It’s the season for camping, backyard BBQs, trips to the coast, and days at the hot springs… anything to get us closer to the sunshine and into the water!
On my recent trip to Florida I was out on the beach in the middle of the day and got a little too much sun. I should have known better and covered up, but I purposefully did not put on sunscreen. In the past few years I have all but stopped using it. Instead I wear a big hat (see the photo below of me and my cute Mom on the beach) and bring a long sleeve shirt if I am going to be out for hours at a time.
I’m sure you have been told to slather yourself with sunscreen daily, even in the winter, however you may be doing more harm than good. I believe that getting a blistering sunburn is a bad idea and can cause permanent damage to your skin. I also believe that some sun exposure improves my mental and physical health.
Most commercial sunscreens are loaded with chemicals that not only keep us from producing enough vitamin E, but actually increase our risk of skin cancer. The good news is we can help our skin be more resistant to burning by choosing to eat foods that support our digestive health. This month I offer a delicious healthy not too sweet smoothie that does just that.
This refreshing summer treat is full of healthy, whole foods that nourish skin and may protect both against sunburn and long term skin damage!
Ingredients
1 ripe avocado
6 small ripe apricots
1/2 cup kale
1/2 cup spinach
1 cup blueberries
1 – 2 cups green tea
1 handful mint leaves
1 large handful ice
1 tsp spirulina powder
* Recipe makes enough for two to share
How to make
1. Brew tea to your liking and let cool. I used organic loose leaf jasmine green tea from Whole Foods. You can also apply green tea bags to your skin topically for more relief from a long day in the sun.
2. Chop or tear up all of your greens – kale, spinach, mint – and measure out amounts.
3. Combine all ingredients in your blender (starting with just 1 cup of green tea to begin with) and blend thoroughly until you reach desired consistency. Add more ice to thicken and cool, add more tea if you want a thinner smoothie.
4. Pour in a fun cocktail glass, top with some blueberries and a sprig of mint, and sip on this!
Enjoy!
Anne McCranie, owner of Fluid Movement + Massage, is a Portland (Sellwood) Oregon based Licensed Massage Therapist and Personal Trainer. She offers this recipe to tickle your taste buds. Please see your medical professional for specific dietary advice.