Delicious and Healthy Green Smoothies
Initially, green smoothies do not sound very appealing but they are actually a great breakfast alternative or pick-me-up. In addition, just because the color is green does not mean the flavor is bad. In fact, these smoothies taste great, not to mention they are loaded with rich nutrients. For people who have no idea what these smoothies are, we wanted to provide an introduction but also offer information about a particular product known for having one of the best green smoothie formulas on the market.
Introduction to Green Smoothies
To begin, it would help to understand what these smoothies are, which includes ingredients and nutritional value. In simple terms, green smoothies are made from various types of fresh green vegetables and fruits, which is why the color is green. There are many different leafy vegetables and a variety of fruits that a person could choose but some of the most popular include Swiss chard, spinach, collard greens, kale, and cucumber, along with pineapple, apple, papaya, mango, and banana.
In addition to vegetables and fruits being used to make green smoothies, an individual could modify the flavor by adding different herbs such as cilantro, mint, or parsley, as well as spices. Even though the flavor of these smoothies is somewhat different from the more conventional kind, they are still delicious. Obviously, flavor is important but one of the greatest benefits is the rich nutrients that help boost and support a healthy mind and body.
Examples of nutrients associated with some of the vegetables and fruits used most often include the following:
- Kale – Along with being low in cholesterol and saturated fat, kale is a good source of protein, thiamin, riboflavin, fiber, magnesium, iron, folate, phosphorus, calcium, potassium, manganese, copper, and vitamins A, B6, C, and K
- Collard Green – Another great vegetable, collard greens are also low in cholesterol and saturated fat but rich in fiber, thiamin, niacin, potassium, riboflavin, folate, manganese, calcium, protein, and vitamins A, B6, C, E, and K
- Cucumber – This too would be an excellent ingredient for making green smoothies because of the low cholesterol, saturated, fat, and sodium content, but also high levels of pantothenic acid, folate, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, manganese, copper, fiber, thiamin, and vitamins B6, C, and K
- Banana – Again, bananas are low in cholesterol, saturated fat, and sodium but also a great source for fiber, manganese, potassium, and vitamins B6 and C
- Apple – Low in cholesterol, saturated fat, and sodium, apples are also a good source of fiber and vitamin C
Green Smoothie Recipe Ideas
I felt it is important to provide a few recipes so people can gain a better understanding of how versatile green smoothies are. Of course, with so many choices and combinations of fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices, an individual could create virtually any flavor. One important thing to remember is that all ingredients should be fresh and raw, or uncooked. It would also be best to choose organic ingredients whenever possible although not mandatory.
- Blueberry and Spinach Smoothie – This recipe is made with one banana, one-half cup of blueberries, one cup of fresh baby spinach, four to six ice cubes, and enough apple or orange juice for the desired consistency.
- Pineapple and Mixed Greens Smoothie – The ingredients for this smoothie consist of one-half cup of pineapple chunks, one-half cup of banana, one-eighth cup of fresh herbs such as basil, cilantro, or parsley, one cup of mixed greens to include spinach, beet greens, kale, sorrel, and carrot tops, one-half cup orange or apple juice, one-half teaspoon vanilla extract, and about four ice cubes.
- Mango and Honey Green Smoothie – The last suggestion is a recipe made with two bananas, meat of one mango, one cup of baby spinach, one tablespoon pure honey, one and one-half cups orange or pineapple juice, and four to six ice cubes.
All of these recipes are made by placing the ingredients in a blender and then blending to the right consistency. Remember, recipes for green smoothies can be adjusted according to a person’s personal liking simply by making small adjustments.
Benefits of Shakeology for Making the Ultimate Green Smoothies!
Green smoothies can be made at home using a number of fresh ingredients but when someone does not have the time to throw everything together, there is another option in a product from Shakeology. Keep in mind that a number of companies manufacture and sell green smoothies in a can or bottle, but most do not offer the same fresh flavor and high level of nutrients as this particular product.
However, there are other benefits of choosing Shakeology green smoothies over those offered by the competition. Because of carefully selected ingredients (over 70 of them) and the right vitamins and other nutrients, these smoothies boast the perfect formula that helps people with weight loss, food cravings, low energy levels, and poor digestion. Therefore, when there is inadequate time to make green smoothies fresh at home, Shakeology smoothies would be an excellent alternative.
If you are looking to add Shakeology as a part of your nutrition plan, see the link below.
Enjoy and have a happy, healthy day!
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