I know some of you are probably thinking “Who wants a GREEN smoothie?! That looks and sounds disgusting.” And I get it. I really do. But before you close this browser window, just hear me out.

Several years ago, I was on the anti-green-smoothie bandwagon. There was something unsettling about DRINKING my greens. I much preferred the standard all-fruit smoothies. THEN. After seeing them pop up all over the internet, and even in some restaurants, I decided to give the green smoothie a try. They were touted to boost energy, provide excellent nutrition, and best of all…they were supposedly delicious. I was wary but curious.

I am so glad I went for it. Not only do you not taste the greens AT ALL, but it’s a fun way to enjoy a super healthy meal or snack. On average, I make a few of these a week. They are perfect for meeting my nutritional needs (extra important for me now that I’m making another human….so weird), and they come together quickly. Perfect for holding me over until dinner in the afternoons, or even as an on-the-go breakfast. They also make incredible post-workout meals. They are loaded with nutrients and protein.

There are a few key ingredients that really “make” a smoothie for me:

Liquid – necessary for pureeing all the other ingredients. You can use anything you like: milk, juice, water, etc. I use coconut water because of its stellar nutritional profile. Google it.

Something creamy – this usually means nonfat Greek yogurt for me.

Something with protein to keep me full – again, Greek yogurt is perfect for this. Using milk as your liquid also works. Adding a scoop of protein powder or a spoonful of nut butter would also do the trick.

Something sweet – FRUIT. No extra sugar needed.

Something cold – Ice or frozen fruit. With the frozen fruit, I’m doing the whole “two birds, one stone” thing.

Something to give me a boost – usually ground flaxseed, chia seeds, or even spirulina from time to time (Google them. All sooo good for you)

The greens are the added bonus. They really are optional, but trust me when I say, YOU REALLY DO NOT TASTE THEM. Instead, you taste the sweet fruit and creamy, frothy texture. So yummy. I recommend starting with baby spinach and then working your way up to heartier greens, such as kale. Baby spinach is very tender and mild in flavor, which makes it perfect for green smoothie newbies.

With summer just around the corner, this really is fabulous meal option. I’m sure lots of people are trying to clean up their eating habits right now, and this is an awesome way to do it! Trust me. Try it. You’ll love it.

 

My Favorite Green Smoothie                            (makes 1 serving)

1 cup coconut water

2 cups baby spinach

1 frozen banana (slice it before you freeze it!)

½ cup frozen berries (I used raspberries in this rendition)

1 cup Greek yogurt

1 tablespoon ground flaxseed (or chia seeds, spirulina, your favorite protein powder, etc)

 

Pour the coconut water into your blender first. Top with the other ingredients and then puree until everything is super smooth. Serve chilled!