Smoothies are one of my favorite ways to start the day and this ultra-refreshing smoothie is one that ends up in my breakfast rotation regularly. It is perfect for those groggy mornings when you need a little extra somethin-somethin to wake up, especially if you’re like me and can’t handle the buzzy-ness of caffeine. It’s also especially great if you have any sinus congestion or cold symptoms like a sore throat or stuffy nose. The cool, spiciness of the ginger really soothes sore throats and opens up those air passages, so that you can breathe more deeply. This smoothie is also packed with healing ingredients that are perfect for boosting your immune system.
Spinach is loaded with antioxidants, vital nutrients, and is an incredible alkalizing agent for the body, which helps the balance blood pH. Pineapple is rich in fiber and bromelain, an enzyme that improve digestion, plus it has the most incredibly fresh, tart, and sweet flavors that really amp up the deliciousness of this smoothie. Orange juice adds a refreshing pop of citrusy flavor along with a powerful dose of free radical fighting, immunity-boosting vitamin C as well as hesperidin, a plant compound that helps balance blood pressure. Spirulina is one of nature’s greatest superfoods! It is a blue-green algae that is incredibly high in protein and phycocyanin, an antioxidant that is known for its potent anti-inflammatory properties. And last, but definitely not least, is ginger. I absolutely love fresh ginger and use it all the time to add a bright, fresh flavor to dishes and recipes. Ginger has been used in traditional and alternative healing practices for thousands of years because it contains a bioactive compound, called gingerol, which has natural anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-oxidative properties. It has even shown great promise as a cancer-fighting agent! Are you ready for all of this refreshingly healing goodness?! Okay, here we go…
Ingredients
- 1-2 cups spinach (I usually just grab a big handful.)
- ½ cup orange juice
- ½ - 1 cup of frozen pineapple chunks
- 2 tsps spirulina powder (I like Nutrex’s Pure Hawaiian Spirulina Pacifica)
- 1-3 Tbsps pureed ginger root, depending on how much spiciness you like/can handle (I use a fine microplaner to puree mine.)
Directions
Stuff the spinach into the bottom of your blender and make sure that it is lightly packed down. Add your pureed ginger root, frozen pineapple chunks, and spirulina powder. Pour orange juice into blender, add the lid, and blend until smooth. Sip and let the refreshing spiciness of the ginger wake up all of your senses!
