Smoothies have a fruity persona. Smoothies are a cross between a milkshake and a juice. Smoothies (done right) make the perfect post- or pre-workout snack. However, smoothies do not always have to be full of fruit. Using too much or only fruit in your smoothie often results in sugar crashes and short-lived satisfaction. Next time you make a smoothie, veg-out and make it lean, mean and green!
Use your local farmer's market when planning your next smoothie. Adding fiber-filled greens like steamed broccoli, spinach, cauliflower, or kale fills you up and loads your smoothie with iron. Freezing spinach and other greens before they expire is a great technique. Although most vegetables are not as sweet as fruit, in-season beets are a great natural sweetener. Steamed beets, carrots, and pumpkin add vibrant colors along with numerous vitamins and minerals.
Not seduced by the green glamor? Try my green smoothie recipe with ginger below. I guarantee it will have you vegging-out. In addition to its vibrant color, this smoothie is packed with nutrients and cancer-fighting antioxidants. You can also use frozen pineapple or mango chunks from your piña colada days and incorporate frozen spinach or fall pears. A tablespoon of grated ginger or apple cider vinegar adds a flavor kick and aids digestion.
Green Ginger Smoothie
- Prep Time:5 mins
- Cook Time:2 mins
- Total Time:7 mins
- Servings:1
- Easy
- 1 ½ cups frozen spinach
- 1 frozen banana
- 1 cup frozen mango
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- Dash almond milk
- 1-2 tablespoons shaved ginger root
- 1 handful ice
- Optional: Chia or flax seeds
- Optional: Protein powder
Ingredients
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Step 1
Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Enjoy!