For those of you getting started with green smoothies I have a few suggestions:

1. Start slowly. Use your favorite fruit smoothie recipe and simply add a few greens – spinach is a good addition to a green smoothie as the flavor does not overpower the taste of the fruit. Another benefit to starting slowly is that your smoothie can still look appetizing as well. (See the “green smoothie” recipe and photo below.)

2. Only add greens that you like as you get started making a green smoothie. If you hate the flavor of kale, you won’t love it in a smoothie either. Once in a while you can sneak a green into your smoothie (such as spinach) that you don’t love – if it has a mild flavor you can get the nutrients and antioxidants without spoiling the taste of your smoothie.

3. Try using a rich flavored protein powder to mask the stronger flavors of your greens. You might be surprised that even chocolate protein powders can taste good with greens. Strawberry and vanilla go extremely well in a green smoothie.

4. Build up from there. I still can’t stomache full blown green smoothies (with mostly greens and maybe a pear for sweetness). But I certainly can add greens to my favorite recipes. And .. the best part… kids love these smoothies too. So not only do you get great taste, you also get the benefits of extra nutrition. Not a bad combination.

Here is an example of a green smoothie I made today. Don’t be fooled by the purple color – it still IS considered a “green smoothie“.

A green smoothie can still look appetizing if you use berries for a rich purple or red color.

Green Smoothie

1 cup berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries)
2 cups ice
1 ripe banana
1 cup orange juice
1/2 cup skim milk (optional – you may exchange for water)
1/2 cup water
1/2 fresh alfalfa sprouts (I sprout my own, but they can be purchased at most grocery stores. Make sure you rinse them well before adding).
2 cups fresh spinach (I prefer using organic baby spinach)
1 scoop vanilla protein powder (optional)

(You can leave out the protein powder if you prefer – I like to add it as it keeps you feeling satisfied longer and only adds about 90-120 calories to your green smoothie depending on the brand you use. This recipe could also be considered a protein shake.)

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This delicious strawberry blueberry smoothie is high in both antioxidants and taste.

I made a delicious strawberry blueberry smoothie and turned it into a protein shake. Here is the recipe:

Strawberry Blueberry Smoothie

1 cup blueberries
1 cup strawberries
2 cups ice
1 cup orange juice
1 cup water
1 ripe banana
1/8 tsp cinnamon (optional)
1 scoop strawberry protein powder (optional)

Blend and enjoy.

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Berries for Smoothies: Blueberries, Raspberries, Blackberries

This blueberry smoothie is refreshing and low in both calories and fat. You may wish to top with a bit of whip cream to make it look fancy and add a touch of sweetness. Enjoy.

Delicious peach banana blueberry smoothie

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