Now I know that green smoothies can look and sound unappetizing. The color brings to mind wheat grass and something that would not taste too great. But I was pleasantly surprised by my first try, using the Oh She Glows Back on Track Green Monster smoothie. With its apple, cucumber and kale combo, I didn't taste any of the kale, and loved the refreshing flavor of the apple and cucumber.
Since then, I have been making green smoothies every night before bed, so I can carry it to the office with me in my trusty thermos with two cubes of ice to keep cold, and get my daily serving of fruit in, along with an extra serving of veggies first thing in the morning. I also bring with me two hard boiled eggs, and it's easy to get both my protein and fiber in, and start the day right. I find myself having a lot more energy since I started making smoothies. I never thought that having that one serving of fruit a day would make such a difference.
For the smoothies to stay healthy and well balanced, I stick with the 1/1/2 ratio. 1 part liquid, 1 part fruit, and 2 parts veggie. It's a great way to use up wilting salad greens, and fruit that are past their prime. When I have fruit that are not as great for eating, I now toss them in the freezer, and I can use them to make smoothies anytime. The same goes for kale, which freezes well in ziplock bags. I simple retrieve each stalk out when I need them, and rinse them before tossing into the blender.
Here's for using up grapes that are a bit wizen. You'll need:
1 cup of water
1 cup of grapes
1/2 of an apple/ unpeeled
1/4 of an avocado or 1 tbsp coconut oil (or 2 tbsp flaxseed)
1 cup salad greens
2 stalks kale, chopped
2 cups cucumber (peeled)
1 nub (thumb tip size) of ginger, unpeeled
Juice of 1/2 lemon
Blend the water with grapes first to create a slurry. Then add the apple and avocado to blend until smooth. Add the salad green and blend. Then add the kale and blend. Add the lemon juice, cucumber and ginger and blend everything until smooth. Keep chilled until serving. *I usually stick the blender into the fridge after I rinse off the blender top so I don't end up with caked smooth fiber on the lid.
This creates 2 servings. It's great to split it with someone, or save the other half for the next day.
Calories per serving: 250
29 grams of sugar
27 grams of carbs
8 grams of protein
7 grams of fat
57 grams sodium
*Do not omit the avocado/coconut oil or flaxseed. You need a little bit of fat in the smoothie to help your body absorb all the vitamins. Enjoy!
