Green Smoothies

Truth be told, there is normally a big chunk of kale or chard left over from my weekly co-op box that becomes compost. While I can enjoy a dark leafy green sauteed with olive oil and salt as a side dish-it is just not a side I want to eat every day.

Although there are many benefits to drinking green smoothies I never had much enthusiasm in regards to making one for myself. Then, a little over a month ago I made a green smoothie for breakfast. It was so delicious and energizing that I have been consistently drinking a green smoothie for breakfast each day.

Here is the routine: on Sundays (that is when I pick up the co-op box and do most of the shopping) I wash all my greens for the week and place them in a huge container in the refrigerator. This makes it easy on me-I can simply reach in and grab a handful for the blender. My weekly supply of greens which consists of some variety of kale, some variety of chard, dandelion and beet greens costs me about $5-7.

Although there are a billion recipes out there for green smoothies I like to keep it quick and simple:

• Two Handfuls of Greens
• A Banana
• Orange Juice

Modifications on the basic green smoothie:

Fruit (kiwi, blueberry, strawberry etc...)
Carrot juice instead of orange juice is very nice!
Coconut water instead of orange juice is a popular mix.
Be creative, whatever you like and whatever is on hand.

When was the last time you nourished your body with two handfuls of dark and leafy greens in one setting?

Comments

[holler]

I was feeling a bit dubious about this juice until I read the ingredients, so now it is sounding better. I think, however, if I make some for Graham, I will not tell him what the ingredients are, he is a complete coward!

[Shelly]

Holler, for weeks I drank my green smoothie (going about my business)and the husband would pretend not to notice (and always refuse when I offered). Then one day his curiosity got the best of him and he accepted a cup of green. Now he is hooked and I double my portions.

[Shonda]

Loved it. Thanks so much for this recipe and the greens for my first green smoothie. I used it in the food processer this morning with some oj. I have to say it tasted surprisingly good. Since my iron level is so low, thought I better not skip my vitamin for a while. So, I also added my vitamin to the mix, might as well grind that up too right? lol

[GSJ]

Great introduction to Green Smoothies - time to get it going everyday. Thanks for the recipes.