The keto diet can be heavy. When I'm in the mood for something light and healthy, smoothies are my go-to meal. This Green Detox Smoothie is vegan, keto-friendly, and packed with nutrient-dense fruits, veggies and anti-inflammatory properties. And on top of all that, it's also quite yummy! 🙂
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Why Detox?
We all have toxins in our body, and our bodies are naturally equipped to expel these toxins. However, our modern way of life means that we are exposed to more toxins than ever before, and depending on where you live and what you consume, some people experience toxin overload. To assist your body with expelling the toxins, "detox diets" have become popular, especially detox soups, smoothies and drinks.
Your body is fully capable of ridding itself of toxins on its own, assuming your organs (especially liver, kidneys, skin, lungs and digestive system) are fully functional. Therefore, I view detox meals not as a way to remove toxins, but as a way to give your body a helping hand to do what it already knows how to do. It's like a mini-vacation for the liver, gut and kidneys.
You can "detox" for one meal, one day, or several days. During this time, it's also beneficial to limit your alcohol intake, get a good night's sleep, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, reduce sugar and processed foods, limit antibiotics and consume both probiotics and prebiotics, consume foods that are high in antioxidants (i.e. dark chocolate, green tea, coffee, berries, nuts) and exercise.
What is a "toxin" and how did it get there?
What the heck is a "toxin?" Good question. And the answer is not straight forward. The loosely-defined term basically includes any compound that can be harmful to your body, such as pollutants, chemicals and heavy metals.
How do those toxins get there? Lots of ways, including: breathing polluted air, absorption through your skin (shampoos, lotions, etc.), drinking contaminated water (i.e. water that contains small amounts of pesticides from local farms) and eating processed foods.
How to make a Detox Smoothie
A detox smoothie should be full of nutrient-dense greens, pureed into a smoothie that is both filling and easy to digest. Some nutrients are fat-soluble, which means they need fat to be absorbed by the body, so including some healthy fats is important.
Detox Smoothie Ingredients:
- Spinach is extremely nutrient-dense, rich in antioxidants, and is soft enough to be blended into smoothies. provides an abundance of vitamin A, C, B9, and K1, as well as calcium and iron. As it is also low in net carbs, spinach is a low-carb super food.
- Powdered Greens are an easy way to add nutrients to your smoothie. Each brand is different, but most contain a mix of greens and vegetables that are high in vitamins and nutrients. I use Greens Blend by Amazing Grass.
- Kiwis are a good source of vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber. If you are keto, you will need to omit the kiwi.
- Ginger has long been used as an herbal medicine to calm the stomach and reduce nausea and gas. It also reduces inflammation, stimulates your circulation and prevents "bad" bacteria, like Salmonella, from growing.
- Lemon not only gives a burst of fresh flavor, but also provides your body with a boost of vitamin C.
- Avocados contain some of the healthiest oil around, especially for your heart. Avocado oil, like olive oil, is a monounsaturated fat which has been proven to reduce inflammation in the body and maintain healthy cholesterol levels. This helps with a range of things, including your joints, heart, blood sugar levels and more. Avocados also contain nutrients and vitamins such as magnesium, potassium, vitamin C, vitamin E, folate, and lots of B Vitamins.
- Turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory. It's also an antioxidant and has been used as an herbal supplement for centuries to help with arthritis, inflammation, acne and other skin ailments, the immune system and more.
- Inulin or Acacia senegal are both healthy fibers and prebiotics that aid in digestion and maintaining a healthy gut. I use this brand but any other brand will do.
M.Y. KETO MEAL PLAN
This recipe conforms to the M.Y. Keto Meal Plan, a plan that I custom created for people without a gallbladder who want to follow a keto diet. This meal plan incorporates healthy fats into each balanced meal. For more information, click here.
For more recipes on the M.Y. Keto Meal Plan, click here.
The recipe includes a kiwi for those who are following the M.Y. Low-carb Mediterranean Meal Plan. To make this smoothie keto, simply omit the kiwi.
M.Y. LOW-CARB MEDITERRANEAN MEAL PLAN
The M.Y. Low-carb Mediterranean Meal Plan is not as strict as keto, but is still fairly low-carb and incorporates healthy fats into each balanced meal. For more information, click here.
To make this recipe fit the Low-Carb Mediterranean plan, include one kiwi (or, alternatively, ⅓ of a banana) in your smoothie. You could also swap that out for any other fruit that fits within the meal plan.
For more recipes on the M.Y. Low-carb Mediterranean Meal Plan, click here.
📖 Recipe
Keto! Green Detox Smoothie
Equipment
- 1 Blender
Ingredients
- 1 cup nut milk
- 1 scoop protein powder
- ½ avocado
- handful spinach
- 1 scoop powdered greens (optional)
- ½ teaspoon inulin or Acacia senegal (optional)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
- dash ginger (optional)
- dash turmeric (optional)
- 1 kiwi ((omit for keto, can swap for ⅓ banana))
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. Serve immediately
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is estimated. Amounts may vary depending on the specific brand and/or type of ingredients you use. Sugar alcohols and other sweeteners that typically do not effect blood glucose levels, including but not limited to erythritol and allulose, are excluded from the carb count.
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