Green Smoothies

After a weekend of indulging, I'm ready to hit my internal re-set button. The ultimate cure to a post-weekend slump? A green smoothie.

well + good nyc

A handful of kale
Half an apple
5 slices of cucumber
A stalk of celery
½ of an avocado
½ cup water
A splash of lemon juice

To some, this tall cup of goodness, dripping in deliciousness, may scream DRINK ME. For others, this may look like sewage. But as they say, it's never good to judge something based off of outward appearances. I mean, come on, look at lobster.

There's really no need to list the health benefits, as there are many. Basically, your drinking heaps of veggies, fruit and water. Enough said. It's a sure fire way to feel rejuvenated, hydrated, and energized.

Science of Healthy Living

There's plenty of recipes to be found online. However, green smoothies beg for spontaneity. Throw in whatever may be growing in the garden or sitting in the fridge. Kale, lettuce, cucumber, collard greens, celery, you name it. The greener the better. Try to aim for 70 percent greens, 30 percent fruit. Bananas , apples and pears add a zing of sweetness. If your smoothie tastes just a teensy bit toooooo green, drizzle in a bit of agave nectar or maple syrup to balance out the taste. As for the liquid, water is best. But you can always add diluted apple or orange juice (coconut water is great too!). Head to your local farmers market for some green inspiration.

Recently, I've been blending in a whole banana, a few pieces of frozen mango and pineapple, handfuls of kale and lettuce, celery, cucumber, raw almonds, coconut water, and lots of water.

Orleans Farmer's Market: The Real Food Advocate

For an extra dose of fiber and protein, throw in some flax seeds and raw nuts. For a little bit of crunch, try a scoop of granola right on top.

Truly Organic Foods: Cocoa nibs, goji berries and bee pollen

Give the green smoothie a try. Even my three and half year old sister loves them. And this coming from a particularly picky little girl who lives off of cheese found two forms: grilled and macaroni-ed.

Check out this kid friendly "frog nog" green smoothie recipe featured on The Sisters Cafe blog.

2-4 cups spinach or other greens (I use 4 cups organic baby/ or kale)

1-2 cups of water (depending how thick you like it)

1-2 bananas (I use 2)

1 heaping cup frozen pineapple chunks

1 cup frozen mango, peaches or other light fruit (I have used strawberries)

1 Tb honey or agave (optional for sweetness)

First I fill my trusty blender (I use the Blendtec) with spinach–lots of it! Then I fill the container up to the 2 line with water filling in around the spinach. Pulse to blend into a bright green water.

Next add your bananas, frozen fruit ans sweetner, if using. I push the ‘whole juice’ button and the blender purees it all for me into a wonder smooth green drink. What ever blender you have, just be sure to blend it for a good amount of time to make sure it is as smooth as possible. Pour into glasses and serve!
- the sisters cafe blog