Imagine starting your day with a nutrient-packed super-powered green smoothie. One that not only boosts energy levels, but also provides vital antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to keep you healthy. A drink that even manages to maintain a healthy heart and improve digestion, all while tasting delicious. Well, you don’t have to imagine it – you can make it!
Nutrient-dense ingredients
Let’s begin by taking a closer look at the star ingredients in our smoothie. They’re all fresh and organic for maximum health benefits. Remember, you can get creative with your choice of greens, fruits and oils, but for now, let’s stick with these essentials.
Spinach
A low-fat, low-cholesterol green packed with niacin, zinc, protein, fiber, vitamins A/C/E/B6/K, folate, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, copper, and manganese. That’s a whole lot of goodness in a handful of leaves.
Kale
Another low-calorie, no-fat green that is high in fiber. Rich in folate and magnesium, it also contains an outstanding four dozen different flavonoids. Kale helps lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of many types of cancer.
Apples
These fiber-loaded fruits are full of flavonoids, vitamin C, and antioxidants. Apples support healthy digestion and lower the risk of cancer, hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease. The skin even contains a compound that may prevent muscle loss.
Pineapple
This tropical fruit is high in vitamin C, manganese, and thiamin. Pineapples aid digestion, act as an anti-inflammatory, support bone health, and reduce the risk of macular degeneration.
Flaxseeds
These small seeds are packed with fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and lignans. Flaxseeds promote a healthy heart and provide antioxidant support.
Coconut Oil
Boasting numerous health benefits, coconut oil supports healthy cholesterol levels by acting as a “good fat” (HDL) and converting bad (LDL) cholesterol into HDL. This helps support heart health and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Easy prepping
Having plenty of organic greens and fruits on hand makes it easy to prepare a week’s worth of smoothies in about 15 minutes. Use fresh, organic greens – not frozen or conventional – to maximize their health benefits.
Start by buying two bunches of kale and one container of spinach. Rinse the kale and strip the leaves from the stems, as they can be too bitter for a smoothie. Rinse the spinach as well, then add equal amounts of both to seven quart-size freezer bags (one for each day).
For added sweetness, use organic apples and frozen pineapples. You can also use frozen bananas or tart cherries for variety. Incorporate healthy fats like coconut oil or avocado oil to aid in the absorption of fat-soluble nutrients. Lastly, prepare about a quarter cup of organic flax seeds for a healthy dose of fats and fiber.
Fast blending
A high-speed blender, like a Vitamix or Ninja, works best for creating the perfect smoothie texture. The high speed effortlessly blends the greens, resulting in a more palatable consistency.
- Add one frozen quart bag of greens to the blender and push it down.
- Add about half a medium apple (organic) for sweetness, fiber, and pectin.
- Add about half a cup of frozen pineapple, or use room-temperature fruit if you prefer a warmer drink.
- Add 12 ounces of filtered water.
- Add two tablespoons of ground flax seeds and one tablespoon of coconut oil for a healthy Pina colada flavor.
Blend on high until you reach your desired texture, ensuring that everything is well-mixed.
Delicious and nutritious
Pour your smoothie into an 8 or 10-ounce glass and enjoy! Kickstart your morning with a burst of energy, knowing you’re being kind to your body with a wholesome, fiber-rich drink. Plus, it’s an easy way to guarantee you’re getting your daily servings of fruits and vegetables, even on your busiest days.
So why not try incorporating this green powerhouse into your daily routine? Your body will thank you for it.
