This summer green smoothies have become a must in my diet. Here’s how it started:
About three months ago I was trying to work on getting better habits started and I dismissed bananas as a food because eating a raw banana = never happening. I gag. I hate them. And yet, as I spoke to my friend I realized the banana was the key to the whole thing. Oh, not that you have to eat bananas just that I can justify why I can’t have them as I do a lot of healthy stuff and, well, maybe I need to make a big shift.
We’ll talk about big shifts another day. For now, I just want to share my beloved smoothie:
Ingredient musts:
> banana [whole, half, or frozen pieces]
> coconut milk or water [6-8oz] note: if you hate the taste no worries. you won’t taste it in the smoothie it is just the perfect liquid to use. Just remember PURE stuff. None of this junk that has sugar added to it!!!
> fresh spinach and/or kale [2 BIG handfuls. fill that blender!]
Once you’ve got those three things in the blender you could just eat it… but it won’t be sweet and it won’t be as tasty. I mix and match one or more of the following things depending on what I’ve got in the house and what I’m feeling like doing.
Ingredient choices/options:
> small serving frozen fruit [blueberries, peaches, mango, berries, cherry…]
> almond butter [spoonful]
> fresh fruit [I like to play ‘clean the fridge’ with fruit that needs to be used such as a strawberry or two]
> grated carrot
> plain [no sugar!!!] yogurt
> ice
You absolutely do NOT need to add sugar in any form (honey, agave, etc… leave that sugar OUT!). Enjoy the healthy treat that can range from cool to cold depending on how much cold/frozen you use vs room temp or fridge goods.
The smoothie is refreshing, you’re getting big time veg (and no, it doesn’t taste like spinach), and it is good natural food. I went from being ok about eating this to really trying to work one of these into my diet 4-5 times a week! I usually avoid the yogurt unless I have a bit in the fridge that needs to get eaten asap, but I add that as an option because yep, you could add it.
This can be breakfast, lunch, mid-morning snack, meal on the go… I love it. More importantly I’m feeling better than ever – and this is just the beginning.
That’s too funny! I saw a similar recipe on Pinterest a couple of weeks ago and tried it with my kids. They totally went for it. Excellent way to get some vegies into them and you don’t lose any nutritional value from cooking. I stuck with light-colored frozen fruit to keep it a pretty green.
Yes, if you care about what color it ends up you could choose that way. Me? I don’t care about pretty. I’m all about the taste and oh there are some good combos. Strawberries or blueberries are for sure faves!
finally, someone who doesn’t like bananas like I don’t! 😀 But maybe half of one in one of these I won’t notice it? My doctor says I need more potassium. I’m going to give it a try! thanks.
I, too, have been tossing this green stuff around for a while, but I didn’t like the one I made. So, your blog today gave me another kick in the pants to keep trying until I do like it. Are you following a certain diet???? I’m just not getting anywhere and am really ready to make changes!!!
I’m with you May!! I am drinking a smoothie with unsweetend almond milk, blueberries,strawberries and a touch of all natural peanut butter. I wish I had added my spinach to it. Oh well, maybe tomorrow. I started the south beach plan and so far I’ve lost 14 lbs since 2nd week of July. This plan you stay away from sugar and pre pkg’d food. You make the food you eat. No white stuff either. Good luck!!
Hugs
I love these but make mine with unsweetened almond milk. I esp like it with pears.I learned of these when I took the BPC Wellness Journey class in 2011. Love them.
Hey, May! Love this…..we started doing this twice a day about 9 months ago, lost some weight and feel better. Other ingredients I add are: avocados (creamy smooth texture plus all the heathy fats), carrots (adds sweetness and beta carotene), red pepper, mushrooms (vit d & immune support), swiss chard, bok choy, tomatoes, oranges (peel and all but only half as can be bitter), cinnammon (helps regulate blood sugar), parsley, apples without the core as seeds contain cyanide, whey protein and of course frozen berries (Costco 3 berry mix and/or strawberries), peaches, mangos and whatever in the fridge is going to spoil. I can go on and on with this topic…….enjoy your smoothies (your digestive system will also love it in addition to doing your body good! Bottoms up!
You know that really doesn’t sound half bad and a GREAT way to get some nutrition into your body! Thanks for sharing this smoothie, I will make one once I go to the store and get some spinach!
Patricia
the PaperTemptress
Thanks for sharing, May! I will give it a try – I’m all for healthy food. 🙂
Fellow banana gagger here! I am doing a smoothie for breakfast these days. I LOVE raspberries and peaches in mine!
Just signed up for your Kit-tastic class…love the first video!!! SO excited to get started! I have a ton of stuff I need to kit and am hopping that this class will help!
Yum that sounds great. I need to do something along the lines of a big shift too!
Thanks for the recipe, May! I will definately try this one. I have been vegan for just 3 months now and lately I’m loving the juices I make with my little “The Juice Machine” that was a hand-me-down from a friend a couple of years ago. Happy trails on your path to healthful living 🙂