Simple Green Smoothie + a guide

by Chelsea / Breakfast

To say I am on a smoothie kick would be the biggest understatement of the year. In fact, I’ve been making and loving smoothies for years. My usual combination results in something green, though I have nothing but love for the other shades of smoothie out there. 

I always walk out the door in the morning with a green smoothie when I’m headed to work. Kicking off my day with a belly full of green goodness is the best way for me to rise + shine. image

I’m sharing a recipe for the simple smoothie I happened to make today, and a guide for you to customize your own. This simple smoothie is spinach, banana, avocado, and grapefruit. Its sweet + tangy and perfect for a winter afternoon.image

 

Okay, let’s talk smoothie combos! There are four things to consider when making a great green smoothie.

  1. Greens. My favorites are spinach, kale, chard, and collard greens. Spinach has the most mild flavor, and would be my recommendation for people who aren’t yet in love with the flavor of bitter greens (see how I said yet? I’m planning on converting you into a full-time-kale-loving-green-smoothie-sipping-health-machine. Just you wait).
  2. Fruit. My favorites are banana, mango, pineapple, peach, grapefruit, and orange. Berries taste great, but turn your green smoothie a questionable shade of swamp goo. 
  3. Liquid. I always use water, but other great liquids are milk (coconut, almond, cow’s, etc), coconut water, or juice like apple or orange. 
  4. Healthy Fats/Boosters. Avocado, nut butters (almond, peanut, cashew), and coconut oil are my favorite fats to add. My favorite boosters are turmeric, hemp seeds, protein powder, maca, matcha, spirulina, and wheatgrass powder.

Now, let’s get serious for a minute. I need you to close your eyes (but also read this before you close them, or else you’ll never achieve smoothie bliss). Now, imagine you are sitting on the beach, or you just made it to the summit of a mountain, or you are walking out the door to go teach a bunch of 12-year olds about the ancient world (# real life). Keep your eyes closed, and sip on your imaginary green smoothie. What does it taste like? Is it super fruity and sweet? Add collards, a whole banana and some mango. Is it slightly bitter and creamy? Kale and cashew butter will do the trick. Does it taste like a peanut butter cup and heaven? Make your green smoothie with spinach, peanut butter, banana, cocoa powder, and milk.  The thing is, I’ve never made a green smoothie that I hated. Sure, they’ve been a little weird at times, but almost always delicious. 

I really hope you give this one a try. If you do, leave me a comment and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to take a picture and tag it #bakedgreens on Instagram so I can see all your beautiful green smoothie creations. No judgement if they end up looking like swamp goo. It happens. 

 

Simple Green Smoothie

Chelsea Colbath
Green, sweet, and tangy. This simple smoothie will have you dreaming about all your next smoothie combinations!
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Time 5 minutes
Servings 1

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups of baby spinach packed
  • 1/2 a grapefruit peeled
  • 1/2 a ripe banana
  • 1/2 an avocado
  • 1-2 cups of water or milk of choice
  • 2 ice cubes optional, for a colder smoothie

Instructions
 

  • 1. Put all ingredients into a high-speed blender. You can start with 1 cup of liquid, and add more to reach your desired thickness.
  • 2. Blend until completely smooth, about 1 minute. If smoothie is too thick for your liking, pour in more liquid and blend again.
  • 3. Divide between two glasses and serve immediately (or, if you're me, drink the whole thing). This is best when fresh, though leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for 24 hours.
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