Okay, so no one ever said this would be easy! Living with a chronic illness is a nagging reminder to stay present, knowing that where you are today can, and often does, change overnight. Staying in the moment and appreciating the small stuff seems easy, but when things go south we’re challenged to dig deep, take a collective breath, put our big girl boots on, and deal.
This week has found me back in the dental chair with a cracked tooth in need of a root canal or extraction. YIKES – Another tooth gone! Implants are expensive and the only option for many people dealing with Sjogren’s Syndrome. EXPENSIVE, PAINFUL, and yes, it SUCKS! Although I have been able to control many of the chronic symptoms associated with Sjogren’s through food and lifestyle choices, my teeth seem to have their own story to tell. No amount of kale has been able to nudge my teeth into cooperating. Although it can be frustrating, I refuse to give up. I’m still far better off than many folks who suffer each day with chronic disease. Today I’m sharing my Perfect Pistachio Smoothie. Why is it perfect? Because it’s beautiful, tasty, and easy to eat! haha! Not to mention, packed with superfood nutrition!
The base of today’s smoothie was made from homemade pistachio milk. The recipe for this creamy, and delicious milk comes from my friend Krystelle at ConsciousCooking.com.
Pistachio milk adds a richness and slightly sweet flavor to any of your favorite drinks and smoothies.
If you struggle with Sjogren’s Syndrome, please visit the Sjogren’s Syndrome Foundation for important information and resources.
- Base: Made with tart cherries, beneficial for pain control.
- 1/2 cup homemade pistachio milk
- 1 frozen tart cherry pack
- 1 frozen banana
- 1 pinch Ceylon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup homemade pistachio milk
- 1/2 cup pineapple (fresh or frozen) - beneficial to help reduce bruising and swelling
- 1 handful spinach
- 1 frozen banana
- 1 heaping teaspoon maca powder (I use Solriaz Organics)
- 1/2 teaspoon Ceylon cinnamon
- 1 pinch ground cardamom
- Place all ingredients for the base in your blender and run until creamy. Pour into clean jar.
- Place all ingredients for top layer in your blender and run until creamy. Pour over first layer.
- Top with raw pistachios.
- ENJOY!
- vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, raw