The Intimidating Green Smoothie

Raw, Vegan, Gluten-Free

When I first heard of green smoothies, they sounded like my worst nightmare. Everything I tried to avoid, green vegetables, blended in to a drink. To me, they looked like pond scum and I thought they would taste the same. Then, one sunny summer day, I was feeling brave (and fat) and decided to give them a shot. Something that healthy looking had to be worth it. That first smoothie was more fruit than vegetable--it was more of a reddish-brown than green, but it didn't kill me. In fact, it was pretty good. I started having them for breakfast every morning. Slowly, I started adding more spinach and less fruit. I couldn't go head-first in to liquefied spinach land, I had to ease myself in to it and worked beautifully.

I have finally reached the point where my smoothies are TOTALLY green. They still have fruit, but I can actually taste the greens now. And, what's even more exciting, I love it. It's delicious, super healthy, and is an excellent alternative to a green salad.

Here's our cast of characters:

2 Leaves of romaine lettuce
3-4 Handfuls (I have small hands) of spinach
1/3 C Pineapple
4 Strawberries
1/2 Banana
1 T Flax meal
1 Inch bunch wheat grass

Cover 1/2 of ingredients with fresh orange juice, 1/4 with coconut water, 1/4 water. (If you aren't ready to taste the greens, substitute the waters with apple juice, or more orange juice.) Blend until smooth.

About these guys:

Flax - High in Omega-3 Fatty Acids, which are important for everyone--and especially people with heart problems or diabetes.

Wheat grass - Full of vitamins, amino acids and enzymes that help oxygenate blood, lower blood pressure, and helps your body absorb important nutrients.

Spinach and romaine lettuce - Excellent sources of anti-oxidants, magnesium, Vitamins K (which helps with bone strength), C and A, and beta-carotene.

Strawberries, orange juice, and pineapple - All loaded with Vitamin C--essential during cold and flu season.

Bananas -- They're well-known for their potassium content, but also have plenty of B6 and fiber.

Orange juice -- We all know how good fresh OJ is for you. Vitamin C and calcium are our friends.

Coconut water - Contains nutrients that help lower blood pressure, helps body replenish electrolytes, and has tons of potassium.

All of that in one glass? SOLD. Most of these ingredients are fiber rich, and fiber = FULL. The great thing about smoothies like these is that they don't need milk or yogurt. They're fine to add if you really want to, but you get enough calcium and protein from the other ingredients. If I feel like I want it to be a little more filling I'll add a tablespoon or so of oats or crushed almonds before I blend and it more than does the trick.

Give green smoothies a try, even if you start using more fruit than spinach. I DOUBLE DOG dare you.

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