Green Fig Smoothie

Another successful 3-Day Smoothie Challenge is in the books and there were many favorites but this one won the fan favorite award! Easy, nutritious and delicious. What more could you want to start your day - or for a mid-day pick me up? I hope you love!

Figs are abundant in the fall but have a short season. Check your local farmers market and if you can’t find any, sub with a whole fresh apple, seeded and cored. Figs are loaded with nutrients, including magnesium, potassium, copper, vitamin K, and essential B vitamins. They are fiber-rich, which will help the body digest the natural sugar without giving you a spike and subsequent crash. They feed the gut bacteria, supporting healthy digestion, and can relieve constipation, gas, and bloating.

Studies have shown that fig consumption is linked to reducing total cholesterol, blood fat and blood sugar, lowering blood pressure, and even a reduced cancer risk. Please note if using dried figs, sugar content increases dramatically so you may want to adjust quantity if your blood sugar is not balanced.

Flax meal is made of ground flax seeds and serves as the source of healthy fat in this recipe. It’s helpful for nutrient absorption (and flavor) to have a little fat in each smoothie. Flax is an excellent source of heart-healthy omega-3 (anti-inflammatory) fat, and fiber as well as vitamins and minerals. Flax also contains antioxidants (mainly lignans), nearly 800x more than any other plant foods, which studies show may help maintain healthy estrogen levels and possibly prevent several types of cancer.

All you need is 5 ingredients:

- banana

- green figs

- fresh organic spinach

- flax meal (or freshly ground flaxseed)

- fresh lemon juice

Green Fig Smoothie (serves 1)

Ingredients:

• 1 frozen ripe banana, cut in 3-4 pieces (can be fresh)

• 3 fresh green figs, stems removed (can sub fresh-frozen or dried)

• 2 cups fresh organic spinach, washed and only tough stems trimmed

• 1 cup filtered water or unsweetened almond milk

• 1 tsp flax meal (or freshly ground flax seeds)

• 1 tsp fresh lemon juice

• Ice, if not using frozen ingredients

• Optional garnish: celery stick, bee pollen, hemp seeds, thin slice of fig

Directions:

1. If using dried figs, soak in filtered water for 15 minutes while you assemble remaining ingredients.

2. Add banana, figs, spinach, flax meal, and water or almond milk to a blender. Mix on high speed (starting low) until smooth. Taste and adjust any flavors if needed (add lemon if needed).

3. Serve immediately and garnish with celery stick, hemp seeds, bee pollen, or a slice of fig.

4. Any leftovers can be stored in a glass container with a tight-fitting lid in the fridge for 2-3 days or in the freezer for up to one month.

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