Hangover Helper Detox Green Smoothie
Recipe by Chris Newport, Nutritionist and Head Coach
Got a nasty hangover? Here’s your detox green solution in a glass.
This is the perfect green smoothie based on our last blog post 5 Hangover Helpers. Even if you’re not a drinker, this is a great “detox” smoothie, as it aids the specific reactions your body does naturally to eliminate toxins.
Kale is a member of the Brassica family of vegetables, which contain chemicals called glucosinolates. These breakdown into isothiocyanates, which aid your liver in its natural detoxification process. Keep in mind, there are several different kinds of kale, so I encourage you to find which one you prefer the most (like curly or dinosaur, for example). Lightly steamed is preferred to raw to release more sulforaphanes, but get them any way you can!
TIP: Steam several bunches of kale (be sure to tear the leaves off the ribs beforehand) and freeze for smoothies or to toss in soups, casseroles and more. We often get ours in the freezer section of the grocery store.
The pineapple and lemon juice provide vitamin C, which research suggests may also help your liver in the detoxification process. Plus, the lemon juice reduces the bitterness of the kale. A good quality whey protein like our favorite Klean Isolate will help balance your blood sugar as well as increase levels of glutathione, a natural antioxidant. Chia seeds add healthy fat (for more blood sugar balancing) as well as create a gel in your gut for improved toxin elimination via your gut.
Word of caution: Due to chia’s gelling properties, try to consume your smoothie fairly quickly after mixing or else you’ll have hangover “pudding”…unless you like that kind of thing.
Also note that this makes a great post-workout smoothie after a strength training session, so long as you add your favorite protein powder!
Hangover Helper Detox Green Smoothie
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup unsweetened almond or coconut milk
- 1/2 cup chopped, packed kale
- 1/4 cup pineapple fresh or frozen
- 1/4 banana fresh or frozen
- 1/2 T lemon juice
- 1 scoop Klean Isolate protein powder optional
- 1/2 T chia seeds whole or ground
- ice optional
Instructions
- Place the ingredients in the blender in the order listed, blend and sip away your headache!
