Happy St. Patty’s Day! While I’m not wearing green, I did enjoy this delicious green smoothy this morning. That counts in my book! LOL Here is my recipe!
INGREDIENTS
- 1 banana, frozen
- 2 cups spinach (you can also use kale! Any dark, leafy green works!)
- 1/2 green apple
- 1 kiwi
- 1/4 avocado (for some healthy fats)
- 1 cup pineapple, chopped and frozen
- 1 stalks of celery
- 1 tsp tumeric (this is anti-inflammatory)
- 1 tsp maca powder
- 1/2 lemon squeezed
- 1 tsp minced ginger
- 1 TBS chia seeds
- 1 TBS hemp seeds
- 2 TBS pure eggwhite protein powder
- 1/2 cup coconut water
DIRECTIONS
1.Literally add it all to your blender and blend, blend, blend!
NOTE: If it’s too thick for your liking, just add some more coconut water and blend.
3. Pour and enjoy!
About the Ingredients
I like to explain the scientific and proven benefits to some of these more non-traditional ingredients. You may of course use or omit whatever you want though, but here is the run down:
Spinach
I make it an absolute necessity to have a dark, green, leafy vegetable with EVERY smoothie because they are loaded with nutrients. Spinach and kale are both amazing choices, because they contain vitamins and minerals that help with healthy bone development and the prevention of osteoporosis. They also help maintain healthy skin and eyes!
Celery
Celery is very high in fiber, as we all know (which boosts digestion and weightloss), but it also reduces bloating, improves liver function, helps clear acne, and helps lower cholesterol. You might not think this would taste good, but I promise, it hides so well in this smoothie!
Maca Root
This stuff is rich in anti-oxidants, amino acids and vitamins. It is said to help increase energy levels and boost the endocrine system. While I cannot speak to any of that, this is an Incan superfood that has been used for generations. It tastes like peanut butter to me, so I don’t mind adding it to smoothies!
Tumeric
It contains a chemical that is a natural anti-inflammatory, and it has been used for conditions such as arthritis, heartburn, inflammatory skin conditions, and even Alzheimer’s disease and cancer prevention. It also has a really mild taste so you won’t even know it’s there!
Ginger
This is another anti-inflammatory, but it has also been proven to help with nausea and to reduce blood sugar. It has countless health benefits, but it does have a stronger flavor so use this to your liking!
Avocado
I add avocado as a source of a healthy fat. Having those healthy fats helps you absorb nutrients from the other plant foods you eat! Also, did you know that one avocado has ~13 grams of fiber?!?! Not to mention it tastes delicious and makes smoothies thicker and creamier. You can also add a tsp of coconut oil, or a nut butter instead!
Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are packed with omega 3’s, protein, anti-oxidants, and fiber, so I like to add a little bit of this to my smoothies, yogurt, and oatmeal! They are also great for making a healthy pudding!
Hemp Seeds
Hemp seeds are rich in healthy fats, fatty acids, proteins, and minerals. They are super nutritious, and they may have some cardiovascular benefits!
Eggwhite Protein Powder
I love adding some protein to my smoothies simply because I feel like I do not get enough protein in the day. But, I don’t like flavored protein powders though, because they are usually too sweet for me and often contain additives. Eggwhites are an AMAZING source of protein (2 TSB has ~11g of protein!) and it just feels more natural to me, which I like. They are tasteless so don’t worry about any egg-y flavors (I got this one from Trader Joe’s!). Also, you can replace it with a plant based protein powder for a completely vegan smoothie!
Lemon
Lemon is high in vitamin C, helps with digestion and detoxification, and is great weight loss and glowing skin. If you have ever heard of the tip to drink warm lemon water in the morning, this is why! It aides in liver function, is a great anti-oxidant, and helps the body to detoxify. The vitamin C also helps boost your immunity and keeps you from getting sick. It also fights oxidative damage that can affect your skin and cause aging.
This smoothie tastes amazing and is packed with good-for-you ingredients! It has it all: veggies, fruits, proteins, good fats. Also if you track your macros like I do sometimes, this smoothie is a super healthy way to hit your numbers! I also love that you get a lot of great vegetables, but its all hidden by the flavors of the yummy fruits.
This is also quick way to have a nutritious breakfast. I love actually cutting all my fruits and veggies of time and prepping them into individual Ziploc bags with all the extra ingredients and throwing them in the freezer. This way I can just pop one out and into a blender, and within minutes my smoothie is ready to go!
XOXO,
Monica
