By Jami Scott
Although many people may turn their nose up at the thought of a green smoothie, this is an easy way to pack tons more nutrients into your diet without a lot of extra work. Drink ‘em for breakfast, lunch or dinner, a little afternoon pick me up or a treat after dinner.
A lot of the ingredients can be bought frozen, which means they’ll last a lot longer than fresh (without compromising on nutritional value) and you can get creative by buying a few different types of frozen berries or greens.
All you really need is a blender (these days the individual sized blender jars are a dream because they’re mix & go), some of the key components below and a bit of creativity to keep it interesting.
LIQUID: To make sweeter smoothies, use all-natural juice; to make them creamier try almond or oat milk, or just use water to maximize the taste from fruits and veggies.
FRUITS & VEGGIES: When buying fresh, choosing seasonal is always best. Try to avoid fruits with a lot of seeds in them as it can create a seedy consistency and they tend to get stuck in your teeth. Ever tried cooked squash in a smoothie before? Squash is brilliant for texture and an autumn taste.
GREENS: Pack in the nutrients with leafy green favorites like spinach, baby kale, or spring mix. Try parsley or mint for a different flavor.
SPICES (optional): A dash of cinnamon and a sprinkle of ground cloves can add a warming feel to an almond-milk based smoothie for the fall. Get creative with different spices to add a bit of a flavor kick.
HEALTHY FATS (optional): Great for getting a bit more substance in your smoothie. Try some healthy fats like avocado, nut butters or chia seeds.
Double Green Smoothie
1 ½ cups unsweetened non-dairy beverage, such as almond, rice or soy
2 dried apricots or 4 pitted dates
1 banana
1 cup chopped kale leaves
1 cup baby spinach leaves
½ cup fresh or frozen berries
Combine everything in a blender and blend until smooth.
Find the recipe on Whole Foods’ website
Jami Scott is a Holistic Nutritionist and the Healthy Eating Associate Coordinator for Whole Foods Market, Pacific Northwest region. The Health Starts Here® program follows 4 Pillars: Healthy Fats / Whole Foods / Nutrient Dense / Plant-Strong™ to help people make healthy choices. Check out the online resources at www.wholefoodsmarket.com/healthy-eating to learn more with cooking videos, meal plans and recipes that follow Whole Foods Market’s healthy eating principles
