Why green smoothies? Because they are the perfect food. Literally, the perfect balance food to give the body exactly the nutrition it needs to thrive…naturally.
There are a few things you will need:
– A blender (preferably a high powered blender. I prefer a Vita-Mix)
– A knife
– Greens – 2 or 3 bunches. Leaves only, no stems.
– Fruit approximately 3 servings(or non-root veggies such as cucumber, tomato, etc.)
– Liquid base (i.e. water, raw coconut water, fresh orange juice etc.)
– A sense of Adventure!
Tips:
– Try to pick fruits that are fresh and in season. Your local farmers market is a great place to start. Eating with the seasons will make your smoothies more easily accessible, and fresher.
– Make your smoothies palatable. If they don’t taste good, you won’t eat them, so whether it is adding in more fruit, throwing in a date, or adding in more greens listen to your body, your tastebuds and your cravings.
– Keeping the above in mind, do not add supplements (protein powders), oils, etc. this will only inhibit absorption. The exception to this is a bit of Avocado, or coconut meat (not the oil)
– Avoid mixing your greens with root veggies such as carrots, beets, potato etc. Again these slow the assimilation process and may cause gas.
– ROTATE YOUR GREENS! I love Kale and Spinach. However, greens have a way of protecting themselves in nature and contain Alkaloids. Over time (quite a while actually) eating too much of the same green can have to OPPOSITE positive effects and my start to cause toxic symptoms. Choose from: Arugula, Kale, Romaine, Spinach, Watercress, Green/Red leaf lettuce, Collard Greens, Parsley, Cilantro, Chard etc.
– Finally, pick raw lush soft juicy fruits such as: Apples, Bananas, Mangos, Pineapples, Berries, Citrus and Stone Fruits.
ENJOY!