Do you ever do juice/smoothie cleanses? The Master Cleanse, the 3 day Kreation cleanse and Dr.Oz’s 3 day Detox Cleanse are just a few I have tried in the past. I don’t know why I did them, because not only was I starving while on them, but even if I lost 4-5 lbs in 3 days, I always gained them back when I started eating again. The lost weight was mostly water!

But in trying the different types of cleanses, I did find one smoothie that I really love and drink on a regular basis.

It’s the Lunch Drink from Dr. Oz’s Detox Cleanse with one substitution and one addition- I replace the coconut oil with almond butter and I add a little flax seed. Scroll down to the bottom to skip to the recipe.

Coconut oil has too strong of a taste for me. Although I am not crazy about peanut butter, almond butter has a milder taste that complements the other ingredients in the smoothie. It is a good option to get the unsaturated fat we need to feel satiated. As for flax seed, I add it for the extra boost of dietary fiber and omega 3 fatty acids.

I am pretty bad at eating or drinking food that isn’t tasty. But this drink actually tastes good! It doesn’t have the most appetizing look due to its puke green color, but I love how I feel when I drink this shake. I mean, just look at these ingredients. So good for you! I also like how I can take it with me in the car as I drive the kids around and run errands.

Ingredients

I do not enjoy cutting and chopping food. As I discussed in my Tastiest, Easiest Salad I’ve Made in Years post, I’m not crazy about cooking. I am always looking for the most efficient way to do things when I am in the kitchen.

When I discovered the Vitamix a few years ago at Costco, I couldn’t believe the efficiency I witnessed at their demo table as the Vitamix rep was whipping up fruit smoothies in seconds! I bought one immediately. This appliance is worth every penny ($350-$600 depending on model). Instead of cutting up the vegetables and fruit, I just throw everything (including the unpeeled cucumber) in the blender, close it and turn it on high. If you don’t have a Vitamix, this is hard to believe.

I double the recipe to make enough for two large mason jar shakes; I drink one for a meal the same day and put one in the fridge for later. I throw an ice ball (click here to see post with link to buy) into my shake to keep it very cold since it takes some time to finish the jar. I love that I get all of the fresh ingredients (pictured above) compressed into one jar and it fills me up for hours. Tip: Don’t skip the almond butter to try and conserve calories or you will be hungry very quickly after.

What has been your experience with cleanses? Do you have a favorite smoothie? I would love to hear your thoughts on this one!

Recipe for Modified Dr. Oz Detox Green Smoothie:

1 Tbsp. Ground Flax Seed

4 Celery Stalks

1 Cucumber

1 Cup Kale

1/2 Green Apple

1/2 Lemon or Lime

1 Tbsp. Almond Butter

1/2 Cup Almond Milk

1 Cup Pineapple

Yield: 2 smoothies

Dr. Oz Detox Shake- Modified: By Jen Oliak

A delicious green smoothie to kick start your healthy day.

Ingredients

1 Tbsp. Ground Flax Seed
4 Celery Stalks
1 Cucumber
1 Cup Kale
1/2 Green Apple
1/2 Lemon or Lime
1 Tbsp. Almond Butter
1/2 Cup Almond Milk
1 Cup Pineapple

Instructions

Put all the ingredients in a blender and blend. Drink half and save half for later.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 208Total Fat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 92mgCarbohydrates: 37gFiber: 9gSugar: 20gProtein: 6g