My Favorite Green Smoothie

It’s been a while since I’ve posted a recipe, so I decided this week that a new smoothie recipe was definitely in order.

Especially since I’ve been drinking this just about every day!

(It occurred to me – why not share?)

I created this filling and refreshing drink several weeks ago, and have since dubbed it my “Favorite Green Smoothie”.

(The days that I don’t drink this – whether I ran out of the ingredients, or just didn’t have time – I feel like something’s missing). 

So what’s so special about this particular smoothie?

Well, everyone is different, of course, so what seems special to me might not seem so wonderful to the next person.

Since I like my meals and snacks to be both satisfying and nutritious – this more to do, perhaps, with how I might feel afterwards.

You see, a smoothie is very easy on the digestion. (For anyone with compromised digestion, this is often the way to go).

It’s also an excellent way to get your daily dose of greens – along with an amazing array of nutrients, antioxidants and fiber.

Plus, I like that it’s a lot more filling – really a meal, in itself!

(I sometimes have this for lunch, along with a handful of nuts or seeds for a little added protein).

True – you could achieve a similar result by juicing these same ingredients.

And I’m all for doing that, should the mood strike.

(Except for the avocado, I might add. You never, ever want to juice an avocado).

Whether you choose to make a smoothie – or juice, instead – I’ve included instructions that can go either way.

 

MY FAVORITE GREEN SMOOTHIE

8 oz. Coconut Water (plain water is also fine)

1 medium Cucumber, preferably Organic (if not, be sure to peel)

2 – 3 stalks Celery

½ Apple*

Juice of 1 Lemon

Knob of Ginger

1 tsp Spirulina Powder

¼ – ½ Avocado

A large handful of Greens (Kale, Spinach, Romaine Lettuce, etc) 

 

Simply put all the ingredients, in the order listed, in your blender and puree until smooth.

 

To Make Fresh Juice:

All of these ingredients – with the exception of the coconut water, avocado & spirulina powder – can be put through a juicer. You could always add some coconut water at the end, if you desire, but there probably won’t be a need.

 

To Make a Combo Juice-Smoothie:

For the best of both worlds – the benefit of Juice, plus a wee bit of fiber – you can just as easily create a combination drink.

In this case, you want to juice the:

• Cucumber
• Celery
• Apple
• Lemon
• Ginger

Then toss into your blender, and toss in the avocado, spirulina (if using) and your choice of greens. Puree until smooth.

Enjoy!

 

Notes: 

*Since conventionally grown apples are on the Environmental Working Group’s list of the Top 12 Foods to avoid – due to their high pesticide content – be sure to buy organic.

And while you could certainly use the whole apple, it’s best to avoid making your juice or smoothie overly sweet. Plus, if you’re buying organic (and I hope you are) – you’ll have the 2^nd half leftover for another day. (That’s what I call a “win-win”).