Let’s talk smoothies!

by Claire, 2 years ago

Let’s talk smoothies!

Smoothies are one of my favorite breakfasts and/or snacks. You can pack so many nutrients into a small space that will fill up your stomach and completely satisfy your taste buds & appetite.

My favorite trick? Adding GREENS!

I was skeptical at first, too. Adding spinach (or any other lettuce) to something that is practically a dessert? How could that be? It definitely sounds and looks, I’ll admit (especially when blending with red fruit), gross. But I promise – you won’t even taste it. You won’t! You still get all of the delicious blend you created – with an extra shot of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that you will be thankful for.

The photo to the right is a smoothie that I ordered from Cafe Mimi in Observatory, Cape Town. They don’t have any green smoothies, but I had asked the waiter to add spinach to my smoothie. I was a little shy about it at first, knowing it wasn’t on the menu, and probably not often asked for. But I went for it anyways – all in the name of health, right?! I was so delighted that he had a smile on his face when I asked, and he said “People should ask for that more often!” He then walked downstairs and told the woman who was typing it in the computer and the look on her face was priceless. She definitely did not have the same thoughts as him as she had a look of absolute disgust on her face. I only wish I could imitate it. I only hope that maybe my request sparked the idea in her head to try it herself…who knows 

It’s hard enough as it is to get enough vegetables in throughout the day. This is such a quick and simple solution to something that can seem like such a pain. This truly is the ultimate multi-tasking revolution.

Here are my recommendations for experimenting with making green smoothies:

1. Get the ratio right. Don’t overload your smoothies with greens to the point that it tastes bad. Add greens in gradually if you are having trouble with the idea. Don’t mind to give your taste buds time to adjust.

1. Texture is important. The secret to blending the greens is to blend together whichever green you choose with a liquid (water, non-dairy milk, fresh juice, coconut water) to finely chop the leaves. After this is done, then you add frozen fruit. I recommend a 3:1 ratio of smoothie to greens.

1. Experiment with additions. You can always amp up a smoothie by adding in little extra bits of nutrients and fillers. Add greek yogurt, nuts, chia seeds, hemp seeds, or an organic protein powder for extra protein. Add a tablespoon of an avocado, ground flax, or a nut butter for good fats. For some body, blend in some oats. All of these additions are incredibly nutritious and will keep you feeling fuller for longer. Who doesn’t want that? Chia seeds are my addition in the top photo.

 

Happy Blending.

J. Xx

Article tags

adding vitamins greens smoothie smoothy spinach

Article categories

Nutrition & Diet Tips Nutrition & Diet Tips Winter Motivation

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