I have been battling a tailbone injury on and off for the last 3 years. When I fell on it 3 years ago, all the nerves surrounding my spine and lower back felt like they were on FIRE! I was traveling for work at the time, and had to be pumped full of morphine just to get on the plane back home. I was bedridden for 3 weeks and miserable. And to top it off, my tailbone doctor said I only had one option for relief – removing my tailbone. Hearing his prognosis was devastating to me, because it meant that I would be unable to sit for at least 3 months and endure lots of physical therapy to regain muscle and strength in my body, not mention having a very expensive surgery, having to take lots of prescription drugs, and missing work and life. So instead of going under the knife, I told him and myself – I can heal myself naturally. And I did it through rest, diet and regular acupuncture treatments (yes – needles right into my butt!).

But then I fell again and re-injured the same spot. Oops.

Needless to say, I went straight to acupuncture and will continue on the same path of recovery. I’ll be taking my turmeric supplements and not running or jumping for a while, doing lots of elliptical, stair-stepping, and walking and low impact exercise like Barre. I’ll be having lots and lots of anti-inflammatory foods, so I can make sure my body is healing to its best capacity. That means limiting white flour, sugars, processed foods, etc. and eating lots of plant-based foods like in our Meal Plans for Health program.

One of the most powerful anti-inflammatory foods is ginger. Studies are coming out left and right, showing that ginger is more powerful than even drugs. Drugs like Advil, Aleve and Tylenol only work on one level to “block the formation of inflammatory compounds.  Ginger, on the other hand, blocks the formation of the inflammatory compounds–prostaglandins and leukotrienes–and also has antioxidant effects that break down existing inflammation and acidity in the fluid within the joints.”

Throwing a big hunk of ginger into my daily green smoothies has been the best idea ever. I’ll be having this smoothie after my low-impact workouts. This smoothie uses hemp protein powder which is one of the most incredible sources of easily digestible protein that isn’t acid forming. For those that want to try this type of protein – I buy Nutiva hemp because I vote with my dollars. Nutiva is a rock star company who supports GMO labeling and transparency in the food system (my investigations!), and they have given over 1.5 million dollars towards supporting sustainable agriculture.

If you are battling an aliment or just want to feel good – this smoothie rocks. The addition of cranberries helps reduce water weight too – a little aesthetically pleasing benefit that makes you look good too.

Food Babe's Ginger Berry Anti-Inflammatory Smoothie

Prep Time:

5 mins

Cook Time:

0 mins

Total Time:

5 mins

Serves:  1

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons hemp protein powder
• 2 inches ginger root
• 2 cups spinach
• 1 cup celery
• 1 cup mixed frozen berries
• ½ cup filtered water

Instructions:

1. Place all ingredients in a blender and blend for 1 min or until smooth.
2. Serve immediately or store in airtight container for up to 1 day.

Notes:

• Please choose all organic ingredients if possible

If you see me out and about, I’ll be the girl sitting on the donut pillow. Please don’t laugh.

In hopes of healing fast,

Food Babe

P.S. If you know someone who is popping pills left and right, share this recipe with them – I know they will be forever grateful.