Try these three green smoothie recipes from Tracy Russell’s The Best Green Smoothies on the Planet to stave off those seasonal colds. To make them, just pop all of the ingredients in a high-speed blender and blend until smooth.
Orange-Ginger Smoothie
Ginger is widely known for its immune-boosting and stomach-settling properties. It also adds a warming, spicy flavor to smoothies. Pineapples have anti-inflammatory properties and they help with digestion. They contain an enzyme, bromelain, that helps break down proteins.
Ingredients
1/2 cup cubed pineapple
1/4 teaspoon grated ginger
1 orange, peeled and seeded
1 cup fresh baby spinach
1 large collard leaf, stem removed
4 ounces filtered water
Nutrition Info
Calories: 129 • Fat: 1g • Protein: 4g • Carbs: 32g • Calcium: 15% • Iron: 1.4mg • Vitamin A: 36% • Vitamin C: 191%
Lemon Kiwifruit Smoothie
Kiwifruit are rich in fiber, which helps improve digestion. The edible seeds contain omega-3 fatty acids. Bananas are high in vitamins B6 and C, potassium, magnesium, and dietary fiber. They are the perfect fruit for giving smoothies a creamy texture and to sweeten bitter greens.
Ingredients
2 kiwifruit, ends removed
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1 small banana, peeled
2 fresh kale leaves, stems removed
1/2 teaspoon maca powder
4 ounces filtered water
Nutrition Info
Calories: 245 • Fat: 2g • Protein: 9g • Carbs: 57g • Calcium: 21% • Iron: 2.7mg • Vitamin A: 97% • Vitamin C: 409%
Happy Berry Muffin Smoothie
This smoothie reminds me of a berry muffin, thanks to the way that oats suggest a “baked goods” flavor. Hidden in this muffin-flavored goodness is butterhead lettuce, which adds calcium and iron, as well as vitamins A and K. To help keep the calories down, I only added 1/8 cup of oats. Even though you are only adding a little bit of oats, they still offer a significant amount of fiber and protein.
Ingredients
10 large strawberries
1/2 cup blueberries
1/8 cup dry old-fashioned rolled oats
1 small frozen banana
1 cup butterhead lettuce, torn
2 to 4 ounces filtered water
Nutrition Info
Calories: 270 • Fat: 3g • Protein: 7g • Carbs: 61g • Calcium: 6% • Iron: 2.8mg • Vitamin A: 14% • Vitamin C: 165%