International fitness expert, Craig Pepin-Donat, also known as the Fit Advocate and Michael Johnigean, real estate entrepreneur and owner of HealthyWay Cafés, have teamed together to reveal their favorite fruit smoothies. Combined, these two have over 40 years in the fitness and health industries; so, they know what it takes to achieve optimal fitness through diet and exercise.
Put orange or tangerine juice into the blender with the cantaloupe and blend well. Strain through a nut milk bag. (You probably don’t have to strain if you omit the cantaloupe seeds.) Put the strained mixture back into the blender with the rest of the ingredients and blend well.
Variations Substitute honeydew for cantaloupe, or use mango or any other tropical fruit for the papaya. One cup of this smoothie is off the charts for both vitamin C and beta carotene, and cantaloupe is loaded with the latter. Please note that honeydew does not have the same beta carotene content as cantaloupe; keep this in mind when substituting these ingredients for one another.
WHAT IS ALOE VERA?
Aloe vera is a succulent plant whose flesh (the gel-like substance found inside the meaty leaf) has many internal and external healing properties, as well as the ability to nourish the body with minerals, vitamins, enzymes, and glyconutrients. Aloe vera gel is antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal. It has been quoted as being the most impressive medicinal herb nature has ever created.
You can, of course, grow aloe vera yourself, but you can also find it at most health food stores. A good replacement (though not raw) is bottled aloe vera juice, which you can find at local health food stores as well.
WHAT ARE PRICKLY PEAR CACTUS FRUITS?
Prickly pear fruits are native to North American deserts. The fruits of the prickly pear cactus are rich in slowly absorbed, soluble fibers that help keep blood sugar stable. Find the fruits in specialty markets; western farmer’s markets; and online under the names prickly pears, cactus pears, cactus figs, or ‘tunas.
When found in the wild, they’re normally still covered with needle-like hairs that can cause considerable discomfort if you’re not careful. Do some online research prior to gathering or handling these delicacies. A reasonable replacement for prickly pear cactus fruits is papaya, or perhaps mango.
WHAT IS LUCUMA POWDER?
The lucuma is a traditional Peruvian fruit, once called the ‘Gold of the Inca’s.’ It tastes like vanilla, maple syrup, and peaches, and is a delightful sweetener. Lucuma is an excellent source of carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and fiber.
It is high in niacin, betacarotene, iron, zinc, potassium, calcium and magnesium. Traditionally, lucuma powder has been used in ice creams, baby foods, yogurts, candy, and a variety of desserts. It can also be used as a partial flour replacement in cooked and raw pies, cakes, pastries, and food bars.
WHAT IS THE SOLAR PLEXUS CHAKRA?
The solar plexus chakra is yellow and is located above the navel. Often described as the “center of personal power,” it is associated with digestion and self-esteem
