Friday, March 18, 2011

Tootin' the Green Horn

I wasn’t planning to post a tutorial on green smoothies. My plan was just to share it as a simple pleasure, but then two things happened.

First, a few of you asked.
And second,
I woke up this morning with so much energy after better night's sleep than I've had in a while. 


Seriously.  The Great Smoothie Miracle happens that quickly. I always forget how good it feels on the first day of smoothie season. This sort of begs the question why I hiberate for the winter without them? Winter is probably the time that I need the energy the most.

Someone remind me that I said that in October.

So anyway, for those who got past the ewww factor of liquid spinach for breakfast and are interested, here are a few of the things you can expect from this health and beauty makeover.

You will feel...

More energy and a clearer head.
Less hungry, especially for sweets and snacky food.
A craving for more green.
Really, you will. Don't ask me why. I'm not the doctor; I'm just the reporter.  

You will notice…

A huge difference in your skin.
Trust me on this. It only takes about a weekend to see results. What cream works that quickly? None, I tell  you. (And Sharon Kirby, if you want to slather it on your skin, go ahead. It's the stuff spa facials are made of, after all. If it turns you into Shrek, however, don't blame me.)

Stronger and faster growing fingernails.
Healthier hair
Weight loss (unless you insist on a green smoothie with a bagel chaser...)
Improved sleep (unless you live with a buzz saw )
And, um.... a healthier digestive system. Let's just leave it at that.


Here's how I make mine:


 Keep bananas in the freezer.
Freezing them really makes a difference.
I usually chop mine and flash freeze for about an hour before storing them.


 Start with about a cup of fresh or canned fruit.
(Not the bananas...)
It can be any yellow or green kind you like or a combination.

I say canned because my favorite is pineapple, and fresh pineapple is expensive around here. I usually buy one of those huge cans of pineapple (in juice) and keep it in a container in the refrigerator.


Blend it up until smooth.
It should not look like this


If it does, add splashes of juice until it looks like this

It probably goes without saying that you want to use juice with no sugars or additives, but I’ll say it anyway.

Then add a big handful of greens (spinach, collards, kale...)

Add it gradually by pulsing.
Then, blend.


Now add frozen bananas.
The freezing intensifies the sweetness. (They’re really good for just a quick nibble when you want something sweet, too.) I usually put between ½ to 1 whole banana. Basically just throw in a palm full of slices. 

And whirl again...

Then add about 2 teaspoons of honey or sweetener.

I used to use Splenda here,
but GNEE at Singing with Birds has introduced me to this healthier option.

At this point, you can sample it and add anything else you might like to doctor it up like teaspoons of preserves or marmalade or more fruit.

 Then add some ice cubes
until it is the thickness you want.


It should pour like a milk shake.



And ta da!


This is really enough for two, but lucky me… I’m home alone.

It will actually keep in the fridge for up to two days. They say you can just give it a quick shake the next day. I've never tried that since I lack the self-control to keep a smoothie overnight.

I'm going to try today.
And that's it.
Really, try it.

As for me, I'm taking my well rested, energetic, younger looking, smoothie self on a Great Pink Adventure to what is dubbed the Pinkest Party on Earth.

I'll be back later to yak all about it.


15 comments:

CAL said...

[url=http://www.glitter-graphics.com][img]http://dl8.glitter-graphics.net/pub/2940/2940108x66sb1qzz7.gif[/img][/url]
Gosh that really sounds good and I'm going to give it a try. Who would have thunk to add the spinach leaves, that is brilliant!!
Thank you.

Renée said...

I'm no longer GREEN with envy! Thanks a million for posting this how to. I always have frozen bananas and spinach on hand and ta-da, we are having your delish smoothie in a few minutes....thanks for the Stevia shout out. Sugar In The Raw is now making a big bag. It's catching on!

I'll let you know if it clears my mind and great tutorial...post once a week please!!!! Hugs from Idaho.

Christine said...

I'm going to experiment and let you know!
Great tutorial (I'm such a visual person)

Ann said...

You got me on "more energy" so I'll have to give it a try too! Hannah's been after me to include Kale in my diet so perhaps I should add some of that as well as the spinach.
Kale is supposed to be REALLY good for your eyes and with my family history I need all the help I can get!

Thanks Debbie!
Cheers!

Amy Kinser said...

We just bought a juicer a few months ago and I love it. I juice everything, including kale, which is my favorite super food. We also love smoothies in the summertime. Such a nice treat.

Enjoy!!

Dayle ~ A Collection of Days said...

I'm so gonna try this.

Lynn said...

Wow, I haven't see the color green have this much power since the Hulk!!! I'm almost afraid to try it, I mean... if I got all spunky and ambitious my computer chair might miss me! Happy weekend Debbie:@)

elizabeth said...

I think I could drink this and enjoy it if I shut my eyes! I'm passing your post on to my daughter who is on a juice fast.

Sharlotte said...

I've been on vacation and am just now catching up on my reading. I LOVE your new layout! Love the green and header. Believe me, I understand how frustrating things can be...I just hold my breath and push send! BTW, I want to try this smoothie. You really can't taste the spinach? I like it in salads, but not cooked. However, if it's healthy, I'll try it. I'll head to the store tomorrow! Thanks!

Sharon said...

OK, so I slathered it on my skin, and then had the weirdest urge to go hide out under a bridge and haze some billy goats (was that an ogre or a troll?? I always get those two mixed up...)

Healthier digestive system? TMI...

I noticed the little shamrock napkins in the background - very cute.

And hey, since green is your theme color for this year, was St. Patrick's Day like a sacred holiday for you? Did you pay homage to the nearest shrub?

What's next in your smoothie arsenal? Broccoli malts? Brussels sprouts shakes? Zucchini lattes??

xo

Janettessage.blogspot.com said...

Okay going to try this for all the reasons and more, you mentioned...what a great way to start off spring...now to go to the farmers market.

saltbox
treasures
said...

Hi Debbie, I'm going to try this. Anything that makes my head clearer and helps me sleep better would be a good thing. I'm all for natural remedies. Have you tried it with any fruit other than pineapple? I don't care for canned pineapple, and I'm not too sure what other fruit goes good with spinach :).
Talk to you soon.
~ Julie

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

With such a fabulous endorsement, I will have to try this, and oh how I hate spinach! Thank you for showing how to do it. I'd better look a think a LOT more clearly after drinking this spinach! laurie

Sue said...

Hi Debbie, I love green smoothies, and use banana but not frozen so that is one thing I will change. Thanks for sharing.

I tried to post on your trip to the cherry festival,but couldn't. But I want you to know that next year you must take me, lol What a great trip you all had. Beautiful photos.
Sue

Sharlotte said...

Hey Debbie,
I finally tried this green smoothie today and my husband and I LOVED it! I was a little scared of the spinach, but you're so right...can't taste it! This is definitely something we'll have as our afternoon treats! Thanks again for sharing! {If you have any other goodies like this, post away!!!}
Sharlotte

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