We’ve all heard that the recommended amount of fruit and vegetables is five servings a day, but the truly health-conscious know that 5 servings is just the minimum. The best way to pack-in as much nutrition as possible is with a daily Green Smoothie.
Simply put, a smoothie is a blended beverage made up of fruit and vegetables.
I told you it was simple.
Once you start to notice how energizing and
fulfilling these miracle drinks are you’ll
be craving them like crazy on a daily basis.”
Just throw some produce and a few other interesting ingredients into the blender, and in a minute or two you’ll have an energizing health drink that’s as filling as a meal.
Of course, finding the right mix of fruit and veg can sound daunting, but blending is actually an easy and fun experience that could (and probably will) change your life for the better.
Welcome to the Smoothie Lifestyle!
Smoothie Facts
- Smoothies became popular in the USA in the late 60s when ice cream vendors and health food stores began selling them
- It is thought the 60s resurgence of vegetarianism lead to searching for new ways to consume vegetables
- The smoothie is a descendent of pureed fruit drinks which originated in Brazil
- Commercial mainstream smoothies usually contain dairy products but there are actually many other options for a liquid base such as almond milk, pineapple juice, or good old fashioned water.
- Smoothies are popular in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine
Green Smoothies
A Green Smoothies is called that because it’s, well, green. The key ingredient is raw, dark green, leafy vegetables like spinach or kale because of their rich nutritional value. If you’re not used to eating these veggies you might find the taste bitter at first. Don’t worry, that’s what the fruit is for. Using more fruit in the beginning is a great way to sweeten the taste with natural ingredients.
You also might be interested in sweetening your glass a bit more by adding a teaspoon or two of honey or agave nectar. You can lower the amount when you’re further into your smoothie adventure.
When finding a fruit and veg balance think in terms of ratios. A good beginners ratio is 60% fruit and 40% veggies. When you’re a pro you’ll want 70% veggies and only 30% fruit. The only way you’ll know your starting balance is to play around with the mix, find what ratio gives you the most pleasure, and move towards more veg at your own pace.
Once you start to notice how energizing and fulfilling these miracle drinks are you’ll be craving them like crazy on a daily basis.
We’ll be talking a lot more about Green Smoothies over the coming weeks so check back for more tips, tricks and advice.
I invite you to comment.
I enjoy hearing your thoughts, ideas, and questions!
thanks to Sean Cameron for his help with this feature and video
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I used to buy a blender each year: the $20 kind you get at the superstore. Then, after about a year, the motor would burn out. Finally, a few years ago, I decided to upgrade to a high-quality blender. And, I haven’t had to buy another one since! Now, I can blend practically anything.
My smoothies are totally liquid now but before with my old kitchen aid I find bits of green stuck in my teeth after drinking. Not good.