One of the best investments I have ever made for my body was my Vita-Mix Machine. Yes, it is a bit costly, but it has a 7-year warrantee and once it is in your kitchen, will be used every day for the rest of your life. It is easier to use than a juicer (and a lot easier to clean!), but will still ensure that your fruits are broken down to a cellular level. This is important for absorption, most especially if you have GI issues like me.

Vitamix 5200 Outperforms and outlastsMany of my clients will agree, smoothies are a great way to keep the pounds off and the energy high. With just a little effort, you can get all the nutrition you need for an entire day in one drink in the morning. Here is how I do it:

Put in fresh fruits and veggies such as watermelon, pineapple, mango, celery, peeled apple or orange, berries, kiwi, parsley, and whatever else you fancy (that will turn to liquid) into your Vita-Mix machine. For one tall smoothie, you will need to fill up one third of the container with fresh items.

Then place any frozen fruit on top (instead of using ice cubes) a little less than two thirds up. I like to use frozen berries because they are small, easy to find and are usually less expensive than buying fresh. I also use mango cubes.

Put the Vita Mix on low and allow the fresh fruit to liquefy. Now put it up to high and the frozen items will kick in. In about 45 seconds to a minute, you will have a smooth drink. Don't blend for too long though or it will heat up.

After the smoothie is made, I put it back to low and add in all my store bought nutrients like flaxseed oil, coconut oil, protein powder, liquid vitamins (from Market America ) and whatever else I need to for that day. Mixing this on low ensures that you maintain the integrity of each product.

This drink holds me over for many hours, but if you have issues with low blood sugar, you may need to eat within two hours. Adding the oil makes it last and breakdown slower in your system, so don't forget that aspect.

I have found that Whole Foods has the best deals on frozen fruits. Their peaches, mangos, and berries are soooo sweet and always available. As far as fresh fruit, use seasonal, but I find that if you can get it all year, watermelon blends the best.

For more information on Vita Mix, go to www.vitamix.com and if you use this promotional code:

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