What if the fatigue, weight gain, rising HbA1c, stubborn belly fat, brain fog, or hormone imbalance you’re experiencing didn’t begin with your diet at all? What if they began with a chemical exposure you never knew you had? What if something as simple as the water you drink or the foods you buy for your family has been quietly altering your hormones, disrupting your metabolism, and overwhelming your detoxification pathways for years? Those questions aren’t exaggerations. They’re the uncomfortable reality revealed by new headlines — and decades of research — about one of the world’s most widely used herbicides: Atrazine. Recently classified by the World Health Organization as a probable human carcinogen, atrazine has been linked to hormone disruption, metabolic dysfunction, and increased cancer risk. But the deeper story is bigger than a single chemical. This is about understanding why detoxification has become a necessity, not a luxury. Atrazine: The Chemical You Never Chose, But Still Consume Atrazine is sprayed on millions of acres of crops, especially: Corn Soy Wheat Canola Sugarcane These crops form the backbone of ultra-processed foods — everything from chips to cereals, crackers, cookies, breads, bars, and packaged meals. But here’s the catch: Atrazine is a systemic pesticide. That means it becomes part of the plant itself. You can wash the produce. You can peel it. You can cook it. It doesn’t matter. The chemical is still inside. Worse, atrazine has been detected in drinking water — at levels below the amount that caused severe hormone disruption in animal studies. If a frog exposed to trace amounts can experience: Lower testosterone Reduced sperm Chemical castration And even gender reversal …then we must ask: What is it doing to human hormones, fertility, metabolism, and long-term disease risk? But This Isn’t Just About Hormones… It’s About Metabolism Endocrine disruptors like atrazine interfere with: Insulin signaling Thyroid function Cortisol regulation Estrogen & testosterone balance Appetite control Mitochondrial energy production If your hormones are disrupted, your metabolism is disrupted. And if your metabolism is disrupted, blood sugar rises. So let me pose a few questions: Could your rising HbA1c be influenced by hidden toxins, not just carbohydrates? Could your weight gain be triggered by inflammatory chemicals stored in fat tissue? Could your cravings be driven by hormone disruption, not lack of discipline? Could your fatigue be related to toxic exposure overwhelming the liver? Could your child’s mood swings or skin issues be linked to endocrine disruptors? Could your cancer—or the cancer that touched someone you love—have been influenced by years of exposure to chemicals like atrazine, glyphosate, or other endocrine disruptors? Could a silent toxic burden be contributing to inflammation, cellular damage, or metabolic dysfunction without you ever realizing it? These are the questions people should be asking — but aren’t. Until now. Why Our Children Are Most at Risk Ultra-processed foods make up: Nearly 50% of adult diets Over 50% of children’s diets And what are they made from? The crops that are sprayed the heaviest with pesticides. Children are more vulnerable because: Their detox systems are not fully developed Their hormones are still maturing They absorb higher amounts relative to body weight Early exposure affects lifelong health Atrazine exposure in pregnancy has been linked to: Preterm birth Growth restriction Hormone imbalance Reproductive development disorders Increased cancer risk later in life We cannot keep ignoring this. Why THE Common Detox Foods Are NOT Ideal Many conventional “detox food lists” include: ❌ Red meat ❌ Eggs ❌ Organ meats ❌ Bone broth ❌ Animal-based fats But research shows that persistent toxins accumulate up the food chain. When chemicals are in the soil and water… Animals store them in fat, organs, tissues, and bones. So the foods recommended in that newsletter actually: Increase toxic burden Introduce hormone residues Deliver inflammatory compounds Make detox harder, not easier This is why I practice and teach: A plant-based, whole-food detox approach — free of dairy, meat, eggs, animal broths, or processed foods. Your body cannot detox effectively if you continue eating the very foods that carry the chemicals you're trying to eliminate. So How DO We Support Detox Pathways Safely? Your liver and gut can detox — but only if you remove the overload and provide the correct nutrients. Here’s what actually works: 1. Cruciferous Vegetables Kale, cabbage, broccoli, broccolini, Brussels sprouts, turnip greens. → Support estrogen balance, liver detox, and neutralization of endocrine disruptors. 2. Alliums Onion, garlic, leeks. → Activate detox enzymes and support glutathione pathways. 3. Antioxidants Berries, citrus, herbs, greens. → Reduce inflammation and support cellular repair. 4. Fiber-Rich Foods Flax, chia, oats, leafy greens. → Bind toxins in the gut and help eliminate them. 5. Clean Hydration Filtered water to reduce exposure to pesticides, microplastics, and forever chemicals. 6. Plant-based amino acids Support the liver’s phase 2 detox pathway without the added toxic load of animal proteins. This is the foundation of the detoxification philosophy I use in my clinic — the system that has helped diabetics lower their HbA1c, people lose weight, reverse inflammation, and regain energy. WHAT HAPPENS IF WE DO NOTHING? Toxins don’t stay still. They: Accumulate Disrupt hormones Increase inflammation Overwhelm the liver Exhaust the adrenal glands Damage the gut Raise blood sugar Affect fertility Accelerate aging Increase chronic disease risk Doing nothing is still doing something: It allows the problem to grow quietly. This is why people feel worse year after year without understanding why. This Is Why an Annual Detox Is No Longer Optional You cannot avoid every toxin in the world. But you can lower your burden dramatically. You can give your liver what it needs. You can open detox pathways. You can reduce inflammation. You can support healthy hormones. You can protect your metabolism and your future. And most importantly: You can reset your system so your body can finally begin to heal. This is exactly why I guide clients through a structured annual detox — not a fad cleanse, but a physician-led, plant-focused, evidence-informed metabolic reset. Every year, participants report: Lower blood sugar Weight loss More energy Clearer skin Better digestion Better sleep Less inflammation Renewed mental clarity This is your reminder: **Your body is not failing you — it may simply be overwhelmed. Detox gives it a fighting chance.** If This Resonated With You… If even one part of this blog made you think: “I wonder if this could be affecting me…” Then the answer is yes — and you are not alone. I invite you to explore the next step. Reply “DETOX” or join the waitlist for my upcoming 40-Day Detox Program. Your body is ready to heal. You just have to give it the environment to do what it was created to do.

Every week in my practice, I see the same pattern: People fighting inflammation. People fighting chronic pain. People fighting high blood sugar, high blood pressure, metabolic dysfunction, weight that won’t move, fatigue that won’t lift. And yet… many don’t realize how much of that begins in their grocery cart. Sometimes I feel like I’m preaching a message no one hears until it is too late. But I’m going to keep preaching it anyway—because the stakes are too high. Your daily choices matter . Your food matters . And the pesticides in your food matter more than most people realize. That’s why the Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 lists exist—simple tools that guide you toward cleaner produce, reduced toxic load and lower inflammation. And for anyone dealing with type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, autoimmune issues, gut problems, or chronic inflammatory conditions , this isn’t optional. This is foundational. Why This Matters: Inflammation Is the Root of Chronic Disease Before we dive into the lists, let’s talk about why this conversation matters so deeply. Pesticides don’t just sit on the surface of your food. They enter your bloodstream. They influence your hormones. They impair your gut microbiome. They burden your liver—the very organ responsible for managing blood sugar, detoxification and inflammation control. Chronic inflammation is linked to: Type 2 diabetes Insulin resistance Fatty liver disease Cardiovascular disease Autoimmune conditions Gut permeability (leaky gut) Neurological inflammation Hormone disruption Slow metabolism and weight gain Every bite you take either calms inflammation or ignites it. This guide helps you choose the foods that don’t pour gasoline on the fire. What Are the Dirty Dozen & Clean 15? Each year, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) tests tens of thousands of produce samples from the USDA to determine which fruits and vegetables carry the highest and lowest pesticide residues. In 2025: More than 75% of conventionally grown produce had detectable pesticides. Over 95% of the “Dirty Dozen” samples contained pesticides—even after washing. 265 pesticides were detected across all produce tested. 203 pesticides were found just on Dirty Dozen foods. 60% of Clean 15 items had zero detectable pesticides. This matters because pesticide exposure is associated with: Hormone disruption Fertility challenges Developmental issues Neurological changes Increased risk of metabolic diseases You don’t need to fear food—but you do need to choose wisely. THE DIRTY DOZEN 2025 (Buy Organic When Possible) Foods with the highest pesticide levels: Spinach Strawberries Kale, collards & mustard greens Grapes Peaches Cherries Nectarines Pears Apples Blackberries (new) Blueberries Potatoes (lowest pesticide count but still included) What You Should Know 96% of samples had pesticides. Most items had 4+ pesticides per sample. Bell peppers, hot peppers and green beans narrowly escaped the list—so treat them like Dirty Dozen items too. If you’re dealing with inflammation, liver overload, hormone imbalance or blood sugar issues, these are the foods to prioritize organic. THE CLEAN 15 2025 (Safer to Buy Conventional) Produce with the lowest pesticide residues: Pineapple Sweet corn (fresh & frozen) Avocados Papaya Onions Sweet peas (frozen) Asparagus Cabbage Watermelon Cauliflower (new) Bananas (new) Mangoes Carrots Mushrooms Kiwi What You Should Know Nearly 60% had no detectable pesticides. Only 16% had multiple pesticides. Avocados, pineapple and sweet corn ranked among the lowest overall toxicity. Budget-conscious families can confidently buy these conventional. So How Do You Actually Reduce Your Pesticide Exposure? 1. Buy organic for the Dirty Dozen These are the highest-impact swaps. 2. Use the Clean 15 to save money Your organic dollars go further. 3. Wash everything A simple baking-soda soak or vinegar rinse helps reduce surface residues. 4. Peel when you need to Just understand you’ll lose some fiber. 5. Buy local & in-season Shorter transport time = fewer chemicals needed. 6. Grow what you can Even herbs and leafy greens make a difference. 7. Diversify your produce Different foods = different exposure patterns + broader nutrients. 8. Support IPM farming practices These farms use far fewer chemicals even without the organic label. How This Connects to Type 2 Diabetes & Chronic Disease Inflammation is not random. It is not unlucky. It is not “just genetics.” It is a physiological response . And what drives it? Toxins Pesticides Ultra-processed foods Sugar instability Gut dysfunction Mitochondrial stress Nutrient deficiencies Pesticides aren’t the only cause of disease… but they are a daily contributor that most people don’t even realize is affecting them. Reducing pesticide load reduces: ✔ Liver burden (better detox + better sugar regulation) ✔ Oxidative stress (less inflammation) ✔ Endocrine disruption (better hormone balance) ✔ Gut permeability (less immune activation) This matters deeply when you’re fighting type 2 diabetes or trying to reverse metabolic disease. My Heart Behind This Guide If I’m honest… some days it feels like I’m talking into the wind. People hear the information… they nod along… and then disease makes the decision for them. But I believe in catching disease before it catches you. I believe people can heal. I’ve watched it hundreds of times. I watched it in my own father’s body. I watched it in my own patients—reversing diabetes, lowering inflammation, reclaiming their energy, their hope, their lives. This guide is not about perfection. It’s not about fear. It’s about empowerment . It’s about giving you tools before it’s too late. The grocery store is the first pharmacy. Let this list help you shop like your life depends on it—because in many ways, it does. Conclusion: Make Cleaner Choices, One Cart at a Time The 2025 Clean 15 and Dirty Dozen list isn’t a diet. It’s not a trend. It’s a strategy —a simple starting point for anyone who wants to lower inflammation, protect their health and reverse chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes. You don’t have to overhaul your life overnight. Just start with the produce in your basket. Your liver will thank you. Your gut will thank you. Your hormones will thank you. Your future self will thank you. And I’ll be right here cheering you on—every step of the way. PS. The list may change annually. Follow EWG's annual guide for updates at ewg.org.

Most people think coffee is just a harmless morning pick-me-up. But behind every sip, there is a powerful physiological reaction happening inside your adrenal glands—one that can help you or harm you depending on how often you use it. Let’s break down what your adrenals actually do, how coffee affects them, why daily caffeine accelerates aging for some people, and how to enjoy coffee in a way that supports—not sabotages—your long-term health.

Reverse Type 2 Diabetes

Spoiler alert: You don’t have to be diabetic to have blood sugar problems. Millions of people walk around every day with out-of-control blood sugar —but they have no idea . Why? Because early symptoms are often subtle, common, and easily blamed on everything but blood sugar imbalance. In fact, many people with prediabetes or insulin resistance feel “mostly fine”… until one day, they don’t. And by then, type 2 diabetes may already be developing. Let’s change that. 1. You’re Always Tired—Even After a Full Night’s Sleep Yes, life is busy—but if you feel like you’re dragging through the day or craving naps after meals, blood sugar instability may be the culprit. When your glucose is too high (or fluctuating), your body can’t efficiently turn sugar into energy. The result? You feel wiped out , foggy, and maybe even a little moody. *Chronic fatigue is one of the earliest and most overlooked signs of insulin resistance.*¹ 2. You Crave Carbs and Sugar Constantly You might think you just “have a sweet tooth”—but persistent cravings are often your body’s cry for balance . When blood sugar spikes and crashes repeatedly, it tricks your brain into demanding more fast fuel —usually in the form of bread, pasta, soda, or sweets. *Insulin resistance affects the brain’s reward center, making food cravings feel compulsive and hard to resist.*² 3. You Have Belly Fat That Won’t Budge Excess fat around the abdomen is not just about aesthetics—it’s a major metabolic warning sign . Belly fat (also called visceral fat) is closely linked to high insulin levels , which keep your body in fat-storage mode . Even if your overall weight is stable, increased waist circumference may be a sign your body is **storing sugar instead of burning it.**³ Waist size over 35 inches for women or 40 inches for men is a red flag for metabolic syndrome. 4. You Crash After Meals Feel sluggish, sleepy, or mentally foggy after eating? That “food coma” feeling may mean your blood sugar spiked too high too fast , then dropped like a rock. This rollercoaster effect is common in people who are prediabetic or insulin resistant—even if they don’t realize it yet. *Post-meal energy crashes are often caused by unstable blood sugar and poor glucose uptake.*⁴ 5. You’re Having Vision Changes Blurred vision, eye fatigue, or difficulty focusing—especially later in the day—can sometimes be linked to high blood sugar levels.⁵ Elevated glucose can swell the lens of your eye , temporarily changing your ability to see clearly. This can happen long before a diabetes diagnosis, especially if blood sugar is swinging up and down without warning. What You Can Do Right Now If you see yourself in these symptoms, don’t panic—but don’t ignore them , either. The earlier you act, the more powerful your results can be. Start with These 3 Steps: Get tested. Ask your doctor to check fasting glucose, HbA1c, and insulin levels. Track how you feel after meals. Energy dips, cravings, and mood swings are all clues. Clean up your plate. Embrace whole food, plant-based meals rich in fiber, greens, legumes, and healthy fats to stabilize blood sugar naturally. The best part? You can begin reversing insulin resistance before it ever turns into type 2 diabetes. Final Thoughts Uncontrolled blood sugar doesn’t always show up in obvious ways—but your body is speaking. The key is learning to listen. These five signs might be whispering something important: "It’s time to make a change." And the truth is—you can. With the right food, movement, mindset, and support, you can take control of your blood sugar before it takes control of you. Sources: Taylor, R. (2013). Type 2 Diabetes: Etiology and reversibility. Diabetes Care. https://doi.org/10.2337/dc12-1805 Kullmann, S. et al. (2016). Brain insulin resistance at the crossroads of metabolic and cognitive disorders in humans. Physiological Reviews. https://doi.org/10.1152/physrev.00032.2015 Després, J. P. (2012). Body fat distribution and risk of cardiovascular disease. Circulation. https://doi.org/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.111.067264 Colberg, S. R., et al. (2016). Physical Activity/Exercise and Diabetes. Diabetes Care. https://doi.org/10.2337/dc16-1728 American Diabetes Association. Diabetes and Eye Health. https://www.diabetes.org/diabetes/eye-health

Did you know that more than 96 million Americans—over one-third of U.S. adults—have prediabetes, and most of them don’t even know it?¹ Prediabetes is a silent condition that often goes undiagnosed, yet it carries a serious warning: if left unchecked, it can progress to type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and other life-threatening complications. The good news? Prediabetes is reversible. With the right steps, you can stop it in its tracks and even prevent it from ever turning into full-blown diabetes. What Is Prediabetes? Prediabetes means your blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. It’s like a yellow light before the red—it’s your body’s signal to slow down and reassess before serious health consequences set in. Key indicators of prediabetes: Fasting blood glucose: 100–125 mg/dL Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c): 5.7%–6.4% Oral glucose tolerance test: 140–199 mg/dL (2 hours post-glucose drink) Who’s at Risk? Prediabetes can affect anyone, but your risk increases if you: Are over age 35 Are overweight or obese Have a family history of diabetes Live a sedentary lifestyle Had gestational diabetes Are African American, Latino, Native American, Asian American, or Pacific Islander The scary part? Most people don’t experience any symptoms. That’s why regular screening and lab work are so important. Why It’s Urgent to Act Now Without intervention, up to 70% of people with prediabetes will go on to develop type 2 diabetes .² But studies show that lifestyle changes —particularly around food, exercise, sleep, and stress—can cut that risk in half or more .³ Think of prediabetes not as a curse, but as a powerful second chance . Reversing Prediabetes Naturally 1. Eat Whole, Plant-Based Foods A diet rich in vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and seeds can: Improve insulin sensitivity Lower inflammation Promote weight loss Balance blood sugar naturally Studies show that a plant-based diet reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes by up to 60% .⁴ 2. Get Moving Exercise helps your muscles use glucose more efficiently, even without insulin . Aim for: 30–60 minutes of movement daily A mix of cardio (walking, dancing, biking) and strength training Even light daily movement (like walking after meals) can improve insulin sensitivity and glucose control.⁵ 3. Prioritize Sleep & Stress Management Poor sleep and high stress increase cortisol , which raises blood sugar and makes insulin less effective. Practice: Deep breathing or prayer Gentle stretching or yoga A wind-down routine for restful sleep Get Tested, Get Empowered If you haven’t had your labs done recently, ask your healthcare provider to check: Fasting blood glucose HbA1c Insulin levels (if possible) Catching prediabetes early gives you a unique window of opportunity to reverse the trend and regain your health— without medication. Final Thoughts: Prediabetes Doesn’t Have to Become Diabetes Prediabetes is your body’s early warning system. It’s silent, yes—but that doesn’t mean you have to be. Now is the time to listen, act, and take back your health through small daily changes that add up to major transformation. If you're ready to reverse prediabetes using food, fitness, and faith, we’d love to support you. Schedule your free discover call below or learn more about our Diabetes Reversal Program . Sources: CDC. National Diabetes Statistics Report, 2022. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/data/statistics-report/index.html Tabák, A. G., et al. (2012). Prediabetes: a high-risk state for diabetes development. The Lancet. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(12)60283-9 Diabetes Prevention Program Research Group. (2002). Reduction in the incidence of type 2 diabetes with lifestyle intervention or metformin. NEJM. https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa012512 Satija, A., et al. (2016). Plant-Based Dietary Patterns and Incidence of Type 2 Diabetes in US Men and Women. PLOS Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.1002039 Colberg, S. R., et al. (2016). Physical Activity/Exercise and Diabetes. Diabetes Care. https://doi.org/10.2337/dc16-1728

What Is Radon? Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that forms from the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water . It’s colorless, odorless, and tasteless, making it impossible to detect without testing. Radon can seep into your home through: Cracks in foundations and walls Gaps around pipes and construction joints Crawl spaces and basements with poor ventilation Once indoors, radon can accumulate to dangerous levels. It’s found in all 50 states , and 1 in 15 U.S. homes has levels above the EPA’s safety threshold of 4 pCi/L (picocuries per liter). Why You Should Be Concerned Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S., responsible for about 21,000 deaths annually. Even if you’ve never smoked, long-term exposure to radon can still significantly increase your risk. Symptoms of radon-related lung cancer may include: Persistent coughing (sometimes with blood) Chest pain or tightness Shortness of breath Hoarseness Unexplained weight loss If you or a loved one is experiencing these symptoms, speak with your doctor about low-dose CT lung screening . Testing and Prevention: What You Can Do Now 1. Test Your Home Testing is the only way to know your radon levels. Use: A DIY kit (available online or at hardware stores) A certified radon professional for more detailed testing 2. Take Action If Levels Are High If your home tests at or above 4 pCi/L, the EPA recommends installing a radon mitigation system . These systems: Increase ventilation Seal cracks and openings Reduce indoor radon levels effectively 3. Retest Regularly Even if your initial test is low, retest every 2–5 years , or after renovations, earthquakes, or foundation repairs. 4. Explore Local Resources Many states and local agencies offer: Free or low-cost test kits Grants or financial help for mitigation Take advantage of these while they’re available! The Role of a Whole Food, Plant-Based (WFPB) Diet A healthy home starts with clean air—but it doesn’t end there. Your diet plays a powerful role in helping your body fight back against toxins like radon. While eating plant-based won’t remove radon from your home, it can support your body’s natural detox defenses and reduce the total toxic burden your immune system must handle. How WFPB Eating Helps: Neutralizes free radicals with antioxidants Supports lung health with phytonutrients, vitamin C, and selenium Reduces inflammation and oxidative stress Strengthens your immune system Top Antioxidant Foods to Include: Dark leafy greens (kale, spinach) Berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries) Cruciferous veggies (broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage) Sweet potatoes and carrots Herbs like turmeric, ginger, and garlic These foods help your body repair damage, protect cells, and maintain overall resilience—especially important if you've been unknowingly exposed to radon over time. Final Thoughts: Prevention Is Power Radon exposure is silent but preventable . By combining testing, mitigation, and a supportive lifestyle , you can reduce your risk of radon-related health issues and protect your family’s well-being. ✅ Test your home ✅ Act quickly if levels are high ✅ Eat to support detox and immune health ✅ Educate others in your community Take Action Today If you’ve never tested your home for radon—or it’s been more than 2 years—it’s time. Visit EPA.gov/radon to learn more or purchase a test kit today. Want guidance on building a disease-fighting lifestyle? Book a free 15 discovery call to see how our programs can support your health goals. Sources: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). A Citizen’s Guide to Radon. https://www.epa.gov/radon American Lung Association. Radon Basics. https://www.lung.org/clean-air/at-home/indoor-air-pollutants/radon Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Radon and Cancer. https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/radon/index.htm American Cancer Society. Lung Cancer Screening Guidelines. https://www.cancer.org/healthy/find-cancer-early/cancer-screening-guidelines/ Environmental Law Institute. Radon Testing and Mitigation: State Policies. https://www.eli.org/buildings/radon-state-laws Li, C. Y., et al. (2011). Plant antioxidants: From nutritional therapy to protective effects against environmental toxins. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity. https://doi.org/10.1155/2011/417291 Halliwell, B. & Gutteridge, J.M. (2015). Free Radicals in Biology and Medicine (5th ed.). Oxford University Press.

Constipation, Green, Main dish, Plant-based, Weight Transformation Prep 5 mins ∙ Cook 10 mins ∙ Makes 6 Ingredients 1 c Black beans 1 c Yellow rice 1 c Mushroom and fennel 1 Package frozen nonGMO corn Whole wheat or gluten free tortilla shells Organic pasta sauce Directions Heat corn and other ingredients unless you prefer not to have a hot burrito. Slightly heat tortilla shell to make the shell more flexible. Remove shell from heat and layer each of the ingredients in the center of the shell by starting with rice, beans, corn and mushrooms. Wrap burrito by rolling insides and then folding the sides. Pour pasta sauce over burrito. Slice in half and serve. Note: You can double the ingredients as you wish to make overstuffed burritos. Your choice. PS I like to make these burritos from the leftovers of the week. It is very simple once the rice, fennel and mushrooms and black beans are done. I use corn on it to add more texture and I just love corn. I am careful to buy only organic corn since most corn as been genetically modified and I just don’t think my body knows what to do with that kind. It is a very filling dinner and quite delicious. Enjoy!

Dairy-free, Detox, Dr. Helen, GF, GM, GD, Plant-based, Smoothies, Vegan Prep 5 mins ∙ Makes 4 Ingredients 3 Bananas 11 oz. coconut water 1 tsp cinnamon 1 tbsp. maple syrup 1 dash of nutmeg 1 handful of raw cashews 1 tsp of vanilla 1 cup of ice Directions Add Banana, cinnamon, nutmeg, maple syrup, vanilla, cashews in high speed blender. Add water and ice and blend to a smooth texture. Enjoy cold. Notes PS This is a great detoxifying combination with flavor and satisfaction. The cashews add the needed simple protein that is not only easy to use for the muscles, but it is easy on the kidneys. This is unlike saturated fat from animal products that can increase cholesterol and make it difficult on kidneys in some situations to adequate filter the unwanted waste (toxins) that your body needs to eliminate. This one is easy breezy. The potassium is good for the heart and the electrolytes in the coconut water are a perfect combination. Enjoy!