The “Incredible Hulk” Green Smoothie

Start a health revolution, one tasty glass at a time.

Smoothies are an excellent way to start your day or replenish your energy as a mid-afternoon snack. They’re the perfect treat whenever you’re craving something easy, fruit and veggie-packed, and aren’t in the mood to cook. Best of all, they’re portable!

When diving into the world of smoothie-making, there are endless possibilities when it comes to mixing ingredients, but for a healthy meal or snack, keep it simple. The best smoothies are often made from improvising with what you have on hand. Toss in your slightly browned banana or your leftover avocado, sprinkle in a handful of spinach that’s about to go bad, or use up that half can of coconut milk. Just a little bit of each ingredient can go far in a delicious blended drink.

The two main ingredients of every successful smoothie are fruits and/or vegetables (often frozen) and a liquid, such as fruit or vegetable juice, milk, or non-dairy alternatives. Other possible ingredients include yogurt, nut butters, seeds, spices, and herbs. Fresh, whole ingredients help provide important nutrients like fiber, proteins, vitamins, and minerals to get you going and make you feel like a superhero.

Consider these pro tips for getting a thick, creamy, balanced, and slurpable smoothie:

1. Get a high-speed blender
2. Start with less liquid and add more as needed
3. Have fun finding your favourite flavour combinations

Here’s a fantastic green smoothie recipe that packs a lip-smacking, belly-satisfying multi-vitamin punch in a glass.

Ingredients:  

• 1 ripe banana
• 1 cup fresh or frozen organic fruit (berries, mango, kiwi, peach, pear, cherries)
• 1 cup packed organic baby spinach
• 1/2 cup pure fruit juice (pear, mango, berry nectar) or non-dairy milk
• 1 tsp spirulina and/or 1 Tbsp greens powder (optional)
• 1 Tbsp ground flax seeds (optional)
• 1/4-1/2 cup water

Instructions: Blend all ingredients, adding the water slowly to desired consistency. Drink immediately after mixing.

Dr. Sarah Sjovold is a Naturopathic Doctor practising at Livstil Wellness Clinic. She regularly sees patients in the Langley and Surrey area looking for help with digestion, detoxing. and immune support.