Happy New Year, everyone! I seriously can’t believe it’s 2010. Incredible!
I figured we’d start the New Year off right with a detox smoothie that incorporates some seasonal fruits and also some spices of the Middle East that are extremely beneficial to the health.
I’ve been a smoothie junkie since my teens. What’s not to love? They’re refreshing, filling, and flavorful. Growing up, my mom was cool enough to let me play around a lot in the kitchen. Sometimes I even came up with something worthwhile 😉 Like a great smoothie.
Over the years, I’ve made many different types of smoothies, but this one has to be one of my favorites. It’s simple, fresh, and effective at cleaning out the body and helping to reduce bloat and/or fluid retention. It’s full of nutrients, antioxidants, and is super-hydrating, so if any of you are bellying up to this blog after a night of bellying up to the bar, read on. . .
Fresh cranberries at the farmers’ market inspired this smoothie. The cranberries help reduce bloat. The turmeric has may beneficial properties. It’s a popular spice in Middle Eastern food and in many other cuisines as well (Indian comes to mind). It has anti-inflammatory properties, is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent, and a liver detoxifier.
Pumpkin pie spice is added in for more flavor and fun, but if you don’t have a pumpkin pie spice blend on hand, you could simplify and just add in some ground cinnamon and/or nutmeg.
This smoothie has a tartness to it, thanks in no small part to the cranberries and the fresh lemon, so don’t expect it to be super sweet. Whenever possible, use organic ingredients to really start the new year off right 😉
Cranberry Bliss Detox Smoothie
For 2 smoothies, 12-16 ounces each:
2 apples, sliced, peel left on
2 pears, sliced, peel left on
1 lemon, peeled, cut in quarters, seeds removed
1 cup fresh cranberries
2 cups of filtered water (keep extra handy if needed)
Sweetener of choice (my picks would be stevia, agave, or honey, in that order of preference)
4-6 Ice cubes (if you want a cooler smoothie)
1 Tablespoon turmeric
2 Teaspoons pumkin pie spice blend (optional) OR 2 teaspoons of cinnamon or 1 teaspoon of nutmeg
Directions:
1. Blend ice, if using, and 1 cup of the filtered water together. Then add the spice powders and blend again. Add in all fruits and blend until smooth, adding water as necessary. Check the taste and adjust seasoning to taste. If it seems too thick, add more filtered water and re-blend.
2. Pour into festive glasses of your choice, and enjoy. I like to drink mine with a straw. You can store the smoothie, covered, in the fridge for two days, or freeze any leftover smoothie and enjoy another day.
What a great and unusual smoothie! I definitely could use a detox day after this trip to Beirut! Plus I totally love turmeric although I have never had it in a drink!
Thanks for adding me and I will return the gesture!
Have a great new year, XOX, Joumana
Yay, Joumana, detox away! 😉 Enjoy the smoothie. After all the amazing sweets I’m sure you’ve been having lately, you might find this smoothie quite tart, so please so feel free to adjust the sweetness to your taste (as it says in the recipe). Happy New Year!
Bria, I love this cranberry smoothie, not just as a detox drink but all year long!
Best wishes for 2010!
Best wishes to you, too, my dear. I agree–cranberries are delicious year-round. I keep some frozen in my freezer all year long.
Love your space here.A sensational detox drink.Let me know,if you’d like this to be included in the healing foods event at my blog.
Best wishes for 2010 😀
Yasmeen, thanks for checking out my blog. Glad you like it 🙂 Please tell me more about the healing foods event. (I think you put a link in your comment, but for some reason it’s not working for me). You can comment back here or email me at briayoga4soul at gmail dot com –whichever is easiest for you works for me. Can’t wait to hear more.
bria, that photo of the smoothie in the snow is really beautiful. x
Thank you, Shayma. My friend Stacey Young took that picture. She’s a budding food photographer. I will post a link to her website as soon as it’s up.
The smoothie is light and refreshing. . .feels very cleansing in the colder months when we might start to feel weighed down a bit 😉
Yummie, your detox smoothie looks and sounds delicious…nice way to start the new year…Happy New Year Bria!