What do you think, Yum or Yuck?  ’Cause I know it may look like a green gooey mess of yuck, but believe me when I say – this stuff is the YUM!

Green Smoothies are the breakfast-of-choice for Raw Foodists everywhere, and they’re beginning to gain popularity in the mainstream.  And why wouldn’t they? They’re inexpensive and easy, they pack more micronutrients than a multivitamin, and to top it all off, they’re gleefully delicious.  And, hello?!  They’re greeeeen!!!

I’ve downed one of these babies every single morning since going RAW, and in just two short weeks I’m a total convert.  It’s the best way to start the day, with a copious cocktail of vitamins and minerals, tons of healthy fiber, and easy-to-burn simple sugars.  And my body knows what’s good for it – I wake up craving my morning greens!  It used to take coffee or black tea to drag my sorry sluggish butt out of bed in the a.m., but these days I’m up before the alarm stops singing, ready and happy to face the day.  Gee, do I sound excited?  Hello?!  They’re greeeeen!!!

A quick scout around the net will turn up thousands of hits for Green Smoothie recipes, but I never stick to these.  The beauty of this breakfast is the spontaneity of it.  All you need are some sweet fruits, some dark leafy greens, and a blender or food processor.  Here’s some very rough guidelines:

3 Parts Fruits:

• banana (I have added a banana in every one I’ve made)
• apple or pear
• frozen or fresh berries like strawberry or blueberry
• frozen or fresh tropicals like mango or pineapple
• citrus, like oranges or lemons

1 Part Greens:

• spinach is the most popular
• collards are wonderful
• kale is great but watch the quantity (can change the flavor)
• ‘herby’ greens that *will* change the flavor, like parsley, cilantro, dill, and mint

Other Fun Additions:

• nut butters like almond or cashew will add protein + ‘substance’
• ground seeds like flax or hemp are full of great omega-3′s as well as protein
• lots of people add nut milks as well, for creaminess and flavor
• various supplement powders like protein, Spirulina, cacoa/carob, or maca
• fresh squeezed fruit juice or fresh young green coconut water
• other fruits/veggies like carrots, avocados or tomatoes

Combine with a few ice cubes and water if needed, and BLEND BLEND BLEND.

Right now I’m drinking a green smoothie made of banana, apple, fresh mango, a lemon, parsley, kale, and Spirulina powder.  My secret ingredient and current obsession is the addition of an entire lemon [peeled of course] – it’s like a terrific, tart green lemonade!

And one more Bonzai trick: When you’re using citrus, always zest the fruit before you throw it in.  No need to waste all those precious peels!  Dry the zest on a paper towel and then save it to use in all sorts of baking projects and cooking creations. Or, just dry out your peels to use as homemade potpourri.   Bonzai!

So, what’s your favorite Green Smoothie secret ingredient?  Happy St Patty’s Day!

Be Sociable, Share!

• 

Tags: holidays, RAW

18 Comments »