I don’t know about you, but every year when January rolls around I need a diet reboot. I try to be good during the holidays—I really do—but I LOVE food. Each December I doggedly pledge not to overindulge . . . which is all fine and well until I actually get my party on. That’s when resolve goes right out the window. Faced with a beautiful table of culinary treats, I quickly cave to, “well, just a little _____ won’t hurt.” Multiply that mindset times several events and before you know it, I’ve kicked resolve to the curb and dropped the mic.

Now that the season of temptation has thankfully come to close, it’s time to get back on track. I’m willing to bet you are all with me on this. So . . .

To kick off 2018, I’ve planned a series of posts to help you make peace with your resolve. I’m whipping up some simple, healthy recipes that are big on flavor and nutrition. You won’t find processed sugar, gluten or much in the way of grains in these offerings, and you won’t miss them one little bit! You will get a satisfying serving of delicious, mainly plant-based ingredients, good fats, fiber and lean proteins that will stave off cravings to help you stay energized throughout your busy day.

Sound good? Then let’s get this reboot started!

Breakfast is often the most overlooked meal of the day, and it’s also possibly the most important. Since your last meal was probably dinner the night before, followed by a solid six to eight hours of sleep, you’ve most likely gone 10 to 12 hours without any food. Your body is running on fumes! If you expect to function at peak performance all day, you need to fuel your system with more than a hit of caffeine and some toast.

This super yummy Green Goddess Smoothie is the answer to your morning routine.

The original recipe comes from friend and holistic acupuncture practitioner, Jodi Weitz in Novato, California. Jodi is the Queen of Green when it comes to blending up delicious, healthy drinks that support vitality. Her base version is packed full of fresh organic veggies, seeds, nuts and healthy fats that will sustain you until lunch.

It gets its creaminess from avocado and an optional splash of almond (or other non-dairy milk) if you like. I’ve adapted her recipe by adding a little fresh grated ginger, which lends a refreshing zing. I love this drink as is, but if you prefer a slightly sweeter beverage you can throw in half a frozen banana for good measure.

To save time in the morning, simply prep multiple servings of veggies in advance and store in the fridge. Just throw a serving in your Vitamix (it’s the best blender on the market if you can pony up the dough), add the soaked seeds, nuts and liquid ingredients, and blend!

Your tasty, portable breakfast-in-a-glass is ready in seconds.

Rich in fiber with no processed sugar, gluten or dairy, this recipe is vegetarian & vegan friendly. Feel free to play with the ingredients and add your own twist to this green smoothie. Cheers to the start of your day!

Jodi’s Green Goddess Smoothie (makes 1 large serving; approx. 2 1/2 cups)

Printable Recipe: Green Goddess Smoothie Recipe

Ingredients:

*use all organic veggies & fruit if possible.

• 1/3 organic zucchini, sliced with skin on
• 1 celery rib, trimmed and sliced
• 1 generous handful fresh spinach/kale mix
• 1/3 cucumber, peeled & sliced
• 1/4 lemon (preferably Meyer lemon) with skin on.
• 1/2 ripe avocado
• 1/2 small apple, cored & sliced with skin on
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil (melted)
• 8 raw almonds or 1/8 cup pumpkin seeds, soaked overnight in water.
• 2 teaspoon chia seeds, soaked overnight in water
• 2 teaspoon hemp seeds, soaked overnight in water
• 2 teaspoons flax meal
• 1 cup filtered water or coconut water
• optional splash of almond milk (or non-dairy milk of choice)
• optional 1/2 frozen banana, sliced

Directions:

1. The night before: soak the almonds, chia and hemp seeds in a little warm water.
2. Combine all ingredients in the bowl of a blender and process until smooth and creamy. Pour and enjoy!