New York City in June — you either love it or hate it. I mean, on top of the crazy traffic, short-tempered drivers and never-ending hoards of tourists who stroll in front of you at a snail's pace, the blazing hot weather that takes a toll on your skin might be the most annoying. Well, if you prefer to be an indoor summer babe, what's better than sipping a cup of ice-cold drink? How about a thirst-quencher that also delivers beauty and good health? Check out the three easy, tried-and-true homemade drink recipes below! Like we mentioned in last week's Beauty Quicky, you don't necessarily have to use expensive, organic ingredients, but freshness does matter. After all, you are drinking them — I'd rather be frugal in other areas.
The Green Smoothie
1 banana
2 cups chopped kale
1 cup frozen blueberries
1/2 cup light unsweetened soy milk
1 tablespoon flax seeds
1 tablespoon agave nectar
Blend all ingredients with 4 to 6 ice cubs and drink like a smoothie, or you can drink it like a juice over ice. The blueberries are going to tame down kale's distinct flavor; you are also encouraged to blanch and freeze the kale before blending for a milder taste. We recommend to drink your kale smoothie right after blending because it might thicken up into a gel-like consistency.
The Benefits: Improve complexion; control appetite which leads to weight loss, regulates bowel movement
The Detox Drink
1 cup sliced kiwi fruit
3 oz billed green grape fruit
2 oz green tea
Detox diet can be quite tricky and dangerous to conduct at home (always consult a doctor beforehand!) but a beginner's level detox beverage like this is a lot easier to handle and can ease you into the actual diet that involves drinking ample amount of water and consuming only alkaline-forming food later on. It's the best to drink this (the whole glass) first thing in the morning to stimulate bladder movement and discharge waste from your body.
The Benefits: Raises metabolic rates, speeds up fat oxidation, body cleansing
The Yogurt Shake
3/4 cup frozen strawberries
3/4 cup plain yogurt
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon vanilla
1/2 water
4 ice cubes
Blend water and yogurt simultaneously, then mix with frozen berries, ice, vanilla and honey until the drink appears smooth. When purchasing yogurt, remember to only pick plain yogurt because many flavored ones are filled with artificial ingredients and juice concentrates. Also, choose yogurt with cultures, which provides beneficial bacteria to our body.
The benefits: Strong immune system, regulate bowel movement, postpone hunger
Don't forget to tell us below which homemade drink recipes you swear by!
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