Smoothies have become incredibly popular as a culinary “vehicle” that can deliver great nutrition and taste absolutely delicious. This recipe is one of my favorites—it’s refreshing, satisfying, and bursting with health. Every ingredient in this luscious, kid-friendly smoothie gives your body the vital nutrition it needs. It’s easy to make and take along with you, so you can enjoy it any place, any time—on your way to work, during an afternoon break, or simply relaxing after a long day.

Pineapple is a wonderful addition to smoothies. It delivers a huge dose of Vitamin C, has anti-inflammatory properties, and contains bromelain, an enzyme that aids in digestion. A note of caution: pineapple does contain relatively high levels of natural sugar, so some people may not be able to eat it. There are times I also choose not to eat it when I limit my intake of sugar for healing purposes. If you can’t have pineapple, substitute 2 apples, or 1 apple and 1 pear, for a tasty alternative.

To combat the sweet nature of the pineapple, I use healthy fats like hemp seeds and avocados that leave you feeling satisfied for a longer period of time. Hemp seeds add fiber and provide essential fatty acids like Omega 3, 6, and GLA (Gamma-linolenic acid) that help to regulate blood sugar and give long-lasting energy. Avocado is a heart-healthy, potassium-rich fat that reduces inflammation, lowers cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and lessens blood sugar spikes.

Aside from being delicious, mulberries contain Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and iron, and they may even help with weight loss. They also provide an excellent source of resveratrol, the same anti-aging antioxidant that’s found in red wine.

Kale is a nutrient-dense addition that is very high in antioxidants, beta-carotene, and chlorophyll, and may even lower the risk of certain cancers.

Lucuma (a fruit from South America) adds sweetness without increasing blood sugar levels. It can satisfy any sweet tooth with its custard-like flavor, and provides fourteen essential trace minerals.

Finally, mint is a fresh, natural stimulant that relieves depression and fatigue, and, like pineapple, aids in digestion.

Recipe for Pineapple Mint SuperFood Smoothie

• 3 cups coconut water, from young coconuts or bottled coconut water
• 1 pineapple, chopped
• 2 cups kale, de-stemmed and chopped
• 1 avocado
• 3/4 cup mulberries, dried or fresh
• 1/3 cup hemp seeds
• 1/2 cup fresh mint, chopped
• 1/4 cup lucuma powder (optional)

Place all ingredients in a high-powered blender and blend well. You can garnish this tasty treat with fresh mint sprigs and mulberries for a festive look. Sit back, relax, and savor the creamy bliss of this green powerhouse of a smoothie!

Are you tired of your gut ruling your life? Do your tummy issues cause embarrassment or keep you from doing the things you love to do? Are you ready to stop hiding behind baggy clothes and feel great in your favorite jeans? If so, please join me for my free online interview series, “Your Gut Instinct: Top Strategies for Healthy Digestion.” In this powerful collection of interviews, you’ll learn from leading experts in the world of digestive health about how to beat bloating, restore your energy, reach your optimal weight, and increase your immunity.

I’m so excited to share this wealth of information with you because I’ve been there. I’ve struggled with digestive issues on and off for most of my life, so I know how challenging it can be when your digestion isn’t functioning as it should. When I discovered the triggers and healed my gut, my health was radically transformed. The extra pounds I typically carried around my middle melted away, and I was freed from frequent discomfort and the constant battle with my digestion.

This interview series stems from my firm belief that everyone should be as well-informed as possible about what causes poor digestion, since these issues can lead to a multitude of other ailments. I’ll be talking with renowned experts who will give you tips for discovering the root cause of your digestive troubles. Here are just a few of the experts who’ll be joining me to help you uncover the secret clues to your digestive health:

• Paul Pitchford, internationally-acclaimed author of “Healing with Whole Foods,” will describe an approach to wellness that encompasses the mind-body-spirit connection for complete rejuvenation, and will offer an enlightening discussion about parasites and candida, and how they can impact your health. Tune in to find out how these issues could be the cause of your gas and bloating.

• Dr. Alejandro Junger the author of “Clean”, “Clean Gut” and “Clean Eats”, will talk about symptoms of gut dysfunction, how chronic disease can reverse by healing your gut, and the 4 pillars of gut repair.

• Sayer Ji, the founder of Green Med Info will be enlightening us with information about what impact gluten has on the gut.

• Reed Davis and Kristen Codianni talk about how the health of the gut affects the other systems of the body, and how by healing the gut you will reduce inflammation throughout the body.

• Julie Feickert, the founder of Cultures for Health, will inspire you to get creative in the kitchen with cultured and probiotic foods to heal your digestive system.

• Hilary Boynton and Mary Brackett, authors of “The Heal Your Gut Cookbook” will share their amazing healing stories about the GAPS Diet.  If you have children with health issues, you won’t want to miss this!

• Dr. Susan Blum, author of  “The Immune System Recovery Plan: A Doctor’s 4-Step Program to Treat Autoimmune Disease” will be speaking about the connection between the gut and autoimmune diseases, which are reaching epidemic proportions.

• Dr. Kaayla Daniel, also known as the “Naughty Nutritionist” and co-author of “Nourishing Broth”, will spark your interest in the healing power of bone broth.

• Lance Roll, the Flavor Chef will share how you can whip up a batch of nourishing bone broth at home.

• Amber Zuckswert, founder of Epicself.com and Epic Living Retreats and Teacher Training Programs, will empower you to check out the power of a plant-based diet, and share with you how mindful movement will significantly enhance your healing process.

• Kerry Tepedino, holistic health expert and speaker, will shed light on how healing your digestion can help you shed those unwanted pounds, helping you to look and feel amazing!

• Aglae’e Jacob, author of “Digestive Health with REAL Food,” will give an in-depth talk about SIBO, FODMAPS, and gluten intolerance; you’ll learn not only what these are, but also how they may be affecting your health.

• More speakers added!

The series will be available beginning July 1, 2015, and when you sign up, you’ll gain access to two interviews each day. Good health begins with good digestion! Sign up for this free online interview series and find the answers you need to heal your gut and awaken your vibrant health!

Are you ready to start feeling better than ever? Register here for my FREE Digestion Summit starting on July 1!