Simple Green Smoothie Benefits

Starting your day with a green smoothie might sound like a trendy flash-in-the-pan type of thing but it can actually be a great way to start the day and takes less than five minutes to whip together.  Plus these additional benefits:

•  adds a serving of veggies before noon
•  a quick meal for rushed mornings
•  handheld and can be taken along for the walk or ride to work
•  endless flavor combinations to keep from getting bored

Basic Anatomy of a Green Smoothie

The first step is to keep your fridge and pantry stocked with smoothie building blocks.  I like to keep a couple of different types of frozen fruit, at least one type of leafy green in the fridge (frozen works too), milk or liquid of choice and add-ins.  These might include nut butter, flax or chia seeds, and protein powder if desired.

The basic anatomy starts with 1 cup milk or milk alternative, 1 cup fruit, ½ cup leafy greens, ½ cup or small handful ice, plus optional add-ins.  The result should fit perfectly in 16-ounce mason jars with these lids and straws. I use them so often they are listed on my Kitchen Essentials.

If you’re looking for inspiration to get you started, try my Kale and Ginger Green Smoothie for a spicy kick to your morning.

Print Recipe

4.50 from 2 votes

Kale and Ginger Green Smoothie

The sweet-spicy combo of the ginger and pineapple is not to be missed, especially if you find kale overwhelms the flavors in your green smoothies.

Prep Time5 mins

Total Time5 mins

Course: Breakfast, Drinks, Snack

Cuisine: American

Keyword: breakfast smoothie, ginger, green smoothie, healthy smoothie, kale smoothie, muffins, healthy breakfast, on-the-go breakfast

Category: breakfast

Servings: 1

Calories: 270kcal

Equipment

• blender

Ingredients

• 1 cup soy milk or milk of choice
• 1/2 cup baby kale
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger
• 1/2 banana frozen works well
• 1/2 cup frozen pineapple
• 1/2 tbsp ground flax seeds
• 1/2 tbsp chia seeds
• 3/4 cup ice cubes

Instructions

• Add all ingredients into a blender.
• Blend until smooth.

Nutrition

Calories: 270kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 136mg | Potassium: 798mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 21g | Vitamin A: 4274IU | Vitamin C: 102mg | Calcium: 429mg | Iron: 3mg