April 26

10 comments

The Sneaky Green Smoothie

By Sue Ingebretson

April 26, 2011

avocado, blenders, immersion blenders, kale, Leafy greens, nutrients, smoothie, spinach

THE SNEAKY GREEN SMOOTHIE!

It’s hard to find anyone these days who hasn’t enjoyed at least a smoothie or two. You can pick them up at health food stores, juice shops, and of course, make them at home.

I’m a Make-It-At-Home kinda smoothie girl. I like to use whatever I have on hand (can you say frugal?), AND I like knowing what’s in the smoothie I’m drinking. Too many purchased green smoothies have more in common with a McD’s Shamrock Shake than anything from a real garden. I want energy giving nutrients in my smoothies and not empty calorie fillers!

Smoothies are a perfect breakfast solution as they’re quick to make and take on the go. You ARE eating breakfast every single day, right? Making your own smoothie also provides a convenient way to add any powder or liquid supplements that you may be taking.

As far as equipment goes, I use everything from a hand-held immersion blender to a super-duper mixer, depending on the ingredients, so don’t worry too much about it. Just focus on the ingredients for now.

Like most things, tastes change and experimentations can be a fun thing. When I first began adding greens to my smoothies, I thought it would completely alter the flavor, but I’m happy to be wrong!

Green smoothies are simply delicious!

I limit the amount of fruit I use because of the sugar content, but everything else, I add with gusto. I buy bananas, blueberries and strawberries (which happen to be my favorites) and wash them and cut them up when I get home from the store. I freeze them in advance as the frozen fruit really helps to thicken and enhance the texture of the smoothie.

For several years, I’ve made smoothies that use a combination of some or all of these basic ingredients:

Filtered water, protein powder, small quantity of banana and/or berries, flax, coconut, and coconut oil. I’ve experimented with almond or rice milk too, as well as coconut water. Yum!

Now, here’s the sneaky part – you can add a handful or two of fresh spinach or kale (or other favorite green leafies) to the above smoothie and find very little change in flavor. For a deliciously smooth texture, add avocado **slurp**. What a nutritional kick in the pants! Now … I know what you’re thinking. Yes — you will see a change in color. That’s a good thing!

The color green represents living, fresh, nutrient-dense foods.

As you continue in your own experimentation, you can leave the protein mix type of smoothies behind and simply juice or blend your favorite raw veggies. Shake it up in your kitchen! Experiment with a variety of fresh greens and veggies. I find a combo of kale, celery, cucumber, carrot, coconut, granny smith apple, and ginger to be amazingly refreshing!

I made enough in my kitchen this morning to share, but you’ll have to come and get it. The post office frowns on shipping oozing packages of liquid – green or otherwise. My breakfast this morning has given me the energy I need to get through my day, did yours? Are you green with envy? Then start experimenting in your own home. I can’t wait to hear about the tantalizing combinations that you create!

What’s in your favorite GREEN smoothie?

  1. I just love your energy and enthusiasm when you share all your knowledge and the way you described how yummy a green smoothie can be is amazing! Thank you for all your expertise that you share with us and look forward to our show together where you can enlighten me and my listeners that much more!
    Warmly,
    Nancy

    1. Very kind of you Nancy! You know I love to share — as do you. I could say my energy comes from my leafy greens, but it’s that plus much more 😉 When you’ve been sick and then become well, you want everyone else to feel better too!

  2. Do you have a favorite protein powder that you use. Most of the ones I’ve tried just taste yucky 🙂

    1. It’s really such a discretionary thing. We each have different senses of sweetness. I used to like sweeter protein powders and now prefer the less-sweet variety. You might try Metagenics, or one from Arbonne to start. Also, my Mother’s Market as a huge variety to try….

  3. I need to get brave and throw some spinach in the Vitamix. I love using whole carrots or cucumbers with my fruit, but haven’t been confident enough in my green mixtures.

    1. Greens are a quick way to boost energy and get vital folic acid and folate – think foliage 😉

  4. Sue,

    I would love to add a FibroWHYalgia blog badge to my site. Have you ever considered making one available? Just wanted to ask; I’m sure I’m not the only one interested!

    Thanks for all of your hard work!

    Sheila

  5. Thanks Sheila! I think that’s a great idea! I’ll ask my web designer what’s involved in that. Thanks!

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"True Healing requires a combination of healthy nutrition, healthy body movements, and emotional wellness. This is what I call the Restoration Trio" ~ Sue Ingebretson