hydrate, cleanse and debloat: simple flavored water

We all know drinking lots of water throughout the day is important for so many reasons – to hydrate, flush out toxins, regulate digestion, for heathy skin… the list goes on.

However, sometimes sipping plain old H2O can get a little boring. By using these simple ingredients you can add loads of flavor without additional sugars and calories of store bought flavored water. My favorite combination is cucumber, lemon, ginger and mint.  Not only do these ingredients add delicious flavor- they offer so many health benefits.

Lemon- lemon is a powerful cleanser and also helps to alkalize your body. Lemon also contains Vitamin C, which will help boost immunity.

Ginger – ginger contains many anti-inflammatory properties. It also helps aid in digestion, settle your stomach, and helps with flushing out toxins.

Mint – mint is a natural stimulant, which helps soothe the digestive tract. It also stimulates the digestive enzymes that absorb nutrients from food and consume fat and convert it into energy. Therefore, it is helping you convert the food you consume to energy rather than storing it as fat. As a natural stimulant, mint is known to naturally combat fatigue and help to recharge your batteries.

Cucumber- cucumber has many detoxifying, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. It also adds a refreshing taste and leaves you feeling refreshed and hydrated.

Thinly slice 1/2 a the cucumber, ginger (as much as you desire) and a lemon or two. Add in a few sprigs of mint and add all ingredients to a pitcher of water and let sit overnight. Sip throughout the day.

~ Laura Ferro 

For more great healthy recipes from Laura visit her webpage https://naturalnoshes.wordpress.com/ 

Minty Madness Smoothie

Happy St. Paddy’s Day! 

I am sure some of you will be having other beverages that do not include spinach… or almond milk… BUT if you are on the detox (or  just looking for another delicious healthy smoothie recipe) you have to try this refreshing,  creamy Minty Madness Smoothie.

This 7 ingredient smoothie tastes somewhat how I would imagine the popular Shamrock Shake tastes … only WAY better. It also doesn't contain the a million chemicals and unpronounceable ingredients the certain fast food chain uses. Not to mention it’s full of naturally flavorful ingredients that provide so many health benefits. It’s full of vitamins A, C, K and D, B vitamins, folate, magnesium, potassium, fiber, protein, antioxidants, healthy fats,  and many other vitamins and minerals.

I tested this recipe last weekend and have been craving it ever since. This creamy, minty goodness will be sold at the Galley all of next week in honor of St. Paddy’s day. Come and get one if you're close by! If not be sure to make it at home. I think it will soon become a smoothie staple in your household.

Minty Madness St. Patty’s Smoothie 
Serves 2
Ingredients
1/2 cup raw cashews, soaked for at least an hour or overnight*
1 cup vanilla unsweetened almond milk
1 cup spinach
1 serving vanilla hemp protein
1 frozen banana
1/2 cup fresh mint
vanilla bean (from one pod) or 1-2 drops vanilla stevia or extract
optional: honey or stevia for desired sweetness
In vitamix or high powered blender, add all ingredients. Blend on high for 1 minute or until creamy and smooth. Note: you may need to add more almond milk if too thick.

*The longer you soak the cashews the creamier the consistency. I like to soak overnight but if you forgot and need this smoothie now, it still tastes delicious with them soaked for a few minutes
Enjoy!

For more yummy and healthy ideas from Laura Ferro, certified Natural Chef and Holistic Health Coach visit http://naturalnoshes.wordpress.com/