3 Easy & Delicious Smoothies to Kick-Start Your New Year

Banish that Christmas cookie hangover and start 2015 off right with three tasty recipes that help you get those oh-so-important fruits and veggies.

We admit it: We can’t help but feel the new year, new your . After all that holiday overindulging and imbibing weâre craving brighter flavors and lighter meals to wake us up with a clearer perspective in 2015. Our antidote: the smoothie. To test-drive these recipes, rest assured you can create all three with any powerful blender (just make sure to add the liquids and leafy items first). Here’s to your health!

Ultimate Eye-Opener Smoothie

Serves

• 1 cup of pink grapefruit juice or 2 cups of pink grapefruit segments
• 1 cup of pomegranate juice
• 1 1/2 cups of carrots, sliced into 1-inch rounds
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 handful of ice (optional)

Add all ingredients to blender container, in order listed, and blend until smooth. If you are not using ice and the results are too thick, pour the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer.

See Clearly: Pomegranate juice promotes cell regeneration, while carrots supply antioxidants and vitamin A for healthy eyesight. The pink grapefruit curbs hunger, so this zesty smoothie will keep you going until your next meal.

Serious Hydration Smoothie

Serves:

• 1 cup of fresh-squeezed orange juice
• 1 cup of chopped kale, ribs and stems removed
• 1 cup of fresh or frozen pineapple chunks
• 1/2 of a cucumber, chopped
• 2 tablespoons chia seeds (optional)

Add all ingredients to blender container, in order listed, and blend until smooth. If you prefer the consistency of juice, pour the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer.

Quench Your Thirst: It’s no secret cucumbers are full of water, but so are cult-favorite kale leaves. Add in chia seeds, which for centuries have been used to prolong hydration, and say good-bye to the drying effects of winter.

Sweet Satisfaction Smoothie

Serves:

• 1/2 cup of coconut or almond milk
• 1 1/2 cups of cubed watermelon
• 1 banana
• 1/4 cup of raw almonds
• 3 large dates, pitted
• 1 handful of ice (optional)

Add all ingredients to blender container, in order listed, and blend until smooth.

Treat Yourself: Lycopene-rich watermelon is sweet and refreshing, while even-sweeter dates give you energy without spiking blood sugar. Raw almonds and banana fill you up, making this a true meal unto itself.

While the above article guides you to eating healthier, there is no substitute for customized professional advice given by a qualified nutritionist. We urge you to speak to your personal dietician or if you need help, contact a nutritionist at Qua Nutrition.

You can contact us at 9743430000 or log on to QUA Nutrition to Book An Appointment.