Now that warmer weather is on its way, it’s time to pull out the blender and join the increasingly popular green smoothie wave. Besides adding a refreshing dimension to your diet, green smoothies are an excellent way to pack in essential vitamins and minerals, fiber and healthy carbohydrates. Without realizing it, a green smoothie will provide you with a significant amount of fruits and vegetables—almost a daily requirement—and can even serve as an alternative to a daily multivitamin. The ingredients required to make a green smoothie are cheap as well and it’s a good way to use up produce that might otherwise expire. The next time you are looking for a quick snack or an easy breakfast on-the-go, try one of these delicious, healthy green smoothies.
Green n’ Tropical
Ingredients:
1/2 cup coconut water
3/4 cup frozen mango
1/4 cup canned pineapple chunks, drained
1/2 orange, peeled and separated
One cup of spinach
Dash of stevia (optional)
Directions:
Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
Strawberry-Banana
Ingredients:
1/2 cup skim milk or almond milk
One cup spinach or other leafy green of choice
One banana, peeled and chopped
1 cup halved strawberries
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Dash of stevia (optional)
Directions:
Blend all ingredients until smooth and enjoy.
Honey-Berry Smoothie
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cup spinach
1/2 cup frozen or fresh blueberries
1/2 cup frozen or fresh raspberries
1/2 cup frozen or fresh blackberries
1/2 cup skim milk or almond milk
One tablespoon honey
Dash of cinnamon
Directions:
Place all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth. If mixture is a little thick, add milk and blend until desired consistency is reached. Makes one serving.