It was not too long ago when I was introduced to Green Smoothies. I saw other bloggers write about them, like here and here, and I was intrigued. Knowing that I do not get nearly enough vegetables in my diet I loved the idea of blending greens into a tasty fruity smoothie. I knew full well that hiding the greens was the only way they were going into the girl.
I headed to the grocery store and bought the ingredients. I started out using milk as the base liquid. When I was doing that I noticed my stomach would feel a bit icky for awhile. I figured that green smoothies were not for me and I quit making them for awhile. (Note: See how easily I quit new things when they do not work out at first. I am working on that.)
During the time I was investigating green smoothies I put a book called Green for Life by Victoria Boutenko on hold at the library. My initial experiment came and went while I waited for my turn to read the book. I was still interested enough to check the book out when it came into my local library branch.
I have read much of the book. I do not agree with everything Mrs. Boutenko says and I do not plan on becoming a Raw Foodist but I still found Green For Life a very interesting resource for starting the green smoothie journey. The best part of the book is the recipe section in the back. I have gotten a lot of good ideas of what to put in my green smoothies. The key ingredient is water. Once I switched the liquid base from milk to water, my love for green smoothies took off.
I have been drinking about a quart of green smoothie almost every day for over a week now. What are my thoughts? I am noticing more energy throughout the day. I am not craving an afternoon nap as much. That allows for me to sleep more soundly at night. I don’t crave sugar as much as I used. When I do consume sugar I do not have the same satisfaction from it. A big point for me is that I do not crave junk food as much anymore. My mind automatically goes towards the banana, apple, or carrots first. There is not the same thrill with junk food. I feel “cleaner” on the inside. I have no intentions of “going raw” but I am defininitely seeing the benefits of eating more whole foods. The only change I have made is drinking a green smoothie as my breakfast each morning. It amazing how a drink can do all that.
Okay, here is the rundown of the green smoothie I made this morning. I have found I really enjoy this combination.
Cast of Characters:
1 cup water
2 handfuls 50/50 Salad mix
1 Banana
1 Apple
Couple swirls of Honey
Frozen Fruit Mix, until right consistency is achieved
Start making the smoothie by putting one cup of water in the blender. Add a couple handfuls of greens and a swirl of honey. The beauty of these smoothies is that they are are so versatile. You can start with as little or as much greens as you want until you are used to it. Turn the blender on High and let it run until the greens are thoroughly blended.
Here is the blender in action. Gotta love that color!
Next add the banana and blend it up really well. Cut up the apple and put it in complete with the skin. Blend away. Finally, add the frozen fruit until you have the thickness you want.
The smoothie I made this morning came out looking like this:
I confess the color may not be very appetizing but I assure the taste is very good. And if it concerns you, like it does me, you can not even taste the greens. It is all fruity goodness.
Bottom’s Up!
thank goodness you are not still adding milk! I’s great to hear that by simply adding a green smoothie to your your unhealthy cravings have diminished. Keep spreading the green love!
You are inspiring me to get back on my green smoothies. Jonah has started a “green smoothie” in the morning. I have been blending a 1/4 avacado and some barley green with his formula. He LOVES it. In fact when he finishes it he cries because he wants more:)
Fantastic post, thanks for submitting to the MIFS carnival!!
We do green smoothies a few times a week, everyone in my house loves them! We use spinach, kale, or beet greens as the green part, frozen fruit, one banana, and just water. Turns out great every time 🙂
I can’t believe that I haven’t tried a green smoothie yet. After reading your post I’m completely inspired. I regularly make smoothies with fruit, milk, and yogurt, but I love the idea of losing the dairy and adding greens. Thank you, I can’t wait!
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