Let’s face it, we are a society of convenience. If it isn’t convenient or easy, why bother? When it comes to your health, convenience doesn’t have to equal fast, greasy or gross foods. Those moments especially in the morning or even when you feel a craving coming on, why not opt for a smoothie? Why a smoothie, you may ask. Well, if you’re on the go like most people, you may not have the “time” or “energy” or even “motivation” to eat the right things for your body. A smoothie is a way to get all the nutrients, vitamins, minerals, healthy fats and oils without taking hours to prepare. A smoothie, especially a green smoothie (yes, this means incorporating leafy greens), boosts energy, combats cravings, satisfies hungry, stimulates metabolism, cleanses you from the inside-out and improves overall wellness.

As I mentioned in an early post, I participated in a 30 day green smoothie challenge. At first I thought I was going to die of hunger but after 30 days I feel fabulous! I am making a green smoothie almost every single day. Those days when I don’t have a smoothie I feel odd and actually start to crave them. Out of my sheer love for green smoothies, I am creating an easy mix and match smoothie recipe. Pick one or two from each category (liquid base, greens, fruit, mix in) and create a fabulous smoothie without the hassle.

Tip for a great smoothie: 1-2 cups of liquid, 2 cups of greens, 1-2 cups of fruit, 1-2 scoops of protein powder/1-2 tablespoons of whatever other mix in. Blend. Also, blending the greens with liquid first makes for a better consistency.This yields two servings. Keep in a mason jar for air tight storage. .

Liquid Base:
1. Coconut Water
2. Organic Orange Juice
3. Organic Apple Juice
4. Organic Papaya Juice
5. Organic Almond Milk/Coconut Milk

Greens (Organic preferred):
1. Arugula
2. Spinach
3. Kale
4. Mixed Greens (available at Trader Joes)
5. Romaine Lettuce

Fruit (fresh or frozen works great. If using fresh, you will need 1 cup of ice):
1. Mixed berries (cherries, blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, raspberries- My favorite!)
2. Pineapple
3. Mango
4. Banana
5. Peaches

Mix-In’s:
1. Flax Seeds, Chia Seeds, Hemp Seeds- great source of protein and Omega 3’s
2. Udo’s Omega 3-6-9 Oil Blend/Coconut Oil
3. Protein powder (try Spirutein Vanilla Tri-protein powder)
4. Bee Pollen (organic only! These little granules are jam packed with vitamins and minerals. Great for people who suffer from seasonal allergies)
5.Gary Null’s Green Stuff/any greens blend powder/spirulina powder (this adds extra green goodness without sacrificing taste or nutrition. I add one scoop to EVERY smoothie. I get a super green boost from the chlorella and spirulina).

These are just a few of my favorite combinations. Can’t decide which one you like best? Try: 2 cups spinach/kale, 1 cup of coconut water, 1 banana, 1 cup frozen mango, 1 cup frozen pineapple, 1 scoop protein/green stuff or 1 tablespoon of flax/chia/hemp. Blend and enjoy!

I’m about to go make myself a pre-lunch time smoothie.

Peace, love, green smoothies and of course NO beef!

Guramrit