Blueberry-Beet Detox Smoothie

I’ve been something of a cleanse this week, and not by choice; and it’s all due to some nasty neighbors: fire ants.

These beasts are nasty to the core,  populating every corner, crook, and cranny of the state. They are ruthless, despicable, and altogether pointless.

My ire is piqued because one of the blasted buggers bit me on the foot last week. The bites turn into painful, scarlet pimples and they last about a week. But this one got infected to the point where I developed a 101 degree fever, indescribable aches, and finally a bright red calf and foot, swollen to the proportions of a baby elephant leg.

I realize this is not the most appetizing subject, and I haven’t forgotten that this is a food blog, but the two are intertwined. The antibiotics I’ve been taking for the past days have made me uber-nauseated; the thought of cooking and has been unbearable.

So, I’ve been going a wee bit smoothie-crazy. (It’s been pretty great!).

I’ve been meaning to post a beet smoothie for awhile (that sounds nutty, doesn’t it? Nevertheless, it is true). So when a friend brought me beets from Central Market in Houston, I decided now is the time.

Beets are so good for getting your glow back, whether from fire ant fever, a crazy work week, an extra-long “long run,” or simply a busy life. They are loaded with vitamins A and C, iron, potassium, manganese, and fiber. They also improve liver function, which increases detoxification (beauty from within!).

But, I get it, you’re also likely wondering how they taste in this smoothie. That’s where the blueberries come in. Together, the two work in sweet, beautiful harmony. The key for me is adding a splash of lemon juice–it brightens the flavor of both, easily.

Sip and enjoy, everyone!

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