“When you’re short on time, smoothies make a fast and energizing breakfast.”  Jennifer Cornbleet

How can you get more greens in your everyday diet?

And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds of the air and all the creatures that move on the ground–everything that has the breath of life in it–I give every green plant for food (Gen. 1:30; NIV)

I’m curious if you’ve been trying and enjoying the smoothie recipes this month?  Even though the basic ingredients of a smoothie combines fruit, liquid, sweetener, and something to make it thick and frosty, there are many variations and flavors for creating a healthful, satisfying, and yummy smoothie.

I mentioned before that I used to use various protein powders, green powders, and other added fiber products to our smoothies.  A few years ago, I began experimenting with making our smoothies from all food and I stopped adding extra powders or drink mixes.  Since I’m always looking for ways to get more greens into our diet, I began adding organic, baby spinach to our smoothies.  NOW, don’t stop reading or turn up your nose.  Trust me when I say that the spinach does not alter the taste of the smoothie.

Depending on the fruits and liquid used, the color may be altered  but the flavor of the fruits always come through and we’ve never tasted the spinach.  Today’s recipe calls for about a handful or one cup of spinach.  I did that for beginners.  I usually put about two handfuls of spinach in the smoothie and it never alters the taste.  I’ve also used organic spring mix and parsley in the fruit smoothies, again to get more greens into our diets.

Spinach is such a rich source of phytonutrients such as beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin, all providing healthy antioxidant protection for our precious little cell structures.  (Remember, healthy cells = healthy bodies!)  There are several varieties of spinach.  The larger leaves are nice for salads.  I buy large bags of organic baby spinach for the smoothies.  It’s already washed and the baby leaves seem more tender than the larger leaf spinach.  I also recommend buying organic spinach, as the pesticide residues usually test high in commercially grown spinach.

Any frozen fruit can be used in smoothies to make them thick and slushy.  I mainly use frozen strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and pineapple.  Frozen cherries are nice but usually not as plentiful as frozen berries.  I also add fresh fruit such as an apple, orange, or pear for more fiber in the smoothie.  Experiment with your favorite flavors and let me know some of your favorites.

Prayer Power
Father, thank you for your abundance.  May we never take your goodness for granted Lord!

Link of the Day
Raspberry Yogurt Smoothie

Blessings on you as you experiment with getting more greens into your diet.