Go Green with Your Smoothies
With the warm weather in full-swing, it can be tempting to splurge for the milkshakes and fruity cocktails to help beat the heat. Unfortunately for those trying to be healthy, that doesn’t follow many diet guidelines. Even smoothies, which often sound healthy, are packed with sugar. Instead of stuffing your blender with fruit juices and high-sugar yogurts, try something a little different with these green drinks– healthy and delicious. If you do realize you need something a bit sweeter, try adding Agave nectar (a healthier option than sugar) or non-fat Greek yogurt to any green smoothies.
Spinach, Apple, Avocado Smoothie (www.realsimple.com)
- 2 cups chopped spinach or kale
- 1 apple—unpeeled, cored, and chopped
- 1/2 chopped avocado
- ice and/or water as desired
In this drink, the avocado makes it creamy without adding any yogurt or milk. It also provides a ton of healthy fats. If you’re a fan of coconut, adding coconut milk provides great taste and extra vitamins, too.
(Healthy) Mint Chocolate Chip Smoothie (Fitness Magazine)
- 2 cups spinach
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 avocado
- 1 scoop chocolate protein powder of choice
- 1/4 cup fresh mint
- 1 tablespoon dark chocolate chips
Refreshingly Green Smoothie
- 1 cup raw baby spinach or kale
- 1/2 cup of chopped pineapple (fresh or frozen)
- 1 peeled kiwi
- 3-inch cucumber piece
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup lemon-flavored sparkling water or seltzer, chilled
