Whole Foods Laxative Smoothie Recipe

Photo credit: Robert Gourley, Flickr

A few weeks ago I had surgery. In my discharge papers, the nurse highlighted my need for extra rest. Apparently my bowels got the message loud and clear too.

If you've ever been put under with anesthesia or taken narcotic painkillers, you know they can slow things down in your body.

Simply said, you can't make bowel movements very easily after surgery.

My nurse recommended sipping a mug of warmed prune juice to stay regular during my recovery. I loved this natural, non-medicinal option and gave it a try. 

After several mugs of juice, things were moving. Slowly. Too slowly.

So, I decided to add a little fiber and see if I could make a gentle, nutritious morning smoothie to keep me regular. (I know, this isn't the sexiest of topics, but it is helpful for those who need it!!) Here's what worked for me!

Simple Laxative Smoothie

• 2 cups spinach, raw and washed
• 1 cup prune juice, pure without sugar added
• 1/2 cucumber (about 1 cup chopped)

Place all three ingredients into the blender and combine until smooth. The prune juice adds a refreshing sweetness to the spinach. 

Plus, this combination is full of vitamin C, potassium and fiber to help get your digestive system back on track.

Do you have an all-natural concoction, food, drink or smoothie you use to stay regular? Tell me about it in the comments below. I'm always looking for ways to stay healthy without the need for a pharmacy.

Until Next Time,
Choose Healthy!

Angela Tague
Whole Foods Living

Banana Bread Smoothie Recipe

It's no secret I love to start my day with a healthy, decadent-flavored smoothie.

Photo credit: Morguefile

I often sip on a Chocolate-Covered Banana Smoothie or Raspberry-Banana Smoothie.

Hey, who says breakfast can't be good for me and delicious?

Today I came up with an oh so tasty treat! Fall is in the air and I've been wanting to make up a loaf of banana bread. Or, maybe pumpkin bread. Anyway, since I haven't had time yet, I adapted the flavor into a smoothie. Enjoy!

Banana Bread Smoothie 

1 serving (approx. 300 calories)

• 1 cup soy milk (I used 8th Continent Soy Milk, Original)
• 1 large banana, cut into chunks
• 1 tbsp. honey
• 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup dry quick oats

1. Place the milk, banana and honey in the blender.
2. Top with the oats and cinnamon.
3. Combine until creamy, pour and enjoy!

*Note: If you are using a small, single-serve blender, invert the layering of the ingredients, so the oats aren't the first ingredient to touch the blender blades.

Do you have a favorite morning go-to smoothie recipe? Tell me about it in the comments below!

Until Next Time,
Choose Healthy!

Angela Tague
Whole Foods Living

PS: You can find me on Facebook and Twitter for more delicious ideas!

Smoothie Basics: Easy as 1-2-3!

Smoothie! Photo: SXC.HU

I think my jaw dropped when a friend asked me how to make a smoothie. Really? Doesn't everyone know how to do this?

I guess since I make them almost daily I take the basics for granted. She mentioned putting a bunch of fruit in a blender, but it just didn't work. Well... no.

OK, so here's a basic 1-2-3 equation for making a great smoothie!

1 - You need a liquid. I like to use 100% fruit juice, homemade juicer juice, soy milk, almond milk or rice milk. Regular old cow milk is fine too. For one smoothie, start with 1 cup of liquid in the blender.

2 - Add frozen fruit. Why frozen? This gives the smoothie a cold, creamy texture without using ice cubes. Ice simply waters down the smoothie and doesn't add any nutritional value. I like to use strawberries, blueberries, peaches, bananas, mango, pineapple or raspberries. Add 2 cups of frozen fruit to the blender for one smoothie.

3 - Toss in extras. Now add some nuts, milled flax seed, honey, shredded coconut or whatever your want to give the smoothie a little extra flavor or nutritional boost. Limit this to 1-2 tablespoons.

Blend and taste! If it's too thick, add a little more liquid and blend again. That's it!

What do you like to toss in your smoothies? A few of my favorites are a Chocolate-Covered Banana Smoothie and a blend of several tropical fruits (pineapple, coconut, mandarin oranges and mango).

Until Next Time,
Choose Healthy!

Angela Tague
Whole Foods Living

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