Green Smoothie

I was talking with a friend today about celery. This friend expressed complete abhorrence for the stuff. I laughed, because I remember hating it myself...until I tried organic celery for the first time. I swear it tastes totally different from the conventional stuff, and I haven't ever gone back.

Celery flushes out excess bodily fluids and has anti-inflammatory properties-so it's another great food if you struggle with inflammation.

Hippocrates stated that celery helps with stress. What? Okay, let me explain. It has a high concentration of alkaline minerals, which means that our bodies don't have to work as hard to lower the acidic state that we inflict upon it by so many of the foods that we eat. Celery contains calcium, magnesium and potassium, and helps lower blood pressure. It relaxes the muscles around the arteries and aids in the elimination of toxins from the body. Plus on top of all of that (and more!) they are high in B vitamins, folate, iron and amino acids.

So...what do I say to this friend who can't stand even the texture of celery? Throw some in a smoothie. Problem solved.

My New Favorite Green Smoothie That I Drink EVERY DAY!
1 1/2 c filtered water
1 head of romaine lettuce, rinsed and coarsely chopped
2-3 handfuls organic spinach, rinsed
2 stalks celery, rinsed and roughly chopped
1 apple, cored
1 banana
juice from 1/2 lemon
frozen fruit of your choice (my favorite lately has been pineapple and strawberries)

In a high-powered, blender, blend the water, greens, and celery until very smooth. Add the remaining ingredients, fresh fruit first followed by frozen. Blend until smooth. Store in fridge. Drink within 48 hours.