Advertisement
In June of 2004, I faced the biggest challenge of my life—the initial physical attack of an illness that would ultimately be identified as multiple sclerosis. The ensuing three years were a nightmare of pain and disability. I was falling, foot dragging, and at times needed a cane to walk. By 2007, I was taking 18 prescription medications a day.
For me, among the most important changes was deciding to "go green."
Today, I am grateful to say that I am healthy and medication-free. In fact, I'm in better shape than I was 11 years ago when I was first diagnosed with MS—and everyone who meets me always wants to know how.
It started with a new commitment to searching for my own individual path to wellness. For me, among the most important changes was deciding to "go green"—to make fruits and vegetables the centerpiece of my diet.
I found that juices and smoothies were a simple and delicious way to consume nutrition quickly.
Here are a few of my favorites to start the day:
Pineapple Pain Relief
An anti-inflammatory winner, good for menstrual pain.
Ingredients
- 5 celery stalks
- ½ fennel bulb
- ½ small pineapple—peeled and cut into chunks
- 1-inch piece of ginger root
Preparation
Process all ingredients in a juicer.
Sweet Energy Juice
The perfect juice for beginners: sweet, deliciousness, and nutritious.
Ingredients
- 1 apple, seeded and cored
- 1 large carrot
- 1 large beetroot
- 1 bunch kale, slightly chopped
- Pure spring water or carrot juice, as needed
Preparation
Process all ingredients in a juicer.
Watermelon Juice
A refreshing weight-loss assist.
Ingredients
- ¼ medium-size watermelon, including rind
- 1 medium cucumber
- 1 kale bunch, including stems
- 1 lime, peeled
- 1 small orange, peeled
Preparation
Slice the watermelon rind into strips. Add ingredients to juicer, alternating the softer ones with the more dense.
The Elvis—PB & Banana Smoothie
Makes 2 servings
Satisfying for the long haul.
Ingredients
- 1 frozen banana
- 1 cup almond milk
- 1 cup kale, chopped
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg
Preparation
Process all ingredients in a blender until smooth.
Matcha for Health Smoothie
Great for clarity and energy.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon green tea matcha powder
- 1 cup coconut milk
- ½ cup frozen blueberries
Preparation
Process all ingredients in a blender until smooth.
Refresh & Clean Smoothie
Overdid it the night before? Detox with deliciousness.
Ingredients
- 2 handfuls spinach
- Juice of 1 large orange
- 2 bananas
- ½ lemon, peeled and seeded
- ½ lime, peel and seeded
- ½ cup ice
Preparation
Process all ingredients in a blender until smooth.
Watch Next
Enjoy some of our favorite clips from classes
Enjoy some of our favorite clips from classes
What Is Meditation?
Mindfulness/Spirituality | Light Watkins
Box Breathing
Mindfulness/Spirituality | Gwen Dittmar
What Breathwork Can Address
Mindfulness/Spirituality | Gwen Dittmar
The 8 Limbs of Yoga - What is Asana?
Yoga | Caley Alyssa
Two Standing Postures to Open Up Tight Hips
Yoga | Caley Alyssa
How Plants Can Optimize Athletic Performance
Nutrition | Rich Roll
What to Eat Before a Workout
Nutrition | Rich Roll
How Ayurveda Helps Us Navigate Modern Life
Nutrition | Sahara Rose
Messages About Love & Relationships
Love & Relationships | Esther Perel
Love Languages
Love & Relationships | Esther Perel