In an effort to get more greens into my diet, I try to have a green smoothie every day. When I’m running short on time, this is the one I always fall back on. It is quick, delicious, and I usually have all ingredients on hand.
I try to keep frozen bananas stocked in my freezer at all times. I usually buy them in the reduced-produce section at the store when they are very ripe. I take them home, peel them, break them in half, and then put them into a freezer bag for future use. It’s a great time saver, and also a great way to keep costs low! 🙂 Here is the recipe:
Ingredients:
¾ cup orange juice (I prefer freshly juiced from a juicer, but store-bought also works.)
¾ cup organic baby spinach, packed tightly
¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
½ cup fresh pineapple chunks
1 frozen banana
Instructions:
Blend orange juice and spinach in a blender until smooth.
Add yogurt, pineapple, and banana and blend until completely smooth.
I have a new favorite smoothie (and it is kid-friendly, too!)
Over the past week, I have tried this recipe with many different additions and variations, but so far this one is my favorite. My 11-year-old daughter loves it, too! Here is the recipe:
INGREDIENTS:
½ cup apple juice (preferably freshly juiced in a juicer, but store-bought works, too. Our favorite apple to juice is Gala, but try different types to see what you like best )
½ cup water
¾ cup tightly packed organic greens (I use baby spinach & spring mix, but any greens you like will work)
2 Tablespoons natural peanut butter
1 frozen banana
1 cup frozen raspberries
DIRECTIONS
Blend apple juice, water, and greens in a blender until greens are dissolved.
Add the rest of the ingredients and blend until completely smooth.
A few notes:
1. It is very important to use frozen raspberries and banana. If you don’t have frozen, you may want to add a handful of ice. I have found that you cannot taste the greens at all if the smoothie is very cold. If you let it get warm, you will begin to taste the greens.
2. You do not need a fancy blender. Mine is over 12 years old, and is still working just fine.
3. If you prefer it thicker, use less liquid. Feel free to play with it and add nuts, seeds, pineapple, different berries, different types of juice or milk in place of the apple juice and water, etc. I love smoothies because you can play with the recipes and adjust according to your own preferences.
Give it a try, and let me know what you think! Enjoy 🙂
½ cup apple juice (grape juice or orange juice will also work)
½ cup water
¾ cup tightly packed organic greens (I use baby spinach & spring mix, but any greens you like will work)
2 Tablespoons natural peanut butter
1 frozen banana
1 cup frozen raspberries
Instructions
Blend apple juice, water, and greens in a blender until greens are dissolved.
Add the rest of the ingredients and blend until completely smooth.
Notes
1. It is very important to use frozen raspberries and banana. If you don't have frozen, you may want to add a handful of ice. I have found that you cannot taste the greens at all if the smoothie is very cold. If you let it get warm, you will begin to taste the greens.
2. You do not need a fancy blender. Mine is over 12 years old, and is still working just fine.
3. If you prefer it thicker, use less liquid. Feel free to play with it and add nuts, seeds, pineapple, different berries, different types of juice or milk in place of the apple juice and water, etc. I love smoothies because you can play with the recipes and adjust according to your own preferences.
