Weekend Cure!

Femina January 2013, Hälsa

Recipes: Åsa Paul-Johansson, Text: Katarina Danielsson, Photos:  Martin Löf, Heléne Linsjö

FEM1301-112-114-SMOOTHIE

During the weekend you have more time to pamper yourself. So, if you’re tired from a long week’s work, struggling with a cold, or preparing for a trip to the gym, here are some drinks that will help you move forward!

FEM1301--114-SMOOTHIE

1. A LITTLE LOW

Spring is far away and the checking account is empty after all expenditures during the Holidays. Give your system life force with a real “Hulk” drink, filled with minerals, chlorophyll and surprising flavor.
2 apples
4-5 stalks of celery, with some leaves if you like
½ lime
2 handfuls green lettuce
Preparation: Juice the apples and celery. Press lime juice by hand and add. Blend the juice with lettuce, and preferably drink right away.

2. UPSET STOMACH

It is a well-known fact that blueberries are good for the eyesight, but the berries also positively affect the intestinal flora, comparable to probiotics. Cashew nuts give protein and minerals and a creamy texture.
Handful cashew nuts
1 cup water
1 teaspoon honey
½ teaspoon pure vanilla (health food store)
Optional: 1 probiotic capsule (health food store)
2½ cups blueberries, frozen
Preparation: In a blender, process the nuts to powder, the best you can. Add water, honey and vanilla. (Empty the probiotic capsule into the mixture, if using.) Blend until creamy, add blueberries, and blend until well mixed.

3. JUST BEEN SICK

If you recently had a winter cold or a week with the flu, you really want to boost yourself. Go for beneficial citrus vitamins, ginger for circulation and digestion, and blood cleansing red beet.
4-5 oranges
1 small beet
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
Preparation: Juice the oranges (opt for using part of the white rind) and the beet, mix with grated ginger.

4. WIND DOWN

The smell and taste of cinnamon makes you associate with things calm and cozy, the glögg (mulled wine) and cookies from Christmas are still fresh in our minds. Cinnamon is also warming and gives an exciting taste combination together with grapes and pear. The lettuce makes the drink “up to date” – green smoothies have been a health trend among many lately.
2 cups red grapes
1 pear
1 handful lettuce leaves, red
½ teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup water
Preparation: Place all ingredients in a blender and mix until smooth.

5. TO THE GYM

Prepare for the workout with carbs and satisfy your hunger. Bananas feel obvious; raspberries give vitamin C and fiber. The cacao is for flavor, but also for magnesium and energy.
1 cup raspberries, frozen
2 small bananas
1½ teaspoons cacao powder (preferably raw, found in health food stores)
1 cup water
Preparation: Blend raspberries, bananas, cacao and half the water. Add remaining water and continue blending to a smooth, thick shake. If you use raw cacao, the drink will be lighter.

Each recipe gives approx. 2 glasses, save one for Sunday!