Slim Down, Energize Up Green Smoothie

Greens provide many benefits from stabilizing your pH levels to providing key minerals and vitamins to keep your brain, bones and immune system running strong.

I find it essential to start most mornings off with fresh, raw greens. Roasted, boiled and fried veggies at dinner just won’t cut it if you’re looking for results. Local farmers markets are booming with different greens and fruits, so its easy to mix it up and keep things interesting throughout the season.

A few helpful hints:

• Wholesale stores like Costco can save you tons on bulk organic veggies and organic almond butter
• Add half an avocado to make your smoothie extra creamy
• Try only using spinach if all the veggies below seem like too much. Spinach has a very mild taste compared to other greens like kale or swiss chard

Fill your blender at night with all ingredients except the coconut milk and water. Store in the fridge and it's ready to go in the morning. I have also used immersion blenders with protein shaker bottles which makes the whole process super easy. Sadly my immersion blender burned out the other day so it’s back to the good ol’ blender.

Ingredients:

• 2 handfuls spinach
• 1/3 cucumber
• 4 basil leaves
• 1tsp fresh ginger (careful with this one)
• 2 shoots celery
• juice of one lemon
• 5 strawberries
• 1 scoop whole foods vanilla protein powder  
• 1 - 2 tbs almond butter
• 1c so delicious coconut milk
• water & ice to taste

Directions:

Blend all ingredients together until liquid. Add a straw and enjoy.

Update: I added a tablespoon of coconut oil this week and the shake was even better. If you live in Atlanta, I recommend buying organic coconut oil at the Dekalb Farmers Market. They sell large quantities for a great price.