Green Goodness

In Recipes

This article and images are brought to you by guest health blogger, Laura Mangan!

Gatherhaus is always striving for reconnection; to the earth, the community, each other, ourselves, and our bodies. This week our blog is brought to you by Laura Mangan, a nurse and health coach. As we strive to thrive this winter, we sought her out to help us find a way to take care of our overall health starting with food, in which it creates a domino effect for our bodies and our mental and emotional well being. Here is a fantastic recipe that she shared with us that packs the health benefits of a green smoothie, but doesn’t require us to drink this cold concoction on those cold winter mornings!

Greens. Greens. Greens.

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It’s one of the first things we tell people as health coaches, “Add more dark, leafy greens to your diet.” (Unless otherwise indicated by your physician)*. Smoothies are a tasty way to incorporate the power of alkalizing veggies, such as spinach, into the morning. During most times of the year, I delight in a super-food smoothie to start the day; however, the chilling winds of mid-west winter present a different hurdle for me.. because, well, I’m cold.… and the closest-to-the-last thing I want to do is gulp down a tall glass of something half-frozen.

I had been perplexed by my own anti-smoothies, cold vibe, and longing for that boost of greens in the morning, until this last winter when I found a smoothie alternative solution: broth. I know that doesn’t sound super appealing, but hear me out. It’s not just any broth! This is a powerful and nourishing concoction of organic green veggies, based on the recipe used for years by Dr. Henry Bieler, a pioneer physician who used foods to heal even the most burned-out, toxin-laden patients, as noted in his book “Food is Your Best Medicine.” Known as “Bieler’s Broth,” this little cup of green-goodness is easy-to make, warm, and detoxifying, as it soothes the adrenals, kidneys, liver, and nourishes the body with its long list of vitamins and minerals- especially helpful in the winter when our immune systems are crying out for support. I dig this new morning cup o’ green so much that I almost like it better than smoothies! Although I would not consider it a meal replacement as it lacks in healthy fats and provides only a small amount of protein. It does make for a nice fasting juice and maintains its fiber, which is extracted from most fresh-pressed juices. The recipe below is an adaption from the original, non-specific recipe in Dr. Bieler’s book.

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After the broth is made, it can be stored in the refrigerator and heated up by the mugful each morning (or whenever you want). Adding in a fresh squeeze of lemon juice before drinking, brightens the flavor and adds to the detoxifying effects. After I’ve given it some time in my system, I will usually follow up with an egg or piece of fruit with nut-butter- some kind of protein, to ensure the body has what it needs to function well.

Ingredients (all organic if possible):

2 medium zucchinis, washed and chopped
2 (approx.) cups string beans, ends removed
1 stick of celery, chopped
1 bunch of parsley, stems removed
Splash of fresh lemon juice

METHOD:

Place chopped zucchini, beans, and celery into a pot, fill with filtered water until veggies are mostly covered and stir. You can add a dash of himalayan sea salt (or another form of beneficial sea salt). Cook until veggies start to soften, stirring occasionally. Transfer to blender, add parsley. Blend into a broth. More water can be added, depending on preferences for consistency. Prior to drinking, add lemon.

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*Some medications lose their effectiveness when in the face of vitamin K, found in many dark, leafy greens

Laura Mangan is a registered nurse, currently working in Seattle, WA. She is also a Certified Holistic Health Coach, and most recently became a Yoga teacher (RYT 200). Her passion is to help people find healing and fulfillment through real food, yoga, and all-natural, chemical-free body products and cleaning supplies. She is a wealth of information on the organic research front and is an inspiration in the way she lives her life. You can reach out to her through her email at lkmangan@gmail.com.

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