Basic green smoothie - where to start

[John]

This is a simple and wonderful green smoothie and is great for those who are new to drinking them. This is what I generally recommend to begin your journey.

In your blender put:

- 2 ripe bananas
- 1/2 cup of pineapple (or...blueberry, apple, peach, mango)
- 1 cup fresh greens (~2 kale leaves, ~2 chard leaves, ~1 small handful spinach)
- 1 pint/16 oz water

optional (for added sweetness if necessary):
- 2 or more dates (fresh dates)

Blend until smooth. And enjoy!

[robinB]

This is awesome!

I really enjoy the pineapple with spinach flavor - I usually use romaine but am liking the spinach now.

[John]

Mixing up the greens and fruit lends gives you endless possibilities.

For a milder smoothies romaine is a great option as is chard.
For a more robust flavor spinach is nice as well as mustard greens and carrot tops.

[Shawna]

Don't forget to read the information about rotating your greens.

I think it's on this site somewhere. John?

Thanks!
Shawna

[green smoothie junkie]

I have to agree, this is a fantastic place to start. If you are shy with the greens feel free to use less to begin.

Personally, I'd avoid the agave and go with the dates.

Enjoy.

[John]

I've gotten some feedback on this recipe from those that are new to green smoothies that it's a bit thick for them.

Feel free to add more water, while it tends to reduce the sweetness of the smoothie it does make it smoooother and more like juice than a meal.

[mathmama]

What could I use in place of bananas in smoothies.  My baby is allergic to them and I am nursing so I try to avoid them at all costs.  Thanks!

[John]

Bananas are by no means a necessary ingredient.

Just use more fruit in lieu of bananas. Some good choices in addition to what is included in this recipe:

- pear
- grapes
- papaya
- cantaloupe

Other additions can include:
- fresh young Thai coconut (water and meat) yum
- avocado
- raw almond butter (or almonds)

[rappody]

Thanks so much for this recipe. This is my second day drinking my green smoothie and I love it. I've even gotten my husband drinking them.

[green smoothie junkie]

Whooooo- hoooo!

Good for you rappody! Keep on lovin' the green smoothies as they are guaranteed to love you back

[FairyToes]

Hypothyroidism is very common in older women past menopause. Goitrogenic foods that suppress thyroid activity include RAW kale, spinach, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, strawberries, peaches, so take it easy on those items. Be sure to eat a little seaweed everyday, not too much.

[Green Thickies]

This is a great green smoothie to start with.  My favorite basic green smoothie is:

2 cups water
1 mango
1 cup spinach

I love quick and easy ingredients as I can't get hold of more unusual ingredients in the UK.  I love these Green Smoothie Recipes as the ingredients are very easy to find. 

I also really enjoy making a meal out of my Green Smoothies by turning them into Green Thickies with oats and seeds.

My baby also loves these.