Everywhere you go right now, especially if you happen to occasionally visit a health food store, or even the gym, you are likely, at some point to hear someone talking about green smoothies.
If you are completely clueless as to what these are, or why they are popular, you are not alone. They are not milkshakes and they are certainly not a beverage that is reserved for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day (although they could be used for that purpose too).
A green smoothie is, in the most basic terms, a combination of green leafy vegetables and fruits, blended together to make a beverage. Most recipes, but not all, do produce a finished product that does indeed have a rather virulent green color, but the term is used to refer to the ingredients, rather than the appearance of the mixture.
It is certainly an easier way to get all of the fruits and vegetables experts recommend you add to your diet on a daily basis but it can also sounds really pretty boring, and scary even if you have never been a big veggie fan anyway. Here though are five green smoothie options you can try out at home that are good for you while also tasting great (we promise, they do)
Awesome Avocado, Apple and Spinach Smoothie
Avocados can be one of the more expensive offerings in the produce aisle, but all the nutrients they offer – including a perfect, complete protein complex – make them worth every penny.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups apple juice
2 cups chopped spinach
1 apple, chopped, any variety
1/2 avocado, chopped
Directions
Blend ingredients together in a blender until smooth, about 40-50 seconds. The avocado will add a creamy texture like dairy would, so there should be no need to add additional water.
Green Monster of the Tropics
This delicious green smoothie is a tasty treat that even the most skeptical of people will enjoy. The addition of the hemp seed gives you a complete natural protein, one in which all eight essential amino acids are present. This is a great post workout energizer!
Ingredients
1/2 ripe banana
2 handfuls rinsed spinach
1/2 cup frozen mango
1 cup water coconut water
1 tablespoon hemp seed powder
4-5 ice cubes
Directions
For the best results, layer your ingredients in your blender as follows; coconut water, hemp powder, ice cubes, spinach, banana and finally the mango. Blend for 45 seconds or until smooth.
If you prefer a thicker, creamier taste, sub the coconut water for plain water and add a tablespoon of cream of coconut instead.
Romaine, Orange and Peach Smoothie
Oranges and peaches have been paired together for years, but the addition of romaine lettuce is a little unusual. Green smoothies are often about unusual food pairings that actually taste great together though, and this is certainly one of them.
Ingredients
2 oranges, peeled and chopped
1 white peach, pitted and chopped
4-6 large romaine lettuce leaves
1 cup ice
Add ice into blender first, followed by all of the other ingredients. Blend for 45 seconds or until smooth.
Lemon, Sorrel and Strawberry Smoothie
Sweet strawberries take the edge off the the sour lemon taste in this nutrient packed smoothie, while the avocado adds creamy protein and the sorrel lends a tangy twist.
Ingredients
2 generous handfuls sorrel leaves
Juice of 1 lemon
Flesh of 1/2 medium sized avocado
3 strawberries
Handful of ice
1/2 cup water
Combine all of the components into a blender, blend until smooth, up toa minute, depending upon personal taste.
Swiss Chard, Banana and Lime Green Smoothie
Swiss chard is a vitamin packed leafy green that ranks second only to spinach in terms of vegetables that pack a healthy punch. In addition, bananas are a great source of potassium and the zesty taste of the lime adds vitamin C and a nice flavor kick.
Ingredients
2-3 cups Swiss chard, chopped
1-2 large bananas
1/2 lime, chopped
1 cup ice
Combine all ingredients in the blender and then blend until smooth. Garnish with an extra slice of lime for a nice presentation touch.
Chocolaty Spinach and Nut Smoothie
This is a green smoothie that even veggie hating children should gulp down without too many complaints, especially if you emphasize the fun green drink part, and make no mention of the vegetables!
Ingredients
1 banana
3 heaping handfuls of spinach
2 tablespoons smooth peanut butter
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
1 to 1-1/2 cups almond flavored soy milk
Combine all ingredients in the blender, adding the cocoa powder last for better mixing. Blend for 45 seconds to one minute and serve over ice.
