Get your hulk on

I love myself a cold smoothie in the summer time. Specifically of the green variety. Why would you NOT incorporate more veggies into your diet (without even tasting them)?! Sounds like a win, win to me but I know the concept is really foreign to some people (my husband included).

Leafy greens are some of the most nutrient dense foods we can eat. Greens are high in calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, zinc and vitamins A, C, E and K. Green smoothies are packed with fiber (unlike fresh juices) which lowers cholesterol, keeps you feeling fuller for longer and helps regulate the digestive system.

There are several different versions of this smoothie and the best part is its totally customizable. You put in the foods you like. The basic "recipe" is 2 handfuls of greens (baby spinach, kale, collards), 1 cup of liquid (milk, almond milk, water, juice), at least 1 serving of fruit (any fruit!), and a protein source (yogurt, protein powder, nut butter) plus different additions can be added like ground flax seed, apple cider vinegar, or agave syrup. Be creative!

A beginners green smoothie would be: 1 banana, 1 cup almond milk, 1 TBSP nut butter and 2 handfuls baby spinach and a little ice. This is a no brainer, tasty way to ease your way into the green smoothie pool. TRY IT! The "Hulk Smoothie" below is one of my favorite, i eat-it-all-the-time, combinations.

GREEN HULK SMOOTHIE: 1 serving

2 handfuls organic baby spinach
1 C unsweetened almond milk
1 scoop Perfect Fit protein powder
1 banana
1 handful blueberries
1 TBSP ground flax
Citrus juice (lime, lemon, orange - i like a little zip in my sweets)

*Stats: 300 cals, 43g carbs, 22g protein, 8g fat, 12g fiber


I am all about meal prep. I like to bang out multiple servings at a time of ANYTHING. That way you can spend just a little more time, doing something you are already doing, and have extended results with the same amount of dishes! HELLO PEOPLE! Get on my bandwagon. The point is I make 3 at a time and store them in glass mason jars from Target. FYI: Green smoothies/juices shouldn't be kept more than 3 days.

A couple of tips for green newbies:

• Peel your banana, break into chunks and freeze in a ziplock baggy. 
• Adding certain foods (blueberries) will make your green smoothie a brown one. It's ok!
• Replacing your breakfast with this will be the most beneficial time for you. Your digestive system has worked all night long and your stomach will be free to absorb all the good stuff!
• A high-powered blender will work best, but that doesn't mean that any blender from Target couldn't do the job. The consistency just won't be as smooth as possible.