January is
a month of resolutions. At the start of every new year, after all the gravy,
sugar cookies and egg nog of December, we look deep within ourselves and
solemnly promise ourselves: “I will go for a run three times a week” or “I will
drink less wine” or “I will eat more vegetables” or maybe, very simply “I will
be healthier.” I’m not sure how I feel about all this resolution business (life
is for living! Why be so hard on yourself?), but I have noticed that healthy
smoothie recipes are all over the internet this year. Food trend 2013?
Coincidentally,
my boyfriend and I were given a Magic Bullet for Christmas. So, I decided to
try the trend on for size. I have discovered two things: (1) smoothies are
delicious (2) green smoothies are the most delicious. I make a green smoothie
every night and take it to work for breakfast the next morning. I get a lot of
strange looks and questions along the lines of “what the heck are you
drinking?” but I’m too busy with my tasty smoothie to notice. Plus, I’m fulfilling
a “be healthy” resolution that I never even made!
After about
a month of experimenting, I have realized a few things: (1) I like using either
baby spinach or green kale for the base of my green smoothie (2) Greek vanilla
yogurt is the perfect counterpart for the hearty leafy greens (3) a citrus
juice or acidic fruit cuts through the bitterness of the greens (4) a chopped
banana is the perfect thickening agent.
My
favourite recipe is below, but you really don’t need a recipe. Follow the
guidelines above and you’ll come up with some delicious green smoothies. Try
using different fruits – green apple, pear or mango are all delicious with the
greens. I bet it would be fun to try blood orange, grapefruit or pomegranate,
too. Instead of juice, try freezing coconut water in ice cube trays and use the
coconut ice.
Ingredients:
A big
handful of baby spinach
A splash of
good quality orange juice
A couple
big spoonfuls of Greek vanilla yogurt
A drizzle
of honey
1 banana,
chopped
Directions:
Whir all
ingredients up in your blender until well combined, then enjoy! If you’re
having trouble blending, add a tiny bit more juice or yogurt.
What are
your favourite smoothie combinations?
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