Green smoothies made easy

Usually when someone sees one of my smoothies, the first question I get is, “Yuck, what is that?” I always have a big smile on my face because I LOVE answering that question.

Most people assume whatever’s in the cup tastes terrible, and that’s far from the truth. Eating (or drinking) healthy doesn’t have to taste bad, be boring, or cost a lot. Here’s how I do it with green smoothies.

Why drink a green smoothie (or any smoothie)?

• Leafy greens, fruits, and vegetables contain vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and amino acids — all of which your body needs to function to the best of its ability.
• It’s important to include all colors of the rainbow when planning meals; smoothies can help with that.
• Smoothies can help give you an all-natural energy boost.
• Smoothies are quick and easy to prepare. And they store well for a quick grab-and-go when on the run.

What’s really in a green smoothie?

• These smoothies contain leafy greens, fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables and a liquid starter such as water, juice, almond milk, coconut water, coconut milk, soy milk, or any others you prefer.

How do you make the perfect smoothie?

• Add the liquid starter with the leafy greens first (this prevents everything from getting stuck).
• Next, add in other fruits and vegetables a little at a time and continue blending until chunks are gone.
• Use at least one frozen item to chill the smoothie and give it that crisp refreshing taste.
• If the smoothie is too thick, add some water. Water never hurts because fruits and veggies are mostly water.

How long does making a smoothie take?

• Making a smoothie can actually SAVE you time.
• You can pack smoothie ingredients ahead of time in a zip-lock baggie and freeze overnight for easy prep in the morning. Just make sure that you add the fruits and veggies on the bottom of the bag and place the leafy greens at the top so you can easily open and blend.
• You can blend the smoothie the night before and store for easy grab-and-go in the morning. If you do that, make sure you have an airtight container (I use Mason jars) and that you don’t store for more than three days.
• From fridge (or freezer) to drinking, I’d say I spend about five minutes on my morning smoothie — but you can always find your own ways to save time.

How can I ensure a great taste?

• The number-one culprit of a “bad” smoothie is bitterness, but there’s a solution!  I always suggest natural sweeteners like apple or bananas. If the smoothie is too bitter, grab sweet fruits and blend in for an instant flavor boost!
• You can also experiment with chia seeds, flax seeds, protein powder, or various types of milk (soy or almond). There are no right or wrong ingredients, so try what works best for you!
• Always remember to wash your fruits and vegetables before adding to your smoothie.

Adding more variety to your diet through smoothies can save time and improve health.

I’ll be sharing my favorite smoothie recipes later this week. Here is one of Claire’s favorite smoothies to get you started.

What are some of your favorite smoothie recipes? 

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