The most simple way to get my share of required fruits and veggies in each day? Start with a green morning. Yes, you can be green by conserving water and electricity, recycling and riding your bike to work (and a myriad of other ways!). You’re going to need the right kind of fuel to perform these every day earth-saving feats. Adding green to the start of your day boosts your immune system performance and keeps your energy level high. Saving the earth or the day is no small task, after all. Not to mention greens keep the intestines a “lean, green and well-performing” machine, per The New England Journal of Medicine.
This green smoothie is comprised of tropical fruits and three types of greens, a spin on this previously featured smoothie. I’ve incorporated one of my favorite superfood supplements, Philosophies’ Green Dream (buy this amazing blend here). Keep a close eye on my friend Kate’s site, 365 til 30. She will be sharing our adventures in cooking together, complete with her lesson in massaging kale. I give her an A+ for her skills, along with an A+++ for being such an apt and fun pupil! Bonus – when you read her site, you get a “taste” of her upcoming book! Wish her luck as she embarks on becoming a published author. And fuel up with the recipe below to stay energized for your own goals and dreams!
Prep & Chop. Make your life easier by doing this all in one day.
Up close & personal shot. Know & love thy veggies & fruits.
Fun straws make everything better (from Kikkerland)
Prep & Chop
- 1/4 cup pineapple (frozen if off-season)
- 1/2 cup mango (frozen if off-season)
- 4 kale leaves, stems removed and leaves chopped
- 6 chopped romaine lettuce leaves
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley sprigs
- 1-2 tablespoons of Green Dream Superfood Powder
- 1 inch fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
- 1 and 1/2 cup coconut water
Directions
- Layer with style – frozen fruits first, followed by fresh veggies (or fruits), add 1/2 the liquids and top with superfood powders or blends. If you want to add healthy fats for extra staying power, I recommend adding 2 tablespoons of coconut oil.
- Follow the zen of blending. Start on a low speed setting and blend gently, increasing speed as needed. Slowly add the liquids to get the consistency you prefer for your smoothies.
Notes
- This serves 2; you can share or freeze the other half for the next day.
- You can use fresh, un-frozen everything for this recipe. I choose to freeze my fruits because they’re more hearty and retain more of their nutritional value vs. their veggie counterparts. And I don’t like adding ice to my smoothies. Frozen fruit serves as the ice in my recipes.
- The quality of Zuddha Girls’ product is unparalleled in my opinion. I know firsthand how much they care about their products, service and the health outcomes of their clients. If it’s too expensive for your budget, I can help you find a suitable alternative for your price range. And on that note…
BONUS!!
I’m giving away a “breakfast makeover” this week. WELL in L.A. posts for this week are focused on easy ways to make your mornings more healthy. Leave a comment below. Tell me what you eat for breakfast on a typical week day. That’s all you have to do to enter!
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This smoothie sounds yummy! i will be testing this one out soon :-)
Thanks for the comment, love! I hope the New Year is looking even better!
Definitely not a breakfast person but I try to either grab some fruit or make a green smoothie with spinach, mango, strawberries and bananas.
Thanks for the reply, Kianiwai! I’m not a big breakfast person either – I prefer to slowly ease my way into food for the day. Research is demonstrating the notion of a large breakfast isn’t the best way to start the day… you’re onto something by simply listening to your body and giving it what it needs most in the morning hours. My routine is usually hot tea and water followed green juice or a smoothie.
This sounds de-lish! Love the pics too… had to share on Pinterest ;) Look forward to trying this one!
Hi, Shannon! Thank you for the compliment! I’m blushing – a Pinterest share! I’m on there somewhere, too… I’ll find you and say hello! Cheers!
I love breakfast but usually end up eating on my way to work. Typically have yogurt, oatmeal, or eggs. Not a very balanced breakfast, but I just don’t have a lot of time in the morning.
Dawn! A small breakfast is much better than no breakfast :) We all have room to grow for making things better. And when it’s cold outside a bowl of oatmeal is just so much more soothing than a chilly smoothie.
Your food pics are fabulous. I would have a hard time not leaving that all out on the cutting board all day to admire. :)
Thanks for the comment, love!! I left my heart in San Francisco… err, Michigan!
Love this!!! Any idea how I can incorporate a little more protein into this blend (I have low blood sugar) P.S. You are so right. A cute straw really does make everything better : ) You rock Erin!
Protein, yes! One or two scoops of a vanilla-flavored protein (or Vega is a great vegan brand – dairy free) that would be just enough staying power. I love to use almond butter to add fats & protein to smoothies, too. Thanks for the comment love (and excited to feature you tomorrow!)!
This shake actually looks delightful! I will be making it tomorrow. Thank you for such LOVELY LOVELY mention on your brilliant site!!! I had the BEST time with you! You are a brilliant teacher:)
xo
Kate
[...] doesn’t quite work. After talking with friends (Jaime Greene or Rahim Rahman), reading blogs (wellinla.com), or watching movies (Fat, Sick, & Nearly Dead or Forks over Knives), I’m not quite [...]
This has to be one of the best tasting health drinks out there! (with minor adjustments, not a parsley fan :)
I hear ya! I was reticent to add it, but it’s not at all noticeable! You could sub sprouts (like pea sprouts) or omit altogether. I really dislike celery – it’s my one “won’t eat it” veggie! Thanks for the comment, love!
Erin- enjoyed your 1st cooking class yesterday… Please let me know more and am interested in doing a cleanse. Dave
Hi David! It was great meeting you, as well! Thank you for visiting WELL online! I will email you early this week.
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