You know a smoothie is something special when a chef who has cooked for everyone from Karlie Kloss to Owen Wilson drinks it every day. “It has everything I love: citrus, berries, vegetables, spices, and even seaweed, all blended into a beautiful emerald green,” chef and author Mikaela Reuben says.
The smoothie is the product of years of trial and error—a lifetime, in fact. Reuben began experimenting with food when she was a little girl exploring the herb garden in her family’s backyard. “I realized how even the smallest ingredient could transform a meal,” she recalls.
Eventually, her fascination with nutrition became her love language and a 15-year career—one that she’s been sharing with celebrities that also include Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively, Hugh Jackman, and Brie Larson, just to name a few. “I’ve been helping clients figure out what works for them for years, and what I’ve learned is that real nutrition is not just about nutrients, but how the food makes you feel, how it fits into your life, and whether it’s sustainable in the long run,” she says.
Reuben’s newest book, Eat To Love: Where Health Meets Flavor, is centered around that philosophy. With more than 115 colorful recipes, the goal is to help readers fall in love with good eating. “A common mistake I see is believing that there is a universal approach to health,” the chef says. “People often adopt rigid diets, eliminate entire food groups, or try to copy what worked for someone else without paying attention to what really makes them feel good. Bio-individuality means that everyone’s path is different.”
She’s also adamant that taking a holistic view of nutrition can help anyone become a better cook—no matter their current level of expertise. A good place to start? Reuben’s aforementioned green citrus smoothie, which is quick and easy to prepare. “It’s a potent smoothie that boosts immune function, reduces inflammation, and provides the vital nutrition you feel in your body,” she explains.
While Reuben likes to drink it in the morning or when she needs to recharge, she says it is also great prevention for a cold. “It contains a high content of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, especially vitamins A, C and E,” she notes, adding that the anti-inflammatory concoction also provides a good dose of protein and fiber. “Together, all of these amazing ingredients help detoxify and strengthen the immune system,” she explains. “Start your day by drinking this smoothie in the morning if you’re feeling under the weather or when you need to recharge after a night out.”
Mikaela Reuben’s green citrus smoothie
Yields approximately 1½ cups (1 serving)
1 peeled navel orange
1 cup baby spinach
1 cup frozen strawberries
½ cup chopped frozen banana (optional, if you want it sweeter, but it s delicious)
¼ cup filtered water (add more if needed)
2 tablespoons hemp seeds
1 tablespoon dulse flakes
3 inch piece fresh turmeric root, peeled
1 inch piece fresh ginger, peeled
½ tablespoon fresh lemon juice
½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
3 ice cubes
Preparation
Combine all the ingredients in a high-powered blender. Blend until smooth, starting on low speed and increasing to high after a few seconds until fully pureed. Add up to ¼ cup more water if necessary, especially if not including banana.
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