This article and images are brought to you by guest health blogger, Laura Mangan!

Gatherhaus is always striving for reconnection; to the earth, the community, each other, ourselves, and our bodies. This week our blog is brought to you by Laura Mangan, a nurse and health coach. As we strive to thrive this winter, we sought her out to help us find a way to take care of our overall health starting with food, in which it creates a domino effect for our bodies and our mental and emotional well being. Here is a fantastic recipe that she shared with us that packs the health benefits of a green smoothie, but doesn’t require us to drink this cold concoction on those cold winter mornings!

Greens. Greens. Greens.

It’s one of the first things we tell people as health coaches, “Add more dark, leafy greens to your diet.” (Unless otherwise indicated by your physician)*. Smoothies are a tasty way to incorporate the power of alkalizing veggies, such as spinach, into the morning. During most times of the year, I delight in a super-food smoothie to start the day; however, the chilling winds of mid-west winter present a different hurdle for me.. because, well, I’m cold.… and the closest-to-the-last thing I want to do is gulp down a tall glass of something half-frozen.

I had been perplexed by my own anti-smoothies, cold vibe, and longing for that boost of greens in the morning, until this last winter when I found a smoothie alternative solution: broth. I know that doesn’t sound super appealing, but hear me out. It’s not just any broth! This is a powerful and nourishing concoction of organic green veggies, based on the recipe used for years by Dr. Henry Bieler, a pioneer physician who used foods to heal even the most burned-out, toxin-laden patients, as noted in his book “Food is Your Best Medicine.” Known as “Bieler’s Broth,” this little cup of green-goodness is easy-to make, warm, and detoxifying, as it soothes the adrenals, kidneys, liver, and nourishes the body with its long list of vitamins and minerals- especially helpful in the winter when our immune systems are crying out for support. I dig this new morning cup o’ green so much that I almost like it better than smoothies! Although I would not consider it a meal replacement as it lacks in healthy fats and provides only a small amount of protein. It does make for a nice fasting juice and maintains its fiber, which is extracted from most fresh-pressed juices. The recipe below is an adaption from the original, non-specific recipe in Dr. Bieler’s book.

After the broth is made, it can be stored in the refrigerator and heated up by the mugful each morning (or whenever you want). Adding in a fresh squeeze of lemon juice before drinking, brightens the flavor and adds to the detoxifying effects. After I’ve given it some time in my system, I will usually follow up with an egg or piece of fruit with nut-butter- some kind of protein, to ensure the body has what it needs to function well.

Ingredients (all organic if possible):

2 medium zucchinis, washed and chopped
2 (approx.) cups string beans, ends removed
1 stick of celery, chopped
1 bunch of parsley, stems removed
Splash of fresh lemon juice

METHOD:

Place chopped zucchini, beans, and celery into a pot, fill with filtered water until veggies are mostly covered and stir. You can add a dash of himalayan sea salt (or another form of beneficial sea salt). Cook until veggies start to soften, stirring occasionally. Transfer to blender, add parsley. Blend into a broth. More water can be added, depending on preferences for consistency. Prior to drinking, add lemon.

*Some medications lose their effectiveness when in the face of vitamin K, found in many dark, leafy greens

Laura Mangan is a registered nurse, currently working in Seattle, WA. She is also a Certified Holistic Health Coach, and most recently became a Yoga teacher (RYT 200). Her passion is to help people find healing and fulfillment through real food, yoga, and all-natural, chemical-free body products and cleaning supplies. She is a wealth of information on the organic research front and is an inspiration in the way she lives her life. You can reach out to her through her email at lkmangan@gmail.com.