The Green Smoothie Formula

Like lots of people, I drink a green smoothie every morning. I load it with fruit and vegetables and delicious superfoods. I swear by it and notice a considerable difference in my energy levels when I go without. Seriously, it’s like magic! I’m hardly being original here – if you spend any time on healthy living or foodie blogs, I’m sure you’ve seen these shamrock-coloured shakes pop up all over the place. But I’ve had many people tell me they’ve tried jumping on the green smoothie bandwagon but couldn’t get past the taste, texture, etc.

I swear, it doesn’t have to be a gag-inducing experience! Sipping your greens can be totally delicious and you get to feel totally self-righteous about what a healthy little minx you are. Just use this basic formula and follow a few simple tips and I promise you’ll be getting your green lovin’ on in no time.

What to Put in Your Smoothie

3-4 cups of fresh or frozen greens
1-2 cups liquid
1-2 cups fresh or frozen fruit
superfoods & extra yummies to taste

Here are some ideas for ingredients…

Greens: baby spinach, leaf lettuce, romaine, kale, swiss chard

Fruit: cherries, strawberries, banana, mango, grapes, blueberries, blackberries

Liquid: non-dairy milk, yogurt, juice, herbal tea, coconut water, coconut milk

Extra veggies: cucumber, avocado, carrots

Superfoods: hemp seeds, goji berries, cacoa, protein powder, ground flax, spirulina

Extra flavour: nut butters, cocoa powder, lucuma, essential oils

Be creative!

Tips for Easy Blending and Delicious  Results

1. Start with baby spinach. Baby spinach is a little bit sweeter than other greens and results in a more palatable smoothie – I hardly even notice it’s in there! I’ve listed the greens above in order of flavour strength. Try the milder ones first and when you get to the stronger ones, proceed with caution – just add a leaf or two at a time until you get used to the taste.
2. Blend your soft ingredients first. Start by adding your liquids, greens, and any soft fruits or vegetables. Blend these until smooth before adding everything else – this is easier for your blender and results in a creamier smoothie.
3. Embrace minimalism. While it might be tempting to pack the biggest nutritional punch possible and dump in some of every superfood in your cupboard, but it will probably end up looking and tasting like swamp water. Instead, choose 2 or 3 ingredients that will complement the fruits you’ve chosen for your base.

Coconut Pineapple Goddess
To get you started, here’s my favourite smoothie to sip on these days. It’s summery and juicy and refreshing. Try adding your favourite superfoods for an extra nutritional kick – I used brown rice protein powder and irish moss.

3-4 cups baby spinach
1 cup water
1 cup pineapple juice
1 cup frozen mango
1/2 avocado
1/2 banana
1T almond butter

Blend until smooth and sip in the sunshine!

Have you tried making a green smoothie yet? What’s your favourite flavour combination?

Happy sipping,