Here’s a healthy and delicious Juice and Dessert recipe that balances flavor and nutrition:
Refreshing Green Juice & Chia Pudding with Berries
Green Juice Ingredients:
- 1 cucumber
- 2 celery stalks
- 1 apple
- 1 handful of spinach
- 1/2 lemon (juice)
- A small piece of ginger (optional)
- 1 cup water
Chia Pudding Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1 cup almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries)
Instructions:
For the Green Juice:
- Prepare the Ingredients: Wash the cucumber, celery, apple, and spinach. Peel and chop the apple and ginger.
- Juice Everything: Add the ingredients (except lemon juice) to a juicer or blender with 1 cup of water. If using a blender, strain the juice using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth.
- Add Lemon: Squeeze half a lemon into the juice for a refreshing kick.
- Serve Cold: Pour over ice and enjoy immediately for a burst of freshness and energy!
For the Chia Pudding:
- Mix the Chia and Milk: In a small bowl, mix the chia seeds with almond milk and stir well to avoid clumping. Add honey or maple syrup for a touch of sweetness.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight, until it thickens into a pudding-like consistency.
- Top with Berries: Once the chia pudding is ready, top with fresh mixed berries.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the chia pudding as a light and healthy dessert after your green juice.
This recipe gives you a refreshing start with a nutrient-packed juice followed by a light, healthy dessert. The combination of flavors—tangy green juice with sweet and creamy chia pudding—creates a delightful balance between health and taste.
Health Benefits:
- Green Juice:
- Hydration & Detoxification: Cucumber and celery are high in water content, which helps keep you hydrated and supports the body’s natural detox processes.
- Boosts Immunity: Spinach, apples, and lemon are packed with antioxidants and Vitamin C, which help strengthen the immune system.
- Anti-Inflammatory: Ginger has natural anti-inflammatory properties, supporting digestion and reducing inflammation.
- Improves Digestion: The fiber from apple and spinach promotes healthy digestion and supports gut health.
- Alkalizes the Body: Lemon helps balance the body’s pH levels and supports digestion and skin health.
- Chia Pudding:
- Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Chia seeds are a great plant-based source of omega-3s, which are beneficial for heart health and brain function.
- High in Fiber: Chia seeds are packed with fiber, supporting healthy digestion and promoting satiety.
- Energy Boosting: The natural sugars in the berries combined with the complex carbohydrates in chia seeds provide sustained energy without spiking blood sugar.
- Bone Health: Almond milk contains calcium, while chia seeds are rich in phosphorus and magnesium, which help maintain strong bones.
- Antioxidants: The mixed berries are full of antioxidants, which protect cells from oxidative stress and promote healthy skin and aging.
Key Vitamins and Minerals:
- Vitamin C: Found in lemon, apple, and spinach. It supports immune function and promotes healthy skin.
- Vitamin K: Found in spinach and celery, essential for blood clotting and bone health.
- Vitamin A: Found in spinach, which is important for vision, immune function, and skin health.
- Calcium: Present in almond milk and chia seeds, it helps maintain strong bones and teeth.
- Magnesium: Chia seeds are rich in magnesium, which supports muscle and nerve function.
- Potassium: Found in cucumber, celery, and banana (if added to the chia pudding), it supports heart health and helps regulate blood pressure.
- Iron: Spinach is a great source of iron, which is essential for producing red blood cells and transporting oxygen throughout the body.
This recipe is a great way to fuel your body with essential vitamins and minerals while enjoying a delicious, refreshing meal!