healthy green smoothie

Adding smoothies to your routine is a great way to get in your fruit and veggies. Check out my recipe for a nutrient packed green treat that is sure to leave you feeling refreshed and satisfied....

This smoothie recipe is my absolute fav! I have it nearly every morning, but you can enjoy it anytime you desire. It's quick, simple, healthy and delicious. Oh, and it's packed with essential nutrients and vitamins to get you through your day! It took many trial and error to find the right consistency and taste. Some of the recipes I tried were way too liquidy or they just tasted too sweet or even dare I say 'too green'. This recipe, however, is just right. Not too sweet. Not too bitter. And it's thick and creamy. Give this a try and even consider using it as a base while discovering your own personal healthy green smoothie recipe!

A few key tips before making your smoothie:

-Freeze those brown bananas (unpeeled of course)! When bananas turn brown they become much sweeter than the yellowish-green varieties you buy at the local grocery store. Ripe bananas are also rich in potassium, calcium, and even have significantly less starch content when compared to the unripe bananas.

-Don't skimp on the greens. The dark leafy greens, spirulina and cucumber are all rich in essential nutrients and vitamins like potassium, vitamin c, iron and b vitamins. The green avocados are high in brain stimulating omega-3 fatty acids which can curb hunger while also giving your skin a supple glow #yesplease. These green additions are sure to have you feeling and looking gorgeous!

-Drink out of a clear glass and straw. I know it sounds crazy but I swear smoothies taste better when you drink them out of a fun glass and resuable straw #savetheturtles. I don't like drinking anything cold without a straw and I just enjoy seeing the beautiful green colors in my glass.

-Use a high speed blender if you can, I highly recommend the mac daddy blender of all blenders, the Vitamix (I have this one). I know it is a huge investment as it is very pricey, but my smoothie game has changed for the better and I know the Vitamix is the reason. BUT if you can't get your hands on it, blenders like the Nutribullet Pro or Ninja Pro are AMAZING and will definitely get the job done!

What you'll need (yields 1 serving):

• 2 heaping handfuls of organic spinach/kale mix (or any dark leafy green of choice)

• 1/2 organic frozen ripe banana

• 1 cup organic frozen berries (or mixed fruit of choice)

• 1 thumb organic fresh ginger- peeled

• 2-3 tbsp fresh organic flat leaf parsley

• Juice of 1 squeezed organic lemon (adjust to taste)

• 1/4-1/2 organic English cucumber

• 1 cup organic unsweetened vanilla coconut or almond milk

• 1-2 tsp organic spirulina (adjust to taste but add at least 1 tsp)

• 1/4-1/2 organic ripe avocado (depends on the size)

• 1/2 small organic honeycrisp apple (or apple of choice)

• Optional add-ons: 1 tbsp organic almond butter, 1 scoop of your favorite protein powder (this one is my fav), 1 tbsp organic hemp hearts, 1 tbsp organic chia seeds

Steps:

1. add everything to the blender, start with the greens at the base of the blender first

2. blend all ingredients on high or smoothie setting (add filtered water for a more liquidy consistency if your prefer)

3. pour into your favorite glass and ENJOY with a reusable straw