Go Green: Why Eating and Drinking Green Is the Key to Wellness – by Francesca Nardelli

If you’re looking for a simple but powerful way to enhance your wellness routine, look no further than the color green. That’s right—green isn’t just for the environment; it’s for your body too. From vibrant leafy greens to green drinks and everything in between, incorporating more green into your daily life is one of the easiest (and most effective) ways to feel healthier, boost your metabolism, and keep your skin glowing.

So, why all the hype about green? Let’s dive into the world of green foods, drinks, and why they should be the cornerstone of your wellness lifestyle.

SPROUTING!

Why Go Green? The Power of Leafy Greens

Eating green foods isn’t just about adding color to your plate; it’s about feeding your body the nutrients it craves. Leafy greens like kale, spinach, and arugula are packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals that support everything from digestion to metabolism. They are also rich in antioxidants, which help protect your cells from damage and promote youthful, glowing skin.

Leafy greens are naturally low in calories but high in nutrients, making them perfect for anyone looking to maintain or lose weight without sacrificing flavor. They’re also incredibly versatile: blend them into smoothies, sauté them with garlic, or add them to salads for a crisp, fresh crunch.

JUICING

Green Drinks: The Secret Weapon for Wellness

It’s not just what you eat that matters—what you drink plays a huge role in your health too. Green juices, smoothies, and teas are loaded with chlorophyll, antioxidants, and enzymes that detoxify the body, boost energy, and aid digestion.

Green Juice: Pressed juices made with ingredients like celery, kale, cucumber, and spinach are a perfect way to hydrate and fuel your body with vital nutrients. These juices are a great detoxifying option, helping your liver do its job by eliminating toxins while providing a rush of energy without any crash.

MATCHA SMOOTHIE

Green Smoothies: Blending your greens into a smoothie is another powerful way to consume them. Add some almond milk, a scoop of protein powder, and a handful of spinach or kale for a nutrient-packed, metabolism-boosting drink. You can also toss in some avocado or frozen fruit for a creamy texture that makes healthy eating feel like a treat.

Green Tea: Packed with antioxidants like EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), green tea is known to promote fat burning, improve brain function, and boost metabolism. It’s an easy way to add a green element to your daily routine without much effort. Whether hot or iced, green tea is the perfect refreshing drink for any time of day.

EREWHON KALE SALAD

The Benefits of Eating and Drinking Green for Weight Loss

It’s no secret that eating more greens can help with weight loss, but the reasons behind it go beyond just low calories. Green foods are packed with fiber, which helps keep you feeling full longer, preventing unnecessary snacking. Additionally, green vegetables like broccoli, kale, and cabbage contain compounds that support fat burning, helping you shed excess weight more efficiently.

Green foods also play a role in balancing your blood sugar levels, reducing inflammation, and improving digestion—all factors that are essential for maintaining a healthy weight. Plus, when you hydrate with green drinks, you're providing your body with more nutrients, helping to boost your metabolism naturally.

VITAMIN D

Go Beyond the Plate: How Green Foods Support Your Skin

When it comes to your skin, hydration is key. And guess what? Drinking green smoothies and juices can do wonders for your complexion. The vitamins and antioxidants in greens, particularly Vitamin C, help improve skin elasticity, reduce signs of aging, and promote a healthy, radiant glow. Chlorophyll, the green pigment in plants, is also known for its detoxifying effects, helping clear up skin from the inside out.

The minerals in leafy greens also help balance your skin's oil production, reduce acne breakouts, and even out skin tone. So, if you want glowing skin without all the harsh skincare treatments, just remember to add more greens to your plate and drink green!

How to Add More Green to Your Day

It’s easier than you think to go green. Start small and gradually incorporate more leafy greens and green drinks into your routine. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

1. Morning Green Smoothie: Blend spinach, avocado, frozen berries, chia seeds, and almond milk for a nutrient-packed breakfast.

2. Green Tea Throughout the Day: Replace your regular cup of coffee with green tea for a smooth energy boost that won’t leave you crashing later.

3. Green Juice: Opt for a fresh-pressed green juice made with cucumber, celery, and kale for an afternoon pick-me-up.

4. Green Salad: Make a base salad with arugula, kale, or mixed greens and top it with seeds, nuts, avocado, and a tangy lemon dressing.

5. Cooked Greens: Sauté some spinach or kale with garlic, olive oil, and lemon for a simple, nutrient-packed side dish.

   
   

GREEN APPLE SPROUT SALAD

Green and the RAW30 Challenge: Why It's the Perfect Fit

If you’ve been following my Raw30 challenge, you already know that going raw for 30 days is one of the best ways to reset your body and recharge your health. Eating raw, plant-based foods during this challenge helps you eat more whole, natural foods, packed with all the fiber, vitamins, and minerals your body needs.

Green foods play an essential role in the Raw30 challenge, offering high levels of nutrients and enzymes that can boost digestion, enhance detoxification, and support weight loss. From leafy greens to green smoothies and juices, raw, plant-based greens should be a mainstay in your 30-day reset.

The Bottom Line: Green Is the Color of Wellness

Eating more greens and drinking green beverages isn’t just a trend—it’s a lifestyle. Whether you’re looking to lose weight, improve your digestion, enhance your metabolism, or simply glow from the inside out, the power of green foods and drinks is undeniable.

By incorporating more green into your daily routine, you’re nourishing your body with what it needs to thrive. And as always, remember that real wellness comes from simple, whole foods—and green foods are as close to nature as it gets.

Francesca Nardelli is a health and wellness advocate who believes in the power of plant-based living, fitness, and sustainable eating. When she’s not creating nutrient-dense recipes or leading wellness challenges like Raw30, she’s sharing her journey to help others live their best, healthiest lives.