We all know that we should be eating more leafy greens. Not only are they are loaded with amino acids (the building blocks of protein), minerals, vitamins, fiber & chlorophyll, they also enhance digestion and give our bodies lots of enzymes to stay strong and healthy. But, it can get a bit monotonous eating salads day after day.
Which is why I love green smoothies!
I was first introduced to green smoothies when I read Victoria Boutenko’s book Green for Life. Her extensive research proved that adding one green smoothie to your day could result in numerous health benefits, including weight loss, increased immunity and reduced cravings. Plus, breaking down the greens using a blender makes their nutrients easier for our body to use!
Your green smoothie can be as simple or complex as you’d like it to be.
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When I’m feeling like a simple snack, the following recipe does the trick.
Snack-Size Green Smoothie
serves 1
Ingredients:
1 frozen banana
2 handfuls fresh spinach
1 cup water
Handful of ice cubes (3-4)
Note: If you’re new to green smoothies, I recommend using a small amount of spinach to start, then gradually increase the amount, as you grow accustomed to the flavor.
Blend for about one minute, to make sure you really break down the greens, then enjoy immediately!
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If you want something a little more substantial, as a meal replacement, try the recipe below.
Classic Green Smoothie
serves 1
Ingredients:
2-3 large handfuls of fresh spinach
1 cup almond milk, or water
1/2 cup frozen berries
1-2 bananas (frozen or fresh)
juice of 1/2 lemon
dash of cinnamon
Directions:
Toss the ingredients into a blender, and process until nice and smooth!
- 2 large handfuls of fresh spinach
- 1 cup almond milk, or water
- ½ cup frozen berries
- 1 banana (frozen or fresh)
- juice of ½ lemon
- dash of cinnamon
- Toss all of the ingredients into a blender, and process until nice and smooth! Serve immediately.
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Cheers to drinking your greens!
[...] almond milk has been my #1 milk of choice for the past few years. I use it almost every day in my green smoothies, as well as in my banana soft serve, and anywhere else you might use traditional cow’s [...]
[...] And green smoothies: [...]
And what does sunwarrior protein combine as:)??!
[...] try a whole heap of other recipes I’ve been holding off on for lack of food processor. A green monster for breakfast tomorrow? Some chocolate macaroons for dessert? Pureed and blended everything just [...]
I have the same question as Aubrey…what does protein powder combine as? Does it combine, like its name suggests, as a regular protein? Thanks
It will combine as whatever it’s made of.
For example, hemp protein would combine as a nut/seed, whey protein would combine with flesh/dairy, and brown rice protein would combine as a starch. I rarely use protein powders, but if I do, I like to stick with hemp, since it will properly combine with bananas.
Hope that helps!
That makes A LOT of sense
Thanks so much!
Great post! Was wondering how spinach combined with bananas in terms of “food combining”?
Leafy greens, like spinach, are considered “neutral” for food combining purposes– so they combine perfectly well with bananas in a smoothie.
I plan on trying this tomorrow…after thanksgiving I feel so gross! I ate too much pumpkin pie. Also, I made the grain-free pumpkin bars you posted and they were amazing! I’m ashamed to say I ate nearly the whole batch myself…
[...] go-to green smoothie (from, surprise, Detoxinista) [...]
Made this this morning and wanted to let you know that I loved it! What a great way to get my kids to eat more greens, too. They love funky colors!!! Thanks for ALL of your awesome recipes! I subscribe to a ton of blogs and yours ranks at the top! I ALWAYS end up pinning your recipes! (And I am one that DOES make what I pin.
I have green smoothies every morning of different concoctions. Today I made one of the yummiest ones I’ve ever had! I used 1 banana, a large handful of baby spinach, a handful of frozen blueberries, a tablespoon or so of Chia seeds, and enough chocolate almond milk to make it a drinkable consistency. My mind feels so sharp when I start my day with a green smoothie!
Yummmmm. My version has coconut water instead of almond milk and no cinnamon or lemon. Thank you for your version. I will try it tomorrow morning…to mix things up a bit.
We’re making these tonight! YUM! Just got the supplies. I can’t wait!
On leafy greens: Would you mind sharing how you wash and prepare yours? I find so many little bugs and eggs on my organic leafy greens and it takes me such a long time to clean them all. Do you have any tried and true methods? Thank you!!
I use this salad spinner! Sometimes I’ll add a splash of white vinegar, to help really clean and preserve my greens in the fridge, but when I’m in a hurry, I just soak my greens in this spinner, then drain and spin dry! I see a TON of dirt and residue removed when I drain the greens, so I know it’s working well.
i made this morning after a few failed attemps of making green smoothies. but this one turned out amazing! it was so creamy and deliciouse iwanted more!
cant wait to try the one with frozen berrys. mmm…thanks for all your great recipes!
Just wondering why you add the lemon? Making this now…excited to try it! I just found your site and want to thank you for all of this wonderful information!
Lemon helps hide the “green” flavor, and is extremely alkalizing in the body. Plus, it’s delicious!
Megan,
The snack-size one fooled my kids!!! It is so good. I just added a scoop of chocolate protein powder. I had some fresh apples, so I threw one in after I cored it- peel and all. But I think the lemon juice really does eliminate the bitterness. This one is a keeper.
Hello! I was wondering if you had ever tried making smoothies ahead of time. We are new to the smoothie world and I was wondering if it was possible to make a smoothie the night before and store it in the refrigerator without loosing the normal consistency and taste? Thanks for your blog and all ur great recipes! And congratulations on the baby announcement!
Hi Jackie! I have made smoothies ahead of time, and left them in the fridge overnight. The texture isn’t exactly the same, but it’s good enough! And definitely worth it to have a quick and easy breakfast.
Thank you Megan for all of your recipes. I have been making the classic green smoothie for breakfast every morning for a week now….I LOVE it! It definitely gets me through the morning and holds my hunger off until lunch. I will definitely be trying out some of your other recipes as well.