If the idea of a green smoothie intrigues, but slightly scares you, then make this one your first. It’s like a bike with training wheels. It’s most definitely green, but it’s also sweet enough to make the trip both easy and enjoyable. Before you know it, you’ll be reaching for the kale and Swiss chard!
I first started making green smoothies about a year ago and was amazed at how much I enjoyed the taste and even began to crave them. Green smoothies make it easy to get a days serving of fruits and vegetables in one glass.
There are a million different recipes out there. But I think it’s best to start with a mild version like this one.
There is one caveat. You really do need a high speed blender to make green smoothies. Otherwise, you’ll end up with little pieces of spinach that really don’t make the texture very appealing. Get a blender that pulverizes the fruits and greens. Honestly, it’s worth spending the money if you’re serious about your smoothies.
Okay, on to the recipe, which I’ve adapted from Vitamix Whole Foods:
Ingredients:
1/2 cup grapes, either red or green
1 medium orange (I used a 1/4 cup of orange juice instead because I was out of oranges)
1/2 cup pineapple chunks, core included (fresh or frozen)
1 medium banana, peeled
1 carrot, cut into chunks
1-2 cups of fresh spinach
1 medium apple, quartered and seeded
1 TBSP ground flax seed (optional)
1 TBSP chia seeds (optional)
1/2 -3/4 cup water
1 cup of ice
Add the liquid first, then the fresh ingredients, and the flax and chia seeds, if you’re using them. If any of your ingredients are frozen, you’ll want to add those last, along with the ice. Blend for one minute or until you reach the consistency that you like.
This smoothie is packed with healthy ingredients. The flax is a good source of fiber and omega-3 fats. The grapes, orange and banana all have vitamin C and potassium and the pineapple packs vitamin B6, manganese and copper. We all know that carrots are rich in beta-carotene and that spinach is one of those power foods. It’s a good source of fiber and vitamin K, and it contains a host of other minerals. *
This green smoothie may just make you a convert. Try it and I think you’ll find that it really is easy being green.
*101 Foods That Could Save Your Life, by David Grotto
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