Green Smoothie

This is my new absolute favorite!  I feel so good after drinking it.  If you have been doing smoothies for a while now, you might be ready for a green smoothie!!  This drink will leave you feeling full and full of energy!  I got the basis for it from the Green Smoothie Girl.  She has some amazing recipes and has taught me a lot.  Her website is wonderful if you're interested in more raw, super healthy smoothie recipes.  She is a little extreme for most, but has a lot of good information.

Basic Green Smoothie recipe

(These amounts are for a large Vita-Mix container- you may need to 1/2 the recipe)

3 c. water (you can also substitute 1 c. of juice for 1 c. of the water)

Handfuls of greens (Organic Spinach, Kale, Chard, etc..)

1/4 of a lime or lemon (skin on if you have a Vita-Mix or Blend Tec)

1 c. frozen mixed berries (you can always change it up with pineapple, mango, etc...)

1-2 c. frozen strawberries

1 banana

1-2 T. flax oil or flax seed (great way to get your Omega 3's for the day)

Agave, to taste (about 2-4 T. depending on how much smoothie you're making)

Protein powder (optional) I prefer Hemp or Rice protein powder, vanilla flavored

Greek Yogurt (optional) 

This is what chard looks like.  It is very nutritious and doesn't have a strong flavor.

 Fill your container with the water and lime or lemon.  Then stuff it full of greens.  Mix until well blended.

This is what it looks like after you've blended all your greens.  You can always add more greens if you would like.  It just depends on your taste buds.  The more you drink them, the more greens you'll want to put in them.  To start, just keep it half greens, half fruit. 

Then add your frozen berries, bananas, and the rest of the ingredients.

 Blend until smooth.  It should turn a deep purple color.  If it is not mixing well, add more water to help the ingredients move along.  I find it's easier to drink more when it's not so thick.  You also avoid brain freeze as well. :)  Then just add things according to taste.  If you like creamier smoothies, add more banana and yogurt.  If you like them sweeter, add more berries & agave.  The protein powder is good to add if you're using this as a meal replacement or an after workout drink.  If it ends up being too thick, add more water.  If it's too thin, add more frozen berries.  Just play with it until you find the perfect combination for your family! 

Pour 2-4 cups into a glass or jar and enjoy!!  It is very refreshing and rejuvenating!  I hope you like it as much as I do.  The kids even like this one!  Another good combination is to start with all the greens, then just use blackberries and a lemon instead of a lime and mixed berries.  That is Grandma Steph's favorite!
Green smoothies are only good for two days, so if you have leftovers you can put them in a glass jar and store them in the fridge for two days or freeze them!
Bon Appetit