Holy Beta-Carotene! A Carrot-Cantaloupe Smoothie
Late summer and early fall is that time of year when we begin longing for something sweet and warming. Carrots and cantaloupe are in season and they make a great smoothie because they have such a soothing effect on us, and are rich in nutrients.
Many people avoid carrots because they are high in sugar, but that is a common misconception. Because of their high fiber content, carrots have a low glycemic load, but it means you have to eat the whole carrot or use it in a smoothie in order to maintain the fiber content. Juicing removes the fiber, increasing the glycemic load. Carrots are loaded in health benefits, not sugar.
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Carrots and cantaloupe are also high in beta-carotene. We all know that carrots are good for the skin and eyes, but they also contain anti-inflammatory properties.
Cantaloupe can help improve insulin and blood-sugar metabolism. It is high in vitamins A and C, and possesses a wide range of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrients, which actually makes it a superfood!
The ginger adds a little kick, and the natural sweetness of cinnamon helps balance the blood-sugar.The whole combination makes this a healthy anti-inflammatory yummy sweet, and soothing smoothie.
Carrot-Cantaloupe Smoothie
Yields 16 oz. (1-2 servings)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup carrots, chopped into chunks
- 2 cups cubed cantaloupe
- 1 cup coconut water (or water)
- 1/2 Tbsp. chopped ginger
- 1/2 Tbsp. ground cinnamon
Directions
Blend until liquified, pour and enjoy.
Remember to chew your smoothie, it helps increase your saliva, which makes for better digestion. You will feel more satisfied! Smoothies are not drinks; they are liquid snacks and meals.
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Jeanette Bronée, CHHC, AADP is a Self-Nourishment Counselor and the Founder of Path for Life and the online Self-Nourishment Program. Over a decade she has been working with clients one-on-one in her private practice, to not only improve their physical and emotional wellbeing, but also help them change their habits, which is the foundation for us actually getting healthy. Her nine-step method integrates the three key essentials Bronée has found drive real change in people's lives: food knowledge, mindfulness and habit shifting. Bronée's approach to health and weight loss is self-nourishment. When we stop fixing ourselves, and start learning how to make choices and live from a perspective of self-care and self-love, health becomes our life-style and we thrive. She also believes healthy food has to nourish all our senses. Check out her recipes on the blog at Path for Life.
Her new book, "Eat to Feel Full (and Nourish Yourself for Good)", is a beginner's guide to self-nourishment, offering a combination of food knowledge, insights into the habits that block our efforts to transform, and practical techniques for developing a mindful, healthy relationship with food..
Photo Credit: Torkil Stavdal