The Frugal Foodie: Going green

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.