Green Citrus Breakfast Juice

I have been on the road a lot lately, traveling from Arizona to Washington, D.C./Virginia to Iowa.  Coming home this week felt wonderful - especially after a week of eating restaurant food.  Even after a week of light eating and cooking fresh food at home, the Easter holiday did me in.  It's hard eating at other people's houses when you're used to eating a certain way.  While the meal was delicious in every way, I notice immediately when my body needs a break. 

While I would love to say that I drink a fresh green smoothie every morning, I'd be lying.  I don't get around to them as often as I'd like, but after a lot of heavy foods it's my go-to.  A green juice or smoothie in the morning helps keep up my energy levels up and aids in my digestion - both of which are great after feeling weighed down by consecutive nights of heavy meals.

I like to play around with what I add to my juices/smoothies.  Each time really depends on what I have on hand.  This was my most recent juice, and it was delicious!

Green Citrus Breakfast Juice
1 1/2 c coconut water
1 handful of kale, stems removed
1/2 banana, fresh or frozen
2 dates, pitted
1 T coconut oil
1 handful fresh or frozen cranberries
1 orange, peeled
1 T Nordic Superfood, or your favorite superfood powder
1 handful of ice, if you prefer more of a smoothie consistency

Place all ingredients, in order, in a high speed blender.  Blend until smooth.

I get a lot of people that ask me where the protein is, or how this can last me until lunch.  I find that often times we eat lunch because the clock says noon.  This juice, many juices/smoothies for that matter, can last me many hours.  If you're listening to your body - really listening to it - you'll find that you might not be as hungry as you think you are.  Don't get me wrong if you need the protein, throw in a bit of almond butter or a protein powder, but don't fall into this trap of feeling as though you need a ton of protein at every meal in order to stay balanced.

After eating heavy meals or when you're feeling full or irregular, the enzymes in veggies and greens can aid in digestion.  While the verdict is still out on cranberries, they are said to contain acids that help to break down fatty foods.  Either way, this fabulous juice left me feeling lighter and more alert!

What is your favorite green juice or smoothie?

XoXo - Be Well,
Nicole