
The Green Smoothie was one of the first foods that I added on my journey to better gut health and it low-key changed my life. Initially, I had the intention of trying it on just the weekdays, but over the years this drink became an everyday staple for me. I could tell almost immediately that it improved my digestive health and after occasional days of bad eating, this smoothie instantly reset me for the day. There is a reason why people with all the money and resources in the world make this an everyday part of their morning routines. Celebs including Reese Witherspoon, Drew Barrymore, Olivia Wilde, Victoria Beckham, and Martha Stewart are advocates for this famous daily beverage. For well over a decade, this is still one of my go-to-powerhouse drinks, it never fails, and always pushes me in the right direction to have a healthy, conscious day of clean eating.
Benefits of Green Smoothies
- Anti-Aging – Think of Green Smoothies like consuming your anti-aging skincare routine. This drink reduces the appearance of wrinkles, aids in weight loss, and produces clear, glowy skin.
- Increase Energy – Green Smoothies contain natural sugars and clean ingredients. This drink will give you mental clarity, increased focus, and sustained energy. Think energy boost without the crash.
- Boost Immunity – Green Smoothies are full of antioxidants that will support your immune system. This drink will decrease inflammation, support gut health, and protect your cells from damage. Loaded with vitamins A, C, K, iron, and calcium, this is one powerhouse you don’t want to overlook.
- Support Hydration – Green Smoothies support hydration through ingredients you consume. Green veggies contain over 90% water, while liquid bases such as water, coconut water, and milk alternatives directly increase your fluid intake.
Interested in hearing more about the benefits of Green Smoothies?
Check out these articles below:
Smoothies: Are They Good For You? – WebMD
Are Smoothies Good for You? – Healthline
The 25 Benefits of Green Smoothies that you can’t Afford to Ignore – Live Well Zone
Tips for Creating a Green Smoothie Built for YOU
- Veggie Haters – I know you guys are out there and drudging through this post, thinking “I know I should do this, but…”. If it makes you feel better, I used to be a veggie hater too. I grew up in the 80s. Veggies at that time were in a can, sodium-saturated, soggy, mushy, and forced upon you by your parents at dinner. We live in a different time, thank goodness. But the amazing thing about Green Smoothies is you can get those veggies in your body without it tasting like a vegetable feast. You’re going to have to be patient and play with your smoothie. There are SO many ways to make a smoothie taste less “vegetably”. Smoothie add-ons such as: yogurt, milk, protein powder, fruits, and natural sweeteners such as honey, maple syrup, or stevia work amazingly well. Watch your total sugar content, but trust me, you can arrive at a Green Smoothie that truly works for you.
- Mint – The mint ingredient in this recipe adds a freshness to the smoothie. You will either love it or hate it. If you hate it, eliminate it, it’s not a necessity.
- Avocado – The avocado is what will make your smoothie creamy, natural, delicious, but it’s gotta be done right. If the avocado is not ripe enough, the smoothie will blend into pieces, it will feel like you’re drinking a chunky juice (not appetizing). If the avocado is too ripe, the smoothie will be brown in color and have an unpleasant taste. A perfectly ripe avocado is the secret to this smoothie tasting like perfection.
- Ground Flaxseed – You must grind up your flaxseed for the body to properly absorb this ingredient. The body does not digest whole flaxseed well and you may end up with stomach issues, be careful here. Done right, ground flaxseed is a prebiotic powerhouse. If you’d rather not, just skip it all together. Extra Note: Some people are extra sensitive to Ground Flaxseed and it makes them use the bathroom A LOT. While this can be good, if this is your first time with this ingredient, use with caution.
- 3 in 1 – Smoothies are timely to make in the morning especially when you are rushing out the door for work or getting the kids off to school. I recommend triple batching this recipe, keeping it in the refrigerator, and drinking over the course of three days. It is a lot easier to stay consistent with your smoothies when you make them ahead. I blend once every morning and I’m out the door.
The Green Smoothie Recipe
Serves: 1 Prep Time: 10 minutes
INGREDIENTS:
~ 1 cup romaine lettuce
~ 1 mint sprig
~ 1/2 avocado
~ 4 T fresh-squeezed lemon juice
~ 1 kiwi
~ 3 – 6 drops NOW Better Stevia Extract
~ 2 T Bob’s Red Mill Golden Flaxseed Meal
~ 1 cup tap water
~ 1/4 cup ice cubes
TOOLS:
Anchor Hocking Glass Measuring Cup
Stainless Steel Measuring Spoons
Blendtec Total Classic Blender
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Tear romaine lettuce into 1-2 inch pieces with hands and place in blender.
- Tear mint leaves from stem and place in blender. Throw away the stem.
- Cut avocado in half. Scoop out one side of avocado and place in blender. Throw away the pit.
- Fresh-squeeze lemons using stainless steel juicer and pour juice in blender.
- Cut kiwi in half. Scoop out both sides of kiwi and place in blender. Throw away peel (optional: use peel in recipe).
- Drop NOW Better Stevia Extract into blender (to taste).
- Scoop Bob’s Red Mill Golden Flaxseed Meal from bag and place in blender.
- Pour tap water into glass measuring cup and place in blender.
- Place ice cubes in blender (to taste).
- Blend ingredients togther in blender. Enjoy.
NUTRITION FACTS:
Calories 261 Carbs 28.5 g Fat 16.3 g Protein 6.2 g Cholesterol 0 mg Sodium 12.8 mg Fiber 12.5 g Sugar 9.4 g Calcium 6.8% Iron 8.2% Potassium 858.2 mg
Vit A 3.6% Vit C 192.8% Vit D 0%
Did you try this recipe? We’d love to see it!
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