In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, here are three healthy, green smoothy recipes. Many of us are trying to eat more green, leafy vegetables these days because of the great health benefits of chlorophyll. But getting a good does of chlorophyll doesn’t have to be an unpleasant experience. Here are some recipes that even children and reluctant spouses can enjoy!
Notes
Soaking almonds makes them easier to digest and allows your body to absorb more nutrients from the nuts. It is easy to soak your almonds. Just place about 1/2 to 1 cup of almonds in a glass pint jar. Fill the jar with filtered water, then let the almonds soak overnight. I place the almonds in my refrigerator to soak overnight. That's all! They will be ready to eat in the morning. Some people drain their almonds and store them in the refrigerator. I keep them covered with water in a pint jar. They will keep for about a week in the refrigerator.
Please note, if you are having problems with adrenal fatigue or other blood sugar issues, these smoothies contain quite a bit of fruit and juice, so the glycemic index will be high. You may want to avoid drinking them first thing in the morning. You can replace the juice with water to make them less sweet. The flavor will be different, though.
Ingredients
Kale Smoothy
- 1 large or two small kale leaves, stem removed
- 1 banana, sliced
- 1 small orange
- 2-4 frozen strawberries
- 2-3 Tablespoons almonds, soaked (See notes below.)
- 1-2 Tablespoons chia or hemp seeds (or protein powder of your choice)
- dash of vanilla (optional)
- sprinkle of cinnamon (optional)
- grape juice
Celery and Parsley Smoothy
- 1 large stalk celery, chopped
- 1 large handful parsley
- 1 banana, sliced
- 1/4 - 1/2 cup frozen mango chunks
- 1 Tablespoon coconut oil (optional)
- dash of vanilla
- sprinkle of cinnamon
- 2 Tablespoons chia or hemp seeds (or protein powder of your choice)
- orange juice
Orange Kale Smoothy
- 1 large or two small kale leaves, stem removed
- 1 small handful of parsley
- 1 banana, sliced
- 1/4 - 1/2 cup frozen mango chunks
- dash of vanilla (optional)
- sprinkle of cinnamon (optional)
- 2 Tablespoons chia or hemp seeds (or protein powder of your choice)
- orange juice
Instructions
- Prepare fruits and vegetables by peeling, slicing or chopping, as needed. Place all ingredients into blender except juice. Then add the juice until it reaches the top of the fruits and vegetables in the blender. Blend until smooth.
- All the recipes above will make about 20 ounces of smoothy, enough for two, 10 oz. servings. Sometimes I freeze one serving, and then it is all ready for me to defrost it and eat it another day. It usually takes 1 hour for it to defrost.
- Enjoy your delicious glass of healthy fruits and vegetables!
For more information about the health benefits of chlorophyll, read this article at Natural News. http://www.naturalnews.com/049882_chlorophyll_chelating_agent_blood_builder.html
For more information about the health benefits of soaked almonds, read this article at the Natural News blog. http://blogs.naturalnews.com/soak-sprout-almonds-nuts-unlock-hidden-benefits/