Green Smoothie

A friend of mine recently shared with me the benefits of drinking green smoothies.  I have to admit, when I first learned that I would be drinking a smoothie with A LOT of spinach in it, I was a bit hesitant.  I am not a big breakfast eater even though I know it is the most important meal of the day, blah, blah, blah.  I get it.  Eating my daily recommended fruit and vegetable servings is a close second when it comes to poor eating habits.  The green smoothie satisfies both of these dilemmas with quick prep time and easy clean up.  
 

My first green smoothie consisted of a banana, frozen mixed berries, spinach, and water.  To my surprise, I couldn't even taste the spinach.  I swear and would not lie to you!  I have been drinking one every morning for the past week and the recipe that I am sharing is so far my favorite one.  The recipe was adapted from Two Peas and Their Pod's blog.  They refer to the drink as The Green Monster.  Sounds scary, huh? 

The Green Monster calls for yogurt in the ingredient list, but  since I don't have any issues getting my dairy servings in for the day, I prefer to leave it out.  There really are not any rules when it comes to making green smoothies. I will make one recommendation though.  Always use a banana. I find, since I choose not to add yogurt, that a banana is imperative to get a creamy texture.

 

Green Smoothie

Adapted from Two Peas and Their Pod

Ingredients:

1 orange, peeled and segmented

1 banana, cut in thirds

8-10 strawberries, hulled

2 cups spinach, really packed down

1 cup cold water

5-6 ice cubes

In blender layer orange segments, banana, strawberries, and spinach.  Pour in water and blend until puree texture.  Add ice and blend for 1 minute or so until desired texture is achieved.  Makes 2 servings