by Monique deGroot
In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, I thought I’d focus on one of my favorite green drinks (besides green beer), the incredible green smoothie.
Have you already given up on your New Year’s resolution to eat healthier? It’s always easy to discipline yourself for a few days or even weeks, but months? That’s where it gets difficult. So here’s what I do, I incorporate fruits and veggies into my diet through freshly made green smoothies. I prefer green smoothies because the benefits out-weigh the benefits of green juice. Here are some green smoothie fun facts:
They are easy and quick to make. I just pull out my handy dandy Nutri-Bullet and stuff in whatever veggies and fruit I have at the moment with some almond or coconut milk and a handful of walnuts. Blend and enjoy. It’s that easy.
They are a great way to eat your veggies without even realizing it. I’m not sure I could eat a bag of spinach and leaves of kale on their own but mix it in with delicious fruits and I’ll eat tons of it.
They can be a good way to get kids to “eat” their vegetables. Start with more fruit and slowly sneak more veggies in as your kids grow to enjoy it.
They are low in calories but very filling. Because of the fiber and water content in a green smoothie, you’ll feel like you ate a full meal.
Green smoothies are much healthier than fruit or vegetable juices because you get the fiber as well as the vitamins and minerals.
I always follow this method when making my drinks: 2 cups leafy greens +2 cups liquid base + 3 cups ripe fruit. With this formula you can mix and match veggies and fruits to change up the flavor but know you are getting the right amount of the things you need. I also recommend boosting your smoothie by adding chia seeds or flax seeds.
Now you don’t have an excuse not to incorporate fruits and veggies into your diet. Even if you’d like to indulge in a few green beers this St. Patty’s Day, treat yourself to a Leprechaun smoothie (a.k.a. green smoothie) and feed yourself some amazing nutrients. Good luck!
