Because of the incredible feedback I got after I posted my last Intermittent Fasting (IF) on Youtube, I decided to do a 3 part series on this lifestyle. In my last blog I talked about the benefits of IF, and in Part II today I want to talk about the importance of breaking the fast wisely. If you fast for 14 hours or longer, the body is primed for some real nutrition. A mistake some people make is to binge on anything in sight, but it’s important to be gentle to the body after a fast. I usually like to drink a superfood drink containing wheatgrass and spirulina spiked with some lemon juice after a long fast. This combination helps further regulate insulin, and floods the cells with vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. I use superfood powders because they provide more condensed nutrition than a bucket of vegetables (which I eat daily anyway in the form of a salad) The powders also save me time and are cost effective. One particular brand I like is called Organic Greens by Antler Farms. This particular powder has 4 powerhouse ingredients that are all organic: Barley Grass, Wheat Grass, Spirulina, and Chlorella. One scoop of this stuff is equivalent to 6 wheatgrass shots! I either drink this right before my first meal, or I drink it between meals, as it gives me energy and even suppresses my appetite. After taking this stuff for about two weeks I noticed I had more energy, needed less sleep, my skin glowed, mental clarity improved, and I didn’t need my 10 minute catnaps anymore. I totally understand that some people might need something more substantial than a green drink, so in comes my luscious Pina Colada Smoothie. This power shake has plenty of good fats to keep you full, along with fiber from fruits and veggies, and a refreshing creamy flavor perfect for summer! I love adding any toppings I have on hand, because I love to eat my smoothies rather than drink them–it keeps me satisfied that way. For the recipe, click on the video below:
So tell me, are you interested in giving this lifestyle a try? I am so in love the benefits of IF there is no going back now. I haven’t eaten breakfast before noon in 2 months, and I love it that way!
Pina colada smoothie shopping list:
Cashew Butter or Macadamia Nut Butter (or any nut or seed butter you like)
Banana
Avocado
Pineapple- good for gut health and eyes! Fights inflammation
Coconut Cream– tropical summer flavor
Spinach -easiest to digest, not as bitter as kale great source of iron and potassium, folate
Toppings: Toasted Coconut or Macadamia Nuts