Green Smoothie Recipe

Hi! How is your weekend going so far? Mine has been wonderful. I had a friend over for dinner last night and we had lots of fun catching up. This morning has been nice and relaxing so far. Layla’s asleep on the couch and I have been playing Celine Dion’s Christmas album and sitting by the tree.

Today I wanted to share with you my guidelines for making a green smoothie. There are endless variations of how to make a green smoothie. I started making these green drinks a few years back after seeing them on blogs. I was reintroduced to them by Robyn Openshaw (the Green Smoothie Girl) at one of her workshops and when I read Kimberly Snyder’s book, The Beauty Detox Solution. Each of these women have a plethera of green smoothie information and recipes.

Onto my green smoothies. The basis of green smoothies is that you take a bunch of leafy greens, vegetables, a little fruit, some ice and water and blend it all together. You can mix and match difference vegetables and fruits depending on your taste buds and what you have on hand. There is no “one” recipe. Each day’s smoothie will and should be a little different. Yesterday I used spinach, cucumber, cilantro, lime and apple and today I used spinach, kale, cilantro, grapefruit, lime and banana. It’s important to vary and rotate the types of greens, vegetable and fruits that you use so your body has a chance to absorb different nutrients each day. If you continue to eat the exact same type of food day in and day out, your body is more likely to develop a sensitivity to it over time. Remember to use a wide variety of vegetables and fruits and to try out new combinations daily.

It is advised to drink at least one green smoothie a day. I go through periods of time where I have a large green smoothie each day, and they I’ll go a few weeks without having one. This past week I started to crave my green smoothies again, so they are back into my daily routine. One big thing that I notice when I drink them regularly, is that my skin looks more vibrant and has less acne. I also feel like I have more energy and my digestion feels better. Wait, why did I stop drinking these? Anyway, please play around with different recipes and find a green smoothie that rocks your world. You can start off with more fruit and taper down on the fruit as your taste buds adapt to the bitter greens.

This is just a guideline. I never use a “set” recipe and will often test the smoothie and then add more of whatever ingredient it may need.

Green Smoothie Recipe

Serves 1

2 handfuls spinach – or leafy green of choice

1-2 kale leaves

1/2 lime (peeled or with peel) – or lemon

1/4 cup cilantro – or fresh herb of choice

1/2 a peeled grapefruit – of 1/2 cup fruit of choice

1/4 frozen banana – this helps with the creaminess and sweetness

handful of ice

4-6 oz filtered water

few drops of stevia – if you need it sweeter

sprinkle of cinnamon (helps to slow the absorption of sugar)

Place all of your ingredients besides the ice in a blender. Blend until the vegetables and fruit are “juice-like.” Add the ice and any additional ingredients and blend.

While drinking the smoothie, try to let each sip sit in your mouth and “chew” it a bit.

“Chewing actually starts the digestive process using enzymes in the mouth.  Chewing also triggers the stomach to recognize that food is coming and to start preparing the acids and enzymes it needs for digestion. Breaking the veggies down also allows for the release of many of the phytonutrients and antioxidants they contain without the digestive system having to work so hard.  With these nutrients more easily available, the body can start its rebuilding and repair projects quicker and easier.” — from “Green Smoothies: Pros & Cons.

What are your favorite green smoothie combinations? I love green apple, lime, cucumber and basil. I’m going to go take Layla for her walk and have a relaxing afternoon.

Have a great day!

Kilee

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