When I introduced a daily smoothie into my routine, it was life-changing. I will occasionally fall off of the smoothie wagon and I can definitely feel the difference. I start to feel lethargic, my digestive system slows down and I just generally feel less healthy. Smoothies are amazing because you can pack in so much and you don't even have to chew! Your rested jaw will thank you. I joke with my kids that they need to get more "fibers" in their diet. They're generally very accepting of a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, but they still won't drink a green smoothie. I've been able to get them to enjoy some fruit-only smoothies. Maybe one day, I'll sneak a kale leaf in to see if they'll notice. Forget protein. We all need more fiber.
Here are some go-to smoothies that I make. It usually takes me 10-15 mins to make each smoothie, including clean-up. I bought a reconditioned Vitamix and I absolutely love it. I only have to make a smoothie every other day, because I make enough in the Vitamix for 2 servings. My only rule for a smoothie is that it shouldn't be brown (unless it's chocolate). I love to eat my colors and I like them vibrant.
Green Smoothie:
- large handful of kale or collard green leaves
- 1 medium sized apple
- 1 large orange
- 1 cup of frozen fruit (mangos, pineapples or peaches)
- 2 tablespoons of whole flax seeds
- 1 teaspoon of maca powder
- 1 teaspoon of spirulina powder
- 4 tablespoons of hemp seed protein powder (optional)
- add 1.5 cups of water and blend on "6" for 1 minute
Purple Smoothie
- 1 whole beet (peeled and quartered)
- 1 apple or banana
- 1 cup frozen strawberries or cherries
- 1 tablespoon acai powder
- 2 tablespoons of whole flax seeds
- 1 teaspoon of maca powder
- 1 teaspoon of spirulina powder
- 4 tablespoons of hemp seed protein powder (optional)
- add 1.5 cups of water and blend on "6" for 1 minute
"Chocolate Frosty"
- 1 can of coconut milk
- 1 very ripe banana
- 2 tablespoons raw honey (or agave nectar)
- 1/2 cup of raw cashews
- 2 tablespoons of cacao powder
- 12 ice cubes
- blend on "6" for 1 minute or until smooth
Kid Friendly Fruit Smoothie
- 2 ripe bananas
- 1 cup frozen strawberries
- 1/2 cup frozen raspberries
- 1 cup frozen mangos
- add 1.5 cups of water and blend on "6" for 1 minute
One thing that I learned recently is that our gut bacteria are "happiest" when we provide them with a wide array of fruits and vegetables. Feel free to try these recipes and mix it up. I think any greens would work for the green smoothie and any combo of berries would work in the purple smoothie. I'm definitely stoked to try out some new smoothie recipes. I might even try a warm smoothie for these winter months. There's a "carrot cake" smoothie recipe that I've been dying to try.
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