This Green Zesty Detox Gut Health Smoothie is one of my favorites to soothe the gut and demonstrate how delicious healthy foods can be. It’s packed with fiber, nutrients, powerful antioxidants and wholesome ingredients that you feel go to work inside your body from the moment your drink it. It’s a gut love fest from the first tangy sip.

This creamy green goodness drink is an anti-inflammatory powerhouse packed with the perfect combination of nutrient dense dark leafy green vegetables and fruits brimming with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It’s a perfect blend of green smooth texture combined with zesty citrusy sour notes that’s uplifting and energy boosting. It’s packed with more nutrients than your average meal, so it helps you stay healthy on the inside and out. You can enjoy it for breakfast, light lunch or a snack between meals.

Impact of Gut Health on Immune System

Getting more nutrient dense foods is not only a positive, it’s a must for anyone living with a chronic auto-immune condition. Eating more anti-inflammatory foods high in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants such as fruits and vegetables helps support a healthy immune system.  Medical researchers are continually finding new evidence of the impact of gut health on the immune system.

I’ve learned more about more about improving gut health since being diagnosed with Graves’ Disease. I know that loving my gut and feeding it anti-inflammatory foods is key for maintaining optimal health. When I feed by gut, soothing, wholesome, nutrient dense ingredients, it loves me back and I feel good on the inside and out.

If you or your loved ones are dealing with an inflammation-based health condition, do your gut a favor and try this anti-inflammatory, gut health green smoothie. It’s full of creamy green goodness and pure deliciousness from the most potent powerhouse plant foods that can help transform your health on the inside and out.

Live well. Start a gut loving smoothie lovefest.  The more you love your gut, the more your gut will love you and the healthier you will be.

Why this Green Smoothie is a Must for Your Gut!

Green Tea

Green Tea is high in flavonoids (antioxidants) and is the best source of catechins. Catechins are a group of antioxidants that stop cell damage and fight disease and are even more powerful than vitamins C and E.

Turmeric

The spice turmeric commonly used in curry comes from the turmeric root and is related to the ginger family. Whole turmeric root is loaded with potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds. This golden superfood spice been researched extensively due to its powerful anti-inflammatory health benefits. Turmeric is one of nature’s most potent anti-inflammatory botanicals.

Spinach and Arugula

Spinach and arugula are jam packed with vitamins, especially K and A as well as folic acid, magnesium, iron and calcium. They are powerful anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, detoxifying super foods. With significant gut health benefits of spinach and arugula, they are foundational to any green detox smoothie recipe.

Cilantro

Cilantro is loaded with beneficial phytonutrients, vitamins, minerals, flavonoids and active phenolic compounds. It helps your body get rid of heavy metals by binding to them. Eating a diet rich in cilantro can also have great anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits.

Celery

Celery is a great source of inflammation fighting compounds and antioxidants. It’s a rich source of vitamin C, beta carotene, and flavonoids. There are at least 12 kinds of antioxidants in a single stalk. It’s a wonderful source of phytonutrients, which have been shown to reduce instances of inflammation in the digestive tract. Read more about celery and gut health here.

Kiwis

Kiwis are full of nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin E, folate and potassium. They have a lot of antioxidants and are a good source of fiber. Their fuzzy brown peel and small black seeds are edible. Kiwis pack a lot of flavor and health benefits in a small fruit.

Bananas

Bananas have a natural antacid effect and can help normalize digestive function. They are also full of healthy carbohydrates and potassium that fills you up and gives you energy. Read more about bananas and gut health here.

Apples and Pears

Apples and pears can improve digestion and assist the immune system thanks to being extremely rich in dietary fiber and important antioxidants. In addition, apples and pears are rich in quercetin, an anti-inflammatory flavonoid that can actually help heal the lining of the intestine. Read more about apples and pears and gut health.

Lemons and Limes

Lemons and limes contain high amounts of vitamin C, soluble fiber and plant compounds. The soluble fiber in lemons and limes can help improve digestive health. But you need to heat the pulp, not just the juice. The zesty taste and sour notes of the lemons and lime add a tangy balance that makes the green detox smoothie delicious as well as nutritious.

Power Packed Gut Health Smoothie

It’s the perfect anti-inflammatory gut health smoothie for living well with zest! Combining nutrient dark leafy greens, fruits, plus anti-inflammatory green tea and turmeric, this smoothie is the perfect drink to soothe, uplift, detox, and energize you and help keep you healthy inside and out. It’s not only zesty, it’s healthy! Makes plenty to share with your family or save the extra for a healthy snack to enjoy later.

I always love sharing, enjoying easy, healthy recipes.  Even more rewarding is sharing delicious food that helps people live well with zest! I hope you try it and share it with your family and friends. Let me know what you think?

Grace Notes

It’s so true that we are what we eat. Now we know that if we love food that loves our guts, our guts love us back and we can live healthier lives.  The more we love our guts, the more our guts love us.

I’m inspired by Popeye, one of the most recognizable pop-culture icons in the world. I fell in love with eating spinach when I was a kid after watching Popeye’s girlfriend Olive Oyl, bring him cans of spinach and watch sparks of hearts fly between them. That must have been true love. Drinking my Green Gut Health Smoothie reminds me of Popeye downing the can of spinach brought to him by loving Olive Oyl. Fueled with his spinach, Popeye cold overcome anything, achieve his dreams, and get his girl. I feel like I’m giving my body extra strength and extra love to stay strong and live well with zest.

You are what you eat. Love yourself. Love your gut.

Enjoy and live Well with Zest!

Bev xo

Written by Bev Hope

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This mouth-watering, decadent tasting chocolate dessert is packed with super nutrients! Wondering how that’s even possible? The “secret sauce” is a super food mixed with lots of cacao! This delicious dairy-free chocolate mousse gets its smooth creaminess from avocados, one of Nature’s most perfect foods. Plus it’s easy to make, takes only 10 minutes, and comes out perfectly every time! This is a guilt-free dessert that you will love and will love you back! Enjoy it and feed your body these nutrient packed superfoods it needs:

Avocados

This superfood contains 20 vitamins and minerals, which is why it’s on the top of the superfood list. Plus here are some of the many health benefits of avocados:

• Suppresses Appetite and Stabilizes Blood Sugar -Avocados contain monounsaturated fats which are good for you. They contain healthy fats that help you feel satiated by sending your brain a signal to turn off your appetite.  These fats help keep blood sugar stable by slowing down the breakdown of carbohydrates.
• Supports Healthy Vision – Avocados contain lutein and zeaxanthin, two phytochemicals that provide the antioxidants that help minimize damage from ultraviolet light.
• Aids in Digestion – Avocados are a high fiber food with 6-7 grams of fiber per half an avocado. They help maintain a healthy digestive system.

Cacao

This superfood contains an abundance of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and phytonutrients. Some of the amazing health benefits of cacao include:

• Iron-Rich – Cacao is the highest plant-based source of iron. Getting sufficient iron is important for maintaining energy, focus, healthy immune system and more.
• A Feel-Good Food – Cacao contains anandamide, which is a natural euphoric compound that lifts mood. The other mood enhancing ingredient in cocoa is tryptophan, a natural anti-depressant.

Decadent Dessert that’s a Delicious Treat and Medicine Too

With two of Nature’s nutrient-dense superfoods paired together, this dessert is not only a treat, it is medicine for your mind, body, and soul. Don’t be surprised if you’ll want second helpings and don’t worry about indulging. It’s good for you and will make you feel g-o- o-d.

Grace Notes

It’s best to serve in traditional French mousse dishes to enhance the appeal. Sprinkle with toasted hazelnuts, almonds, coconut, or shaved chocolate to add a fool proof disguise to this decadent looking dessert. Your guests will never know you are feeding them “medicine”.

Enjoy and Live Well with Zest!

Bev  xo

Written by Bev Hope

Non-Dairy Chocolate Mousse

• Author: Bev Hope
• Category: Dessert

Ingredients

• 2 ripe avocados, cut in half and pitted⠀
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cacao powder⠀
• 4 tbsp. of full fat coconut milk⠀
• 1 ripe banana⠀
• 4 tbsp. of pure maple syrup⠀
• 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract⠀
• 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon⠀
• Pinch of sea salt⠀

Instructions

1. Scoop the flesh of the avocados into a food processor or Vitamix.
2. Add the cacao powder, coconut milk, banana, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt and process on medium until creamy whipped and well blended⠀
3.  Serve in two individual mousse dishes or parfait bowls. Garnish with toasted shredded coconut, toasted chopped hazelnuts or your topping of choice. ⠀

Notes

ADD-ONS Garnish with toasted shredded coconut, toasted chopped hazelnuts, toasted slivered almonds or shaved dark chocolate.

Keywords: Non-Dairy, Chocolate, Dessert, Paleo, Whole30, Superfoods

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This Anti-Inflammatory Thai Pumpkin Soup recipe is always a family pleaser and potluck winner!  It is amazingly flavorful with the perfect combination of spiciness and creamy smooth texture. It’s packed with nutrient dense vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants that help keep you and your loved ones healthy on the inside and outside.

I received a Vitamix for my birthday a few years ago.  My birthday is in October and it was pumpkin season, so the first thing I experimented with was making pumpkin soup. With pumpkins in season, I prepared Thai Pumpkin Soup from the Vitamix Cookbook with fresh, organic authentic ingredients from a local farm. It was such a hit that it became a seasonal tradition I’ve been making for my family and friends ever since. Not only have I used the freshest organic ingredients, I’ve also adapted it to make it even more an anti-inflammatory powerhouse soup! It’s pure deliciousness from pure superfoods.

Fresh Organic Pumpkin 

First, I make it with fresh organic pumpkins to maximize the taste and health benefits. Pumpkins are a rich source of Vitamin A and C which help fight free radicals and boost your immune system. Pumpkins get their bright orange color from the high amount of Beta carotene which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Carotenoids assist in staving off free radicals in the body and help in preventing premature aging, cardiovascular disease and infections.

Spices Ginger, Turmeric, and Garlic

Then I add extra zest and health benefits with spices that have well-known medicinal properties. Spices like ginger and turmeric both help ease inflammation. Turmeric is known to be a powerful anti-inflammatory when taken as a supplement, and when ingested in food, it really spices up the flavor. Garlic contains anti-oxidants that protect against cell damage, helps prevent infection and helps support a healthy immune system.

Chicken Bone Broth and Coconut Milk 

For the base, I use chicken bone broth, which also helps ease inflammation in the gut and soothe the gut lining. Coconut milk and cream makes this soup creamy and smooth and brings health benefits too. Coconut milk which is high in Vitamins C and E, and rich in antioxidants also aids in the reduction of inflammation. It is rich in electrolytes such as potassium and magnesium and helps support a healthy immune system.

Zesty and Healthy Crowd Pleaser 

It’s the perfect soup for living well with zest! Combining nutrient dense fresh pumpkin, nourishing chicken bone broth, plus anti-inflammatory coconut milk, ginger and turmeric, this soup is the perfect way to delight your family and friends and help them stay healthy inside and out. It’s not only zesty, it’s healthy

I always love sharing, enjoying good food together and seeing my crockpot empty sooner than later.  Even more rewarding is sharing delicious food that helps people live well with zest! I hope you try it and share it with your family and friends. Let me know what you think?

Grace Notes

I am inspired by Linus in It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, one of my favorite childhood holiday movies, adapted from Waiting for the Great Pumpkin by Charles M. Schulz. I have never stop believing in the power of the Great Pumpkin. But now we have the data to know the power of the Great Pumpkin!

Enjoy and live Well with Zest!

Bev xo

Written by Bev Hope

Thai Roasted Pumpkin Soup

• Author: Bev Hope
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings
• Category: Soup
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

• 2 Tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 Tablespoon organic tomato paste
• 2 1/2 cups of roasted, mashed organic pumpkin
• 2 Tablespoons chopped fresh ginger root
• 1 Tablespoons chopped fresh turmeric root
• 2 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped
• 3 cups of organic chicken bone broth
• 3/4 cup organic coconut cream
• 3/4 cup organic coconut milk
• 1 Tablespoon chopped green chilies
• 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
• Fresh ground sea salt and black pepper corns

Instructions

1. Slice 2 small pumpkins in quarters, scoop out seeds. Rub with olive oil and sprinkle ground sea salt and black pepper. Back at 425 for 50 – 60 minutes until tender. Scoop out pulp.
2. Sauté onion in olive oil until soft and tender. Add tomato paste, pumpkin, ginger, turmeric garlic, broth, coconut cream, and coconut milk. Combine until heated through.
3. Place mixture into Vitamix or food processor. Add chilies and lemon juice and secure lid.
4. Select variable 1.
5. Switch Vitamix to Start and slowly increase speed to variable 10.
6. Blend for 45 to 60 seconds or until smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper.For extra flavor garnish soup with chopped toasted peanuts and fresh chopped organic cilantro.

Notes

Add-Ins

For an authentic dash of extra flavor, garnish with cilantro, chopped peanuts and sour cream.

Tips

Double the recipe for a holiday party or pot luck dinner. Save time by roasting the pumpkins the night before. Avoid substituting canned pumpkin to experience full anti-inflammatory health benefits, but canned pumpkin will work if pressed for time.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: Per 1 Cup (240ml)
• Calories: 216
• Sodium: 375 mg
• Fat: 13 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg

Keywords: Paleo, Whole30, Keto, Anti-Inflammatory, Pumpkin, Soup, Thai, Vitamix, Potluck, Crockpot, Holidays

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I call this the “Fastest Blueberry Crisp in the West”. You can prepare this yummy dessert in about 7 minutes. Thirty minutes later, you can pull it out of the oven. You will have a perfectly baked dessert with a bubbling juicy fruit bottom and a crispy golden in no time. To make it extra special, serve it warm with your favorite topping. It’s a modern, healthier Paleo style version of the old-fashioned classic blueberry cobbler. It’s packed with fruity, crunchy goodness you can’t beat!

My favorite dessert to bake for my family and friends my entire adult life has always been blueberry desserts. I’m a fanatic about blueberries for their taste and antioxidant benefits. I have alw

ays looked for ways to eat and share this wonderful fruit in all kinds of delicious, creative ways. Recently, I’ve turned my creativity to making gluten-free blueberry desserts that better fit with my anti-inflammatory diet and lifestyle. This is a great upgrade of my old-fashioned blueberry cobbler and crisp recipes I’ve used in the past.

Why Gluten-Free?

Why go gluten-free? Gluten has become quite a controversial topic in recent years. Many experts claim that only those with celiac disease benefit from avoiding or eliminating gluten. But more research show that gluten, which is found in wheat, barley, rye and smelt, can affect the intestinal wall. Specifically, it can cause “leaky gut”. This is when particles that are supposed to pass through the intestines break through the gut wall. Then these particles get into the bloodstream where they don’t belong. The particles can put pressure on your body’s immune response and cause inflammation. For anyone with auto-immune conditions, inflammation is a constant problem they have to manage. And “leaky gut” can make inflammation worse. 

Anti-Inflammatory Foods Helps Manage Inflammation

I’m dealing with my own autoimmune condition, Graves’ disease. My immune system, which is supposed to be protecting me, is attacking my own thyroid tissues. Graves’ disease is causing my thyroid to be overactive. There is not a specific diet to prevent or treat Graves’ disease. With Graves’ disease, certain foods should be avoided, and others should be eaten to help promote health and avoid inflammation. Food plays an important role in managing inflammatory symptoms. And it can be delicious! There are a ton of delicious anti-inflammatory foods you can include your diet. You don’t have to give up your favorite old-fashioned desserts and treats. All you have to do is cook with modern, healthier ingredients that fit with an anti-inflammatory diet.

Gluten-Free Ingredients You’ll Need 

Fresh Blueberries

I find fresh, preferably organic blueberries work best.  Blackberries or boysenberries can be mixed in for variety.  Blueberries and blackberries packed with antioxidants are an ideal food to help keep your immune system strong.

Almond flour and Tapioca Starch

These ingredients help form the base of the crispy topping. Almond flour, tapioca starch or arrowroot are ideal substitutes for traditional topping ingredients.  The best thing is that these replace the gluten containing ingredients found in most wheat-based flour recipes.

Walnuts

Chopped walnuts add the crisp to the crispy topping.  Walnuts are the primary anti-inflammatory ingredient in this delicious gluten-free topping.  Rich source of omega-3s, protein and fiber, walnuts provide many health benefits to this delicious dessert. 

Coconut Oil or Ghee

Melted coconut oil is ideal for the making the crispy golden crust. Ghee or grass-fed organic butter is a better substitute for butter.

Maple Syrup

Pure maple syrup adds the sweetness that blends perfectly with the natural berry sweetness. Maple syrup, a natural sweetener, is an ideal substitute for refined sugar in old-fashioned blueberry crisp recipes. Excess sugar and refined starches can boost production of inflammatory chemicals in the body. Thankfully, there are many natural sweeteners that make these old classics even better desserts!

Lemon Juice

Fresh lemon juice has always been one of my favorite secret ingredients in blueberry pie. It adds a little kick and punches up the flavor of the blueberries.

Cinnamon

A touch of cinnamon is the other secret ingredient that adds mysterious spiciness. It blends perfectly with the sweet crunchy topping.

Pink Sea Salt

Just a pinch or two of salt is all you need to add harmony. Salt bring out the best in the mixture of flavors in the topping.

Scrumptious, Delicious and Healthy Blueberry Crisp

You don’t have to miss the classic old-fashioned blueberry crisp family recipe anymore. This a simple gluten free blueberry crisp recipe with a crunchy topping that tastes like the real thing. It’s a twist on a favorite classic that fits a healthy, anti-inflammatory lifestyle.  For a quick and easy gluten-free dessert, baking fruit with a nutty topping, is the easiest way to go. This blueberry crisp is not only the fastest, but also the healthiest blueberry dessert recipe I know. And It’s so delicious, that we love to make it over and over all year long!

Grace Notes

Every time I make this blueberry dessert, I remember going blueberry picking with my young sons. We would fill up two big buckets.  The first thing we would make was always fresh blueberry cobbler. To cap off the day, we would read Blueberries with Sal. This classic children’s picture book by Robert McCloskey was awarded the Caldecott Honor in 1949. More than a decade later, I still get a boost of endorphins every time I make blueberry cobbler!  Imagine how many mothers and grandmothers have happy blueberry-picking memories too. Given that’s got to be the case, let’s bring on more blueberry cobbler! May happy blueberry memories continue. And may they be even better knowing there are healthier ways to serve our old-fashioned blueberry classics. 

I get satisfaction from the delight in my family and friends’ eyes when they dig into this scrumptious dessert. But more rewarding is sharing delicious food that helps people live healthy happy lives. Try this twist on a classic dessert yourself. Share it with your family and friends and let me know what you think.

Enjoy and Be Well with Zest!

Bev

Written by Bev Hope

Favorite Gluten-Free Blueberry Crisp

• Author: Bev Hope
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

• 2 pints fresh blueberries, preferably organic
• 1 organic lemon, halved
• 1 cup organic almond flour
• 1 tablespoon of tapioca starch
• 1/4 cup of chopped organic walnuts
• 1/4 cup ghee butter or coconut oil melted
• 2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 pinches of pink sea salt

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375 F and prepare 9-inch square baking dish.
2. Place the blueberries and half the lemon juice in the 9-inch square baking dish. Toss to cover the blueberries with the juice.
3. In a separate mixing bowl, make the crisp by combining the almond flour, nuts, melted butter, maple syrup, remaining lemon juice, cinnamon and salt. Mix well.
4. Using your hands, spread the nut topping crisp mixture evenly over the blueberries.
5. Bake in over for 30 to 40 minutes until the crisp is golden brown. Check at 30 minutes.
6. Serve by itself or with your choice of gluten-free ice cream.

Notes

ADD-INS
Mix in blackberries or boysenberries, half and half with the blueberries.
Mix chopped Macadamia nuts with the chopped walnuts.

TIPS
Add a little extra maple syrup for extra sweetness or substitute organic honey as well.
Serve with ice cream, vanilla cashew milk is great.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup

Keywords: Dessert, Paleo, Gluten-Free, Blueberries, Anti-Inflammatory Diet

Did You Make This Recipe? Are you a blueberry lover? What types of blueberry recipes do you want to see?

Tag #wellwithzest on Instagram @BevHope

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