“Go To” Morning Smoothie for Pain Free Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis

When I first began changing my diet to improve Rheumatoid Arthritis, I remember being frozen with fear when it came to eating at all. Convinced that food was contributing to, or maybe even causing my illness, I knew I had to be careful about what I put in my mouth, but I didn’t trust myself with the responsibility of making food choices that wouldn’t hurt me. Today after years of clean, whole-food eating, I’m no longer afraid of food, and I know how to eat for health, vitality, and longevity.

This smoothie recipe is my “Go To.” If I happen to remember an extra ingredient I need to use up before it goes bad (like a banana, an avocado, a box of greens that is nearing its expiration date, a cucumber that never got sliced, the last chunk of green cabbage… whatever!) I just throw it in.

If I’m missing any of the basic ingredients, I figure out substitutions. For example, if I’m out of orange juice, I use plant-based milk (which is rare, because in the past I have been reactive to plant-based milks), or green juice (I like the Suja brand), water, or any other juice or tea I happen to have. If I’m out of mixed berries, I dig out the bags of frozen fruit that seem to just live in the freezer (tropical fruit, mangos, cherries… any frozen fruit will work). I always use up any greens that have been in my fridge the longest.

Sometimes I purchase plant-based smoothie powders at the store. My kids really like the way smoothies tase with the vanilla powders mixed in, so sometimes I will throw in a scoop or two. IMPORTANT: Make sure these powders are whole food plant based. Never use whey protein powders or any powders that have artificial ingredients, fillers, chemicals, or the like. BE CAREFUL WITH THIS ONE!

Occasionally, I have chia seeds or flax seeds or another nutrient that I purchased as an add-in. If I remember, I toss a little in there.

All of the above additions, substitutions, and changes are wonderful, but the following is my basic smoothie recipe. This basic recipe is what I make most of the time. I try to keep the three ingredients required to make this smoothie on hand, and I try to never let a drop go to waste. I keep working on it until it’s all been consumed. If, for some reason, I don’t finish it all on the day it’s made, I pour the leftovers into a cup with a lid and grab it on my way out the door the next morning.

The BEST way to boost this smoothie is to add more greens, especially kale!

Here it is….

“Go To” Morning Smoothie:

Ingredients: 2+ handfuls of greens, frozen mixed berries, orange juice, and water.

To make: Pack greens in the bottom of the blender and fill with water to the top of the greens. (This should only be about 1/3 of the blender). Blend on high until greens are well blended. Add berries, orange juice, and more water. Blend until desired consistency. Enjoy!

If my kids are making the smoothie, they use more orange juice than I do. If they aren’t having any, I put in more greens and less fruit.

I hope you enjoy this simple smoothie recipe. It’s a wholesome, delicious way to fill your belly and protect your health!

Warm Regards,

Cassie