It’s a few days past Christmas and if you feel that a cold is coming on,
or sluggish or that cravings for holiday foods are getting the best of you,
get out the blender or juicer and make a smoothie.

That’s right, a smoothie packed with nutrient-dense ingredients like
berries, nut butters and even tea can help you get over and prevent
some of the ills that happen during the Winter months.

Smoothie No. 1- Morning Sunshine Smoothie!
Lack of Energy.
This smoothie is perfect for those who feel sluggish and rundown
during the non-stop food and drink carousel that goes from Halloween
right up until Valentine’s Day.
Ingredients:
1 cup of spinach, about 1 cup of fresh, baby or regular
1 cup of frozen peaches
1 cup of coconut water or green tea
1 Tbs. of olive oil
1 Tbs. of dark honey
To make:
Add all ingredients to a blender or juicer and blend until smooth.
Pour into a tall glass and enjoy.
If you prefer a colder smoothie, add a few Ice cubes and blend
for another 20 to 30 secs.
This smoothie contains fiber (from the spinach and peaches) and iron,
both of which help you keep energy levels steady all-day.
And the olive oil: It helps you absorb the nutrients from the spinach,
peaches and coconut water.

Smoothie No. 2- Cold-Busting Blueberry Smoothie!
Avoid Colds.
This brightly colored smoothie is loaded with nutrients that bolster
your defenses against the common cold.
Ingredients:
1 cup of frozen blueberries
1/4 fresh avocado (peeled)
1 cup of coconut water 1/4 cup of chickpeas, (15 oz. can, drained and rinsed a
few times)
Honey- 1 or 2 Tbs.
To make: Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth and creamy.
Pour into a tall glass after blending.
This smoothie contains avocado, which have vitamins C, A, and E, and these
vitamins strengthen your immune system. And the chickpeas are loaded with
B-complex vitamins that help you prevent colds and viruses.
One last tip: Don’t worry about the chickpeas, you won’t notice the taste thanks
to the blueberries, avocado, coconut water and honey.

Smoothie No. 3- Oatmeal Cookie Smoothie!
Beat Holiday Cravings-
If you find yourself giving into the wide array of Christmas desserts, pasta
dishes and oven-roasted meats, (prime rib, steak, pork roast and ham),
use this smoothie to help you combat those food urges.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup of rolled oats
1/2 of banana
1 Tbs. of semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 Tbs. of Peanut Butter
1 cup of plain Greek yogurt
3/4 cup of water or tea
1/2 tsp. of ground cinnamon
To make:
Add all ingredients minus 1/4 tsp. of cinnamon to a blender or juicer,
and blend for 40 to 50 secs. Pour into a tall glass and sprinkle on
1/4 tsp. of cinnamon for a visual effect.
This smoothie is inspired by classic cookie ingredients, so it tastes like
an indulgence. And the oats, provide fiber and the yogurt, protein,
and the fats in peanut butter, all work to help you feel fuller longer
and prevent the cravings that make it hard to maintain or lose weight.

More tips:
If you find yourself unable to eat anything in the morning, (no appetite)
make a smoothie the night before and drink it in the morning.
New research says that smoothies in the morning help you beat
mid-day slumps and even lower cholesterol levels.

Good Luck, Good Eating and Good Health!

Sources:
* American Journal of Epidemiology
* Nutritionist Rania Batayneh
* Healthy, Quick and Easy Smoothies, available on Amazon.com
* J.J. Smith, Creator of The 10-Day Green Smoothie Cleanse
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