View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by ecofolks (@ecofolks) on Jan 18, 2019 at 5:00pm PST

~

This is the perfect midwinter green smoothie to wake up our energy and boost our mood in the sleepy afternoon zone.

Groundhog Day, on February 2, has many names: Imbolc, Oilmelc or Ewe’s Milk—this day marks the halfway point between winter solstice and spring equinox known in Celtic tradition as “the quickening.”

Even though snow may cover the landscape outside your window, or the mornings may still feel dark, the light is changing. We are getting closer to spring in the Northern hemisphere.

This is the perfect time to boost our mood and energy during an afternoon slump.

It’s totally natural to feel tired around 3 or 4 pm. Chinese five element theory explains that this is the time when our bladder is processing our body’s fluids. The bladder also governs the nervous system, which could often use a rest around this time to avoid getting frazzled.

Ideally, we would be resting in the afternoon—however, life often calls us to action.

Green smoothies are a great way to boost energy and gain nourishment without taxing the adrenal glands. You may have a blend that you prefer.

Here is the one I recommend, I like it because it’s based in whole foods—without protein powders.

Our digestion is naturally weaker in the afternoon and evening, so it’s important to have a snack that’s easily digestible.

Try this for the next week as we move towards midwinter. See how you feel after a week of afternoon green drinks.

Using a food processor, blend these ingredients:

I choose organic whenever my budget allows.

>> One and a half cups of fresh spinach

>> Half a cup of fresh parsley

>> Half a cup of frozen blueberries

>> One quarter of a cup of almonds or walnuts

>> One inch of fresh ginger root, sliced

>> Half a teaspoon each of cinnamon and turmeric powders

>> A pinch of salt

>> One cup of your favorite milk

Drink this beverage when you are feeling tired or craving sweets and carbohydrates by mid-afternoon. This drink can slow down our digestion in the morning, but provides a great afternoon energy and mood boost.

I like to heat it gently after I blend it to have a warm, soothing drink. You can make a double-batch and keep it in the fridge for up to three days.

Here’s why these ingredients provide a healthy boost for our bodies:

>> Almonds are high in monounsaturated fat, which promotes our heart health, and helps to reduce LDL cholesterol. They assist our carbohydrate metabolism which contributes to weight loss. They contain flavoproteins to balance our blood sugar and improve our energy levels. Almonds are rich in vitamin E that promotes cognitive abilities and protects our brain.

>> Blueberries strengthen our immunity and enhances our overall health with power-packed antioxidants. They support our brain function and offer acid-alkaline balance in our intestines.

>> Ginger is warming, anti-inflammatory, soothes our stomach cramps, reduces flatulence, and alleviates our common cold and flu symptoms.

>> Parsley is rich in vitamin C that decreases inflammation, beta-carotene which helps prevent infection and strengthen immunity, and folic acid (vitamin B) that supports our cardiovascular health. Parsley also contains volatile oils that can help to neutralize particular types of carcinogens.

>> Spinach is high in fiber which supports healthy digestion and intestinal flora, iron for energy and healthy immune response, and folic acid for our heart health.

>> Walnuts are rich in omega-3 essential fatty acids, gently laxative, cardioprotective, and contain ellagic acid which supports our immune system.

Please leave a comment below, if you notice your mood and energy pick up.