Hey there! January's in full swing, and we know what that means for anyone fine-tuning their health this month (and this year) — it's officially Green Smoothie Season!

To get us started, here's my latest video from KPTV's More Good Day Oregon show…

 

The Grapefruit and Greens Smoothie

 

 

Move over blueberries, there's a new fruit in season

 

If you're like me, your go-to smoothie involves blueberries — and maybe some banana — as the fruit base. After all, blueberries are easy to find in any grocery store's frozen foods section.

However, there are so many other smoothie-friendly fruits out there — even in the wintertime.

The winter months are prime time for citrus fruits of all kinds — oranges, tangerines, Meyer lemons, limes, kumquats, and, of course, grapefruit. So why not get them involved in your day-to-day smoothie blends?

I love adding citrus to my winter smoothies. It’s a great way to add some extra vitamin C to your day, which is especially helpful during cold and flu season.

 

 

A green smoothie with two kinds of greens

 

The Grapefruit and Greens smoothie incorporates spinach as its primary green.

Spinach, the go-to leafy green for most people’s green smoothies, is an excellent source of broad range nutrients including vitamin K and vitamin A (for healthy skin, hair, and eyes).

Spinach is also a great source for manganese, which we need for healthy connective tissue, bones, hormones, and brain function.

This recipe also calls for another kind of green: parsley.

Yes, parsley!

Parsley may seem like an odd choice here, but it’s a very powerful herb. It’s off-the-charts high in vitamin K (for healthy bones), and it’s also high in vitamin C.

Who knew? Well, herb fans know. Herbs and spices are, after all, rich sources of antioxidants and other important nutrients.

 

More than just a garnish: the power of parsley

 

 

Not yet on board with parsley in your smoothie?

Here's some more info about parsley's superpowers (Source: World's Healthiest Foods). Maybe that'll help:

• Parsley contains compounds that are known as “chemoprotective.” These nutrients can help neutralize carcinogens from cigarette smoke and charcoal grill smoke.
• Parsley is high in beta-carotene, which can reduce risk for the development and progression of conditions like atherosclerosis, diabetes, and colon cancer.
• It's a good source of folic acid, an important B vitamin. Folic acid supports heart health by helping the body convert potentially damaging homocysteine into benign molecules. This can help reduce risk for cardiovascular disease, heart attack, and stroke.
• Parsley's high amount of vitamin C can help protect against rheumatoid arthritis.
• Lastly, parsley is known to help fresh breath!

 

The green smoothie ingredient that can help boost mood

 

Lastly, citrus can be really uplifting from an aromatherapy standpoint — which can come in real handy during these dark and rainy winters here in the Pacific Northwest!

One way to enjoy citrus' cheery effects is to throw some grapefruit and orange sections into a smoothie.

Another way you can incorporate citrus aromatherapy into your routine is to diffuse orange and grapefruit essential oils in the morning. I like to do this while I'm getting breakfast ready and packing lunch.

 

 

I also make an easy-to-use aromatherapy spray by pouring some distilled water into a small spray bottle, and adding 20 or so drops of citrus essential oils such as orange, lemon, lime — or bergamot, my latest obsession.

Use your spray to freshen a room (I do this before my son comes to the breakfast table), or feel free to spritz your face whenever you need an energizing and refreshing boost.

 

Give the Grapefruit and Greens Smoothie a Try

 

It's easy to get burned out on green smoothies if you're making the same combo day after day.

So try spicing up your routine by blending up the Grapefruit and Greens Smoothie. To get started, just click on the green box/link below.

I hope you enjoy this nutritious and nourishing smoothie that is sure to please the palate, boost the immune system, and elevate mood with a healthy dose of winter citrus and vitamin C.

 

• Get the Recipe:Grapefruit and Greens Smoothie