{green smoothie}
This is tasty and all, but so far nothing miraculous has happened, which is kind of what I was led to expect based on the internet ravings. Shouldn't my skin be glowing by now?
{smoothie making}
Currently blending:
About 1/3 - 1/2 cup full fat coconut milk (not the kind in the carton!)
A generous splash of orange juice or, in a pinch, cranberry juice
1/2 small banana
As much frozen kale or spinach as I can fit in my little blender (probably 1.25 cups)
It is surprisingly filling, which I think is down to the fat in the coconut milk. I started out with less green and a whole banana, but if I'm making one for D and one for myself then I just give us each half a banana and it's still sweet enough for me. And then I ran out of bananas completely and I can now report that it's fine without, but better with. I usually thin the smoothie with a bit of orange juice but I've used cranberry juice and if you are juice averse you could use coconut water or something similar. The frozen greens are the kind in the bag from Whole Foods, not the box of chopped frozen spinach. It probably works with the boxed kind but I haven't tried it. Also, the Whole Foods generic coconut milk is the cheapest I've found anywhere. No, they do not pay me but they are the only grocery store that I can easily walk to and that's why I mention them all the time. They have a reputation for being really pricey but their generic stuff is on par with TJ's.
This experiment started pre-Thanksgiving, but it's very appropriate after a week of leftovers overload. I have holiday food portion control issues and then I get in a bad cycle where I eat too much dinner and then don't feel hungry enough for breakfast and then it repeats, over and over. I've found that on days when I can't face my usual breakfast of eggs the smoothie is the best solution and it can nip that cycle in the bud without triggering the sugar cravings I get from most commercially made smoothies.
Whew. I guess I get why people talk about them so much. Apparently once you start discussing green smoothies you can't figure out how to stop. I'm not even that obsessed, I swear.
I love this post because it reminds me of my own internal monologue about green smoothies. One thing that might help with the glowyness would be using fresh organic greens (spinach, kale, etc.) as I think it loses some of it's power in the blanching/freezing. (At least that's what the raw food people say!)
ReplyDeleteThe problem is that the frozen greens are so convenient that I don't think I'll be giving them up anytime soon! My understanding is that frozen is sometimes more nutritious than the produce you get at the grocery store, because it gets frozen right away and doesn't sit around. Of course, if I were really good, I would get farmer's market greens and then it would definitely be more nutritious!
DeleteThis post was great! I like green smoothies and think you can make them as healthy and delicious as you like, but like you I didn't feel they made me glow or able to leap tall buildings in a single bound. I think they are a good way to get extra servings of greens in especially if you don't normally eat a salad for breakfast. We usually add some raw protein powder to ours if we work out in the morning.
ReplyDeleteI have never heard of raw protein powder! Off to google it.
DeleteAdd a scoop of protein powder. I drink a protein shake after a workout. I've noticed a difference in the way I look and feel. Hope this helps! :)
ReplyDeleteDo you use whey protein or something else? I have some whey protein from when I used to do non-green smoothies but I haven't used it in these ones because I'm so full from the coconut milk that it hasn't seemed necessary. Maybe I'll test it out again.
DeleteSorry for the delayed response! Yes. I've tried the Designer Whey brand of protein powder (French Vanilla flavor), and it's pretty good. My trainer recommended it. And it's easy to find at your local grocery store. My mother-in-law introduced me to Visalus protein powder (Sweet Cream flavor), and I think it's a little better. Taste-wise. My favorite shake is peanut butter-banana. Tastes like a thick milkshake. :)
DeleteKeep at it! I wasn't sure if they were making a difference until people at work started telling me that my eyes were brighter :). I agree with Alejandro - use fresh greens.
ReplyDeleteI start with a base of water, add baby spinach, and then throw in a variety of frozen fruit (bananas, pineapple, mango). Amazing Grass Greens powder is a nice add.
I have some green powder, but ditched it once I started using the actual greens. It just weirded me out, but maybe I should try it again.
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ReplyDeleteI loved this post! You are so funny! I feel the same way about green smoothies...I guess I expected to have super powers or something. Tell me more about that coconut milk - where is it located in the grocery? I'll have to look for that, b/c I don't find my smoothies to be very filling.
ReplyDeleteThe canned coconut milk is usually in the baking aisle, at least at my Whole Foods. I just get their generic brand, which is organic and $1.99 a can. I get at least four smoothies out of it, so it ends up being a good deal and it makes a huge difference in keeping me full.
DeleteHi, I've been reading you for some time now, but never wrote anything here, until now. I've been reading too, for months, about the wonders of smoothies and was wondering if they really work. I am not quite sold on the idea of drinking my vegetables (not even my fruits, but that's a different story)and always thought that some people might exaggerate a little bit on the wonders (taste is personal and objective).
ReplyDeleteI'm also not a big fan of drinking my produce - you lose so much of the fiber and it seems strange to me. I see juice as a treat rather than a staple. But I'm okay with smoothies because everything is still in the mix, just blended (with the exception of the splash of juice I use for thinning).
DeleteI was drinking a lot of green smoothies with almond milk and bananas, and my skin suddenly got a lot clearer than it has ever been. I don't know if it was the banana or the almond milk though - pretty sure it wasn't the green base because I had been doing smoothies all along and hadn't noticed anything till I added the almond milk and extra bananas.
ReplyDeleteInteresting! It's so hard to figure out which factors make the difference, but as long as it's working for you, it's good!
DeleteI too was underwhelmed by the results. I tried the smoothie thing every day for a month using a modified version of Dr. Oz's recipe (fresh spinach, apples, pears, lemon, lime, ginger, and cucumber, sometimes opting to add a little greek yogurt or a banana).
ReplyDeleteI suspect the reason why I didn't see such drastic results is because I already ate a good amount of fruits and veggies, so it wasn't as much of a shock to my system as it is for others. Maybe it's the same for you?
Anyway, I still like them. They help fill me up and keep me from reaching for Cheetos and other unhealthy treats.
Hmmm ... that might be it. I am generally good about getting my veggies in, but fall short sometimes (which is part of the reason I like the green smoothie idea).
DeleteI definitely agree that the smoothies help curb some of my less healthy cravings, so they're probably worth it just for that!
Your recipe sounds delicious! I need to experiment.
i eat pretty well but definitely see a difference when i'm regularly drinking green smoothies... my hair and nails are much stronger and grow crazy fast! i use a simplified version of kimberly snyder's glowing green smoothie recipe http://kimberlysnyder.net/blog/2009/07/11/green-smoothie-recipe/
ReplyDeleteWow - that is straight up green! I'm impressed. I do think it would be nice to add some herbs to mine, but I've never been able to deal with the taste of lettuce in my smoothie. I guess it's an adjustment!
DeleteI've read from a lot of sources to leave the smoothies as raw as possible. This means coconut water as opposed to coconut milk or just plain filtered water. No added protein, etc. Yes, they'll have a more gritty, green taste but I've really noticed a difference in my hair and skin. Also my eyelashes and nails grow like crazy! Also, add lemon or lime juice. It's supposed to help in absorbing minerals and tastes better. These are my breakfast (on an empty stomach) everyday so I totally get the addiction. :]
ReplyDeleteI've heard that, but I'm always curious to know if it keeps you full? I think it's the fat from the coconut milk that really works for me. I used to do smoothies with almond milk or lowfat milk and I would be hungry again an hour later!
DeleteI do green smoothies also when I can't face eggs! (Sometimes you just get sick of eggs) I keep mine pretty simple: almond milk, frozen banana, fresh baby spinach, and a splash of real vanilla extract. YUM.
ReplyDeleteI should try adding vanilla!
DeleteI have been a convert for quite awhile, but since getting a Vitamix last Christmas, I have one almost everyday now. I can't say that my skin is amazing, but I know it doesn't hurt. I do feel as though I have a lot more energy when I drink them consistently. I agree that it's a great supplement for veggies. I did a cleanse earlier this year (CLEAN Program) where bananas were on the "no" list, and they tended to use apples as a base. I like a simple whole apple, kale, and frozen pineapple/mango, with water or coconut water as the liquid. When I do add the banana, I feel like I'm in creamy heaven!
ReplyDeleteVitamix! I'm sure you have a lot more options with a blender that high powered! I love our tiny blender (esp because the clean up is basically non-existent) but sometimes I dream of having a Vitamix.
DeleteI have a green smoothie for breakfast most mornings. I did notice a difference both mentally and with my skin. I use frozen organic mixed berries, plain greek yogurt and wheat germ, in addition to the spinach and banana. The kale and green apple recipes are next on my list to try.
ReplyDeleteI love the kale even more than the spinach. It blends so well.
DeleteI like green smoothies but I don't have a blender! It worked ok in the food processor but was a lot of clean up. What is the blender you have? It looks cute and you say it's easy to clean... might be good to add to my Christmas list!
ReplyDeleteI have this little personal blender and I love it. It isn't super high powered, so you couldn't use it if you wanted to do whole fruits or crushed ice, but it works great for my smoothies and it blends directly in the cup so all you have to wash out is the little blade attachment. We got it as a wedding gift and I've been using it obsessively for a year now.
DeleteI do enjoy myself a green monster, but only every once in a while.
ReplyDeleteI'm still not convinced on the whole green smoothie thing, but maybe I should try it
ReplyDeleteI have a green smoothie almost every day. I don't know if I've ever gotten any amazing results, but I love getting in greens for breakfast. I have a magic bullet, which you can get for $80 at bed bath and beyond with the 20% off coupon and liquifies really well. The only downside is the small size. I agree with the other poster - kale is definitely the way to go, or do a mix of kale, spinach and parsley. A couple of good recipes:
ReplyDelete(1) Big handful of kale (remove rib if using lacinato or tough parts from curly kale unless you have a vitamix) + a few frozen pineapple chunks + some frozen blueberries + 1/2 to 1 whole small banana + 1/2 cup hemp or almond milk.
For an added bonus, and 1 tablespoon almond buttter, 1 tablespoon chia seeds, and/or 1 tablespoon vegan vanilla protein. Earth fusion is a great non GMO brand.
You can also go chocolatey and do a handful of kale, a few tablespoons of raw cocoa, 1/2 to 1 whole small banana, 1 tablespoon of almond butter, frozen blueberries, 1/2 cup of of almond milk, a tablespoon of chia seeds and (if you want) a scoop of chocolate protein powder.
I've been avoiding these, but I think it's something I should try. I have holiday portion control issues myself : ) I'll have to give this one a try!
ReplyDeleteDanielle xo
I use green smoothies to recharge after a night of indulgence, or if it just sounds better than my other staples (eggs/pb toast).
ReplyDeleteI use the same formula every time: fresh spinach (so easy and you can cram a TON in), almond milk, and a frozen banana. I buy a bunch of bananas, chop each up and freeze them individually in snack-sized ziploc bags. Sometimes I'll add cinnamon or berries, or if I've been hiking a big spoonful of peanut/almond butter.
I don't really mess around with powders, etc. they're so expensive and I never use them up! I don't really look for a change in my appearance but I know it feels great to know I already have a veg. serving in for the day. I think it's just a great option to have in the rotation. :)
-Tori
Fresh greens would make a HUGE difference.
ReplyDeleteBut saying that, people tend to rave about all sorts of things. A glowing skin doesn't come from a smoothie, depends on other factors, most obviously the rest of your diet.
But, i say, if you enjoy them, keep at it. think of them as an enjoyable alternative to breakfast/snack, that just happens to be healthy for you too!
I agree that the green smoothie craze on the internet will claim all sorts of benefits and cures. I've enjoyed smoothies my whole life and always experiment with ingredients. I do like that the green smoothie trend has me incorporating more greens like kale into them. I like to make them when I don't feel like sitting down to a whole meal. For me it feels extra special that I'm using a blender that was used in my childhood home and has stayed with me all these years!
ReplyDeletePeople are crazy about their green smoothies! It's been making me think about giving them a try, even though my morning routine is pared down for maximum sleep time. I wonder if you could make them the night before, or would that mess with the texture? I've also been meaning to try this date shake from L.A. in Bloom, although that looks a little more indulgent: http://lainbloom.blogspot.com/2011/09/webisode-date-shake.html
ReplyDeletenugicalmusings.blogspot.com
Do you know about the juice bar on Beverly in West Hollywood? I think the idea is everything needs to be super FRESH, like right there. Although, my health nut of a husband says that once you cut fruit it loses a lot of its vitamins, I don't know!
ReplyDeleteabout 2 months ago i started smoothies in the morning b/c bacon and eggs were getting boring. my smoothie is similar to your's, but i usually add a few raw egg yolks and whey protein powder. i find it keeps me full a lot longer (usually until the late afternoon!) but i tend to get chubby when i drink too many smoothies, probably all the hidden fructose (my body does not like too much fruit.) i'm watching the scale, and so far my body isn't responding badly to them so i think i found the right balance of ingredients. anyway, yes, this topic does get me talking.
ReplyDeleteI want your smoothie recipe! So far I don't think these are affecting my weight either way, but I'm not very fruit sensitive in the first place they're basically the only fruit I get right now. I'm good with the veggies but never think to pick up fruit!
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Deletemy recipe:
Delete1 1/2 dates (or part of a banana)
5 ice cubes
2 egg yolks
1 scoop whey protein
1/2 can coconut milk
-then i either add cocoa powder if i want a choco smoothie (tastes like the canned slim fast shakes which i always loved)
-or spinach/kale and some apple if i want a green smoothie instead.
-(i usually choose the choco one :)
If you really want to see a difference in your skin, regularly eat squash/pumpkins! They have a lot of vitamin A which is great for your skin. I roast acorn or butternut squash and then make a big batch of soup with that and apples, onions and chicken broth and eat a little everyday for lunch or dinner. Other times I roast spaghetti squash and use it to replace pastas or grains in my meals. Or to change the routine I use a little pumpkin puree in my coffee with almond milk and spices to do a homemade of version spiced pumpkin lattes. I've seen different recipes on the web. I saw a big difference in how my skin feels and looks in just the first week of eating squash. It was softer, smoother and radiant. Give it a try.
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