Green Juice/Smoothie Basics

Spring has arrived and this is usually the time when I am more health and body conscious.  Since the weather is getting slightly warmer (NOT enough though, NYC), I decided to join the green juice/smoothie group.  It is all the rave now, people.  Not only are these magical blends full of beneficial ingredients (mainly vegetables and fruits) but also spices if you desire, you are sure to be drinking a powerful cleansing concoction.

With so many recipes out in the web, it's hard to know where to begin juicin' to find your ideal delicious blend.   But I have found that with this simple formula, you can whip up your greens in no time.  No, seriously, no time at all!

Basics for a Green Juice or Smoothie plus recipes

Green Juice + Smoothie Formula

The Rule?  There is NO rule.  Essentially you can mix and match any of the below vegetables, fruits, spices, nuts, seeds etc to create a vitamin full drink, but there are recipes out there that target certain areas of the body or an specific purpose (for example, detox, weight loss or clear skin blends).  Since the size of each ingredient will vary I will leave it up to you to decide the amount of each that you will add to your blend.  If you want a smoothie use a blender and if you want an actual juice, use a juicer.

Note:  If you do not have a juicer, blend up all your ingredients and then strain them in cheesecloth or a fine mesh sieve (that's what I do since my juicer is way too large and loud to use daily).

The Base

  • Water
  • Unsweetened pure coconut water
  • Almond milk, soy milk 
  • Herbal tea 
  • Greek yogurt 

Natural Sweetener 

  • Apple
  • Carrots
  • Dates
  • Honey
  • Pear
  • Berries (Strawberries, rasberries, blueberries) 
  • Mango
  • Pineapple
  • Clementine
  • Orange 
  • Banana
  • Kiwi  
Basics for green smoothie or Juice plus recipes

I've also been enjoying the "Eat Clean with Shira Bocar" series on the Everyday Food channel on Youtube.  She has wonderful recipes for healthy smoothies or juices.  Check these out here.

 

Greens (preferably organic)

  • Romaine Lettuce 
  • Spinach
  • Kale
  • Cilantro
  • Parsley
  • Watercress 
  • Cucumber 
  • Chard
  • Celery 

Added Boost + Detox

  • Lemon
  • Fresh Ginger or the spice
  • Cinnamon Powder  
  • Chia Seeds
  • Ground Flaxseeds
  • Avocado
  • Hemp Seeds
  • Nut butter

Benefits

  • Detox and cleansing of the body and skin
  • Metabolism booster 
  • Clear skin (I have definitely seen this in me)
  • Boost of energy
  • HEALTHY Snack or meal

Browse these 50 green smoothies to get started 

Check out my delicious, refreshing, thirst quenching Mango Berry Green Smoothie, now for the spring and you'll be well on your way towards hydration.  (You may click on the photo below for the recipe too)

​

Hope this list makes it a bit simpler to create your next delicious green juice/smoothie as it certainly allowed me to easily determine which blend I should whip up each day.  Just use whatever you have on hand and don't get too stressed out about it.  Have fun with it and enjoy the benefits to come.

Have you been enjoying your greens lately? 

BeveragesPaola ArlettyGreen Juice + Smoothie BasicsComment