PEAR & CINNAMON GREEN SMOOTHIE

Let’s get started. Admittedly I am feeling little bit of both excitement and fear as I write this first post for you.

With my incredible love of food, even with all my food allergies, (which are known to be a trigger for many inflammatory conditions, something we will talk about as we go), the majority of what I intend to share with you will be plant-based recipes, as that is what I love most. You should know that I am quite passionate about my food and have put an abundance of love into creating delicious recipes that will not only satisfy my particular palate but will also make my family really smile. I must tell you, that although I will make an effort to post main courses from time to… time I seem to be drawn to and completely adore smoothies, granola, all cereals really, salads and delicious healthy sweet snacks (and yes, mostly containing chocolate).

Let’s start with my current obsession and one of my favourite morning staples… in fact I seem to be enjoying one version of it or another every day right now. The following green smoothie is packed full of nutrient dense delicious food ingredients which will give us some of the tools we need to fight inflammation and fatigue.
The following recipe is an inspiration from Sarah Briton of My New Roots Winter Weekend Cleanse smoothie. http://www.mynewroots.org

Let’s talk about Pears. Pears are absolutely my most favourite fruit, with a sweet juicy texture they are a nutrient dense food over flowing with an abundant source of Vitamin C and antioxidants. They also provide our bodies with much needed fibre and phytonutrients.The Spinach and Kale are interchangeable depending on how sweet you would like your smoothie.

Kale, being one of the healthiest and most nourishing plants available is brimming with antioxidants. Kale is much higher in Vitamin C than Spinach, a crucial nutrient used to synthesize collagen, the most abundant structural protein used in the body important so very important when living with chronic inflammation.

Spinach is high in iron and vitamin K, both which have the ability to restore energy, vitality and improve the quality of your blood. Spinach is much sweeter in taste than Kale, making it a great green to add to green smoothies for beginners.

Romaine Lettuce is a highly nutritious mild tasting green that will add just enough texture to your smoothie without overpowering the other flavours.
The high water content of Cucumbers makes them all at once, hydrating, detoxifying and nutritious.

The rich and creamy Avocados we add are packed with healthy fats and will not only provide you with abundant nutrients, they will nourish your joints and skin too.

I adore Cinnamon! If you ask any one of my family members about this they will likely roll their eyes. I love everything about it and use this sweet and savoury spice daily. This delicious fall spice is anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial, as well as being full of antioxidants.

Nutrient dense Pumpkin Seeds provide high mineral support, and are high in zinc and a variety of vitamins. They have a subtle sweet flavour that is a lovely addition to both smoothies and salads.

Spicy Ginger is potent a anti-inflammatory that is a must add to your morning routine. Immune boosting and digestion calming, Ginger is also a great go to for anti-inflammatory benefits.

PEAR & CINNAMON GREEN SMOOTHIE
1 1/2 cup Water, Nut milk or Coconut milk
2 Pears… peeled & chopped
1 Cucumber peeled & chopped
2 Handfuls of Spinach or Kale
½ Sm. Romaine
1/4 Avocado
1 Tsp. Cinnamon
1Tbsp. Pumpkins Seeds
1 Inch chopped Ginger

Optional Add-Ins
It would be perfectly delicious to substitute Green Apples for the Pears and often depending on the greens available in my fridge I will add a handful of Swiss Chard as well. Now that you have the basic recipe, don’t be afraid to play with the ingredients based on both seasonality and affordability.

If I find myself craving some protein I will add 1-2 Tbsp. of Hemp Hearts or Vanilla Sun Warrior Rice Protein powder.
With a high-powered blender-My favourite is a Vita-mix. Blendtec or Kithenaid are both great machines also-add your liquid, then layer the rest of the ingredients with the most dense going in first.

Be patient, blending slowly working up momentum as the blades chop up your fruit, vegetables and seeds. I do tend to add the Pumpkin Seeds to my liquid, letting them soften up while doing the rest of my prep. Blend for 30-60- secs.
In the winter I enjoy this smoothie at room temperature because I do find that my body craves warmer foods in the cooler months. If you prefer a colder smoothie just add 2-3 ice cubes once the majority of your ingredients are chopped.

Pour into a glass and enjoy! If not consuming immediately put your delicious smoothie in a mason jar with a lid on it, putting it in the fridge to enjoy later that day.

Enjoy!

XO