Green Smoothies for Wimps

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Green smoothies are all the rage these days.  And understandably so considering the high levels of fiber, which lowers cholesterol and glucose levels, keeps you feeling fuller for longer and regulates your body’s cleansing processes. Plus, it’s a tasty way to get a strong dose of fruits and veggies, which provide vital nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin C, folate and potassium.  Green smoothies also have high value of enzymes. These enzymes are a brilliant choice for digestion troubles, and green smoothies contain an important percentage of amino acids.

Introducing at least one green smoothie to your day can absolutely transform your health.  Most people don’t get enough leafy greens, and drinking a green smoothie is a great way to get your greens without having to taste them.  Reported health benefits include:

  • Fewer Toxins

  • Greater immunity

  • Healthier and more fresh skin

  • Reduced weight

  • Better psychological, physical and mental health

  • Increased energy

  • Purer blood

  • Better digestion

  • Better concentration

  • Improved memory

If you want your smoothie to be healthy, keep the alkalizing greens dominant (60-80%). To avoid taking in too many oxalates, be sure to alter the type of greens each day.  Know that these greens shouldn’t ever compromise the taste. Get them in, but mask them with some fruit.

It’s a no-brainer, right?  Not yet?  If your still wimpy about the green sludge, keep reading…

A few tips for getting started with green smoothies:

Start by adding a handful or two of baby spinach into your smoothies then work your way up to adding a larger amount of spinach or different greens that are a little more pungent like collards and kale.

Start with sweeter fruit (banana) and work to transition to to lower glycemic fruit like berries

I recommend using a high-powered blender. If you don’t have one you can still make green smoothies, but you’ll probably have to deal with pieces of un-blended greens.  I recommend the NutriBullet (as demonstrated in the video below), but once you’re hooked, consider investing in a VitaMix.  It’s pricey, but the ridiculous frothy goodness is more than worth it.

Remember that green smoothies aren’t always green. When you include other colorful fruits (like berries) into the smoothie the color can look red to brown.

For kids (and wimpy husbands like mine), keep it sweet and then add the tiniest bit of beet–the smoothie will turn from the unappetizing green to bright red.

You ready?  Here is a simple recipe for beginners.

Green Smoothie Recipe for Wimps

  • 2 large kale leaves with stems removed

  • 5 large strawberries with stems removed

  • 1 banana

  • 2 cups coconut water

  • 1 tbsp goji berries*

  • 1 tbsp chia seeds*

Watch this video demonstration to see how fast and easy it is to prepare a smoothie!

Pretty soon you’ll be whipping up all kinds of concoctions to keep it interesting!

Consider these additional smoothie supplements:

  • Fiber: chia seeds

  • Protein: spirulina, chlorella, nuts (almonds, walnuts)

  • Vitamins and minerals: maca (B12, iron, calcium, energy)

  • Healthy fat: coconut (meat, oil, butter), avocado, nuts, seeds (sunflower, pumpkin, sesame, chia, flax, hemp)

Cheers!

LifestyleTess BurnsComment