Creamy Almond Kale Smoothie
If there was one thing you could do right now to improve your health would you do it? Eating raw cruciferous vegetables daily might be our saving grace in this increasingly toxic world. Cruciferous vegetables will upregulate or "produce" the enzymes your body needs to eliminate environmental toxins and properly metabolize estrogen. They also provide the sulfur, folates, and magnesium these enzymes need to function optimally. Worried about cruciferous vegetables causing thyroid problems? If you closely examine the scientific literature, you will see that people who have thyroid issues after eating cruciferous vegetables are iodine insufficient. Eating nori, cooking your beans with kombu, and eating wild caught Alaskan salmon are ways to increase your iodine intake. We (including our children) also take a kelp extract supplement daily. Researchers are now finding that environmental toxicants have a major role in the rise of thyroid related disorders.....so eating raw cruciferous vegetables protects your health on many levels.
This light and creamy smoothie is made with three simple ingredients. It is so easy to make and tastes amazing! I use homemade raw vanilla almond milk which is so flavorful and full of live enzymes. I make it by soaking raw almonds in water for about 24 hours; then I rinse, drain, and blend them with fresh water, a pinch of sea salt, vanilla powder, and a dash of maple syrup. Then all you do is strain the milk though a clean dishtowel or nut milk bag to remove the pulp. You could also use Hemp Milk, cashew milk, or kefir in place of the almond milk.
Creamy Almond-Kale Smoothie
This smoothie recipe makes a great after school snack for your children. Serve it with carrot sticks and apple slices. Start with one pear and if you need the smoothie a little sweeter, add part or all of the second pear.
- Place all of the ingredients into a high-powered blender and blend until smooth and creamy.
- This recipe makes approximately 4 cups.
- Drink immediately or store in a covered glass jar in your refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Use this recipe in our Meal Planner
About the Author
Ali Segersten
Alissa Segersten holds a Bachelor's of Science in Nutrition from Bastyr University and a Master’s of Science in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine from the University of Western States. She is a Functional Nutritionist, the mother of five children, a whole foods cooking instructor, professional recipe developer, and cookbook author. She is passionate about helping others find a diet that will truly nourish them. Alissa is the author of two very popular gluten-free, whole foods cookbooks and guidebooks: The Whole Life Nutrition Cookbook and Nourishing Meals. She is also the co-author of The Elimination Diet book. Alissa is the founder and owner of Nourishing Meals®.Nourishing Meals Newsletter
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Hi Ali, Thank you for this beautiful recipe! Could you please share which brand of kelp extract does your family use? Thanks --Divya
Monika- I have a recipe in both of my cookbooks for making raw almond milk....but I never measure anything and just throw it all together. Use more almonds and less water for a richer, creamier milk! :)
Cherie- Homemade almond milk and whole almonds are ok for phase 3 of the elimination diet, but not earlier.
Hi, I am wondering why you can have almond milk but not almonds in the elimination diet? Wouldnt you have to cut the almond milk as well to test if you are intolerant?
Thanks!
~ Cherie
Off-topic: I'm commenting here as per Dr. Jean Layton's instructions for the giveaway of your new cookbook. I borrowed the book from my library and am extremely impressed with the breadth, depth, and latitude with which it is written.
Looks great! I also made a greens smoothie on my blog if you'd lie, to check it out:)
http://healthnutnutrition.wordpress.com/2012/10/08/not-so-green-green-smoothie/
I've always admired the classic/colorful/swirl straws. You've inspired me to purchase them.
Very much enjoyed your post. Juicing is something I am continually trying to turn into a habit.
Your garden kale looks absolutely lovely and the smoothie awesomely delicious. What type of kale are you growing? Mine has a tendency to get moldy after a few months growing and pruning, etc. Any tips? Thanks!
I know for a fact that this smoothie is delicious, I actually tried something very similar last week! Thanks for sharing :)
We love kale in our smoothies! And still have five rows in the garden.....although it is going to be in the 20's here tonight. We have a low tunnel all ready to go so we can cover it and keep it growing all winter long. Fresh kale is the best!
Thanks for the new flavor idea.
Stephanie
Thank you for sharing. I'm always looking for tasty ways to get my husband to eat kale.
In order to make the almond milk, how much almonds do you use and how much water, since the almonds soak up some of the water?
Thanks,
Monika
Looks delicious! I love kale smoothies and grow it throughout the winter so I can have it fresh!
~Rob
This looks yummy! I have one similar to this one. My daughter and I had it this afternoon as a snack. DELISH! I just planted some kale in my garden last night! So excited. I love your kale in the rain photo:)
Would you mind sharing what Kelp supplement you take? I'd love to get on one and wonder how I could get it into my kids. Is it a liquid?
Thanks!
Great site! Thanks for the great recipe and information!!
Loving this recipe and thank you for posting this for everyone to try.