Ask Erin: The Importance of Ginger

Hi Erin!

We recently bought the Clean Cuisine 8-week challenge book. I have noticed that most of the smoothie (or no-milk shakes) contain the ingredient ginger. I don’t so much mind the added “freshness” to the flavor, however my husband is not real into it. Is this a vital ingredient to the anti-inflammatory diet or are we still getting the same benefits by removing that particular ingredient from the smoothies? He said he’d get used to it if he had to. Ha!

Also, as far as the smoothie recipes in the book, how many should they serve typically? Just wondering if I should double up on all ingredients if making for 2.

Thanks in advance!

Kelly

Hi Kelly,

Great question! And, your husband will be thrilled to know that he does not have to start getting used to ginger if he doesn’t like it! We use a lot of ginger to supercharge our green smoothie recipes because we just love it here at Clean Cuisine. We also use it for its incredible therapeutic and antioxidant properties: it maintains normal blood circulation, remedies motion sickness, improves absorption of essential nutrients, prevents colds and flus, the list goes on…

However, you are not required to include anything in your green smoothies that you don’t like; the blender is your oyster! That doesn’t even make sense, but you get the idea (although, I do not suggest blending oysters! ha!). The best thing about adding green smoothies to your life is the fact that they taste delicious. So, use the healthful ingredients that you enjoy! As long as you are using leafy greens, fruits, and vegetables, you are getting a surge of healthful antioxidant and fiber-rich goodness everyday. Mix it up everyday! Try new combinations with the ingredients you love, but don’t be scared to try something different.

Be sure to check out our 40 Green Drink, Smoothie & Other Superfood Recipes, available on Amazon.com (for only $2.99!) for some great ideas.

With a few delicious ingredients and your Vitamix Blender (use code: 06-009267 for free shipping!), you are well on your way to living a Clean Cuisine lifestyle, with ginger or without!

Yikes! I almost forgot to answer your second question! The serving size varies for each smoothie. In the Clean Cuisine book, it is indicated just under the recipe title.

For health,

Erin Lodeesen

Contributing Editor to Clean Cuisine

Ask me some questions at: erin@cleancuisine.com and follow me on Twitter: @Elodeesen