Continued from our Retreat & Renew Daily Tip.
Melissa Wiliams, Freelance Writer | Co-Owner, Yoga Junction
So you know to eat the crust of the bread and the peel of the apple, but did you know that there are other foods you need to eat in their WHOLE form to get the most bang for your health buck?
- Swiss Chard. You always eat the leaves and discard the stems, but the stems are full of amino acids that help boost your immune system. Add them to a smoothie like the Swiss Cinnamon Smoothie below.
- Broccoli leaves and stems. Instead of only cooking the florets, cook the stems alongside the florets and sauté the leaves with a little olive oil and salt. This will increase the amount of vitamin A in your meal.
- Celery tops. The leafy part may not be quite as easy to use as a dipping device, but the leaves offer more magnesium and calcium than the stalks. You can easily chop the leaves and add them into the next soup mix you make.
- Onion skins. Although the skin is tough to eat raw, it does contain more antixodiants including quercetin, which has been shown to reduce blood pressure. The best way to enjoy the benefits are to simmer the skin in stocks or stews and discard before serving.
- Watermelon rinds. Some research has shown that watermelon rinds can help increase circulation. Although you can’t really gnaw on the rind itself, you can throw it into the blender (you’ll want a good blender like a Vitamix), with watermelon flesh and make a refreshing smoothie.
Swiss Cinnamon Smoothie
Yield 1 quart
Ingredients:
1 cup blueberries
1 medium banana
2 Swiss chard leaves and stems
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tbs. hemp seeds
2 cups water
In a high speed blender, blend blueberries, banana, Swiss Chard, cinnamon, hemp seeds and water until creamy.
Recipe courtesy of the Conscious Cleanse.
Healing Lifestyles & Spas mission is to help our readers to live mindfully, eat joyfully, spa consciously.
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