your fruit smoothies is a great way of including more green foods in your diet, and the fruit usually masks the taste of the greens so you won’t feel like you’re drinking a salad. This blueberry-mint smoothie tastes incredibly refreshing, and nourishes fertility in several ways. Antioxidants found in blueberries, lettuce greens, lemon, and chia seeds protect eggs and sperm from free-radical damage. The chia seeds also provide omega-3 essential fatty acids, which promote ovulation, hormone regulation, and the production of sperm cell membranes. Proper hydration is key when trying to conceive, as water carries nutrients throughout the body and transports waste products out. This smoothie is also loaded with fiber to help keep your cholesterol and blood sugar levels in check.
Ingredients:
2 ripe bananas
2 packed cups fresh summer lettuce of choice (about 2 large handfuls)
3 fresh mint leaves
1.5 cups fresh blueberries
Juice of one lemon
1 Tablespoon chia seeds
Pinch sea salt
Approx. 12 ice cubes
Approx. 1 cup water
Directions:
Place everything in a blender in the order listed and blend until smooth, adding more ice cubes and/or water if necessary. Makes 2 pint-sized smoothies.
Krista A. Parr is a Vancouver Registered Holistic Nutritionist and founder of Root to Fruit Nutrition, specializing in fertility and women’s health. www.RootToFruitNutrition.ca
