5 Day Green Smoothie Challenge

I was recently inspired by Holly to try out the whole green smoothie thing. I love vegetables even though I probably don't eat them as often as I should. I also had never tried making a smoothie with greens before, so I wanted to try it out-for fun and health. Good news-green smoothies are awesome! Since this was my first encounter with the whole thing I started small with a five day challenge. If you want to join in the fun you can! The rules are simple: make a smoothie everyday for five days that includes two big handfuls of greens (spinach, kale, whatever you like!). Here are my creations.Day 1: I made a smoothie of 2 cups blueberries, 1/2 a banana, 2 big handfuls of spinach and 1 cup of water. This smoothie was delicious and I was surprised to find that I couldn't taste the spinach at all. This made a little more than a full glass so I used the extra smoothie batter to make Popsicles for my 2 year-old niece. I saw her eat two in a row one day, little did she know she was eating a little spinach too. I'm a very sneaky aunt!Day 2: I made a smoothie of 2 apples (one gala and one granny smith), 2 big handfuls of spinach, 1 cup water and 1/2 cup crushed ice. This one was much more grassy in taste. It wasn't bad, but this was my least favorite. I did like the tart taste that the granny smith apple added to it.Day 3: I made a smoothie of 1 cup raspberries, 1/3 cup coconut flakes, 2 big handfuls of spinach and 1 cup water. This was one of my favorites as I love the combination of raspberries and coconut. It was almost dessert like-it was so good!Day 4: I made a smoothie of 1 1/2 cups sliced peaches, 2 big handfuls of spinach, 1 tablespoon honey, 1/4 cup raw oats and 1 cup water. I have seen folks include oats in smoothies before and I wanted to see what it was like-it's good! This smoothie really made me feel full and the addition of a little honey was a sweet treat.Day 5: I made a smoothie of 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks, 1/2 a banana, 2 big handfuls of spinach and 2 cups water. This was probably my favorite smoothie from the whole week-the pineapple made it super refreshing!

All berries and the peaches were frozen and slightly thawed before use. I got a tip from a fellow instagrammer to put the greens on bottom before blending because it helps it blend better-that worked like a charm. And even though I had smoothies with spinach every day for 5 days it never felt boring because there are just so many combinations to try. If you decide to do this challenge leave us a comment with any new smoothie combinations you discover, or if you already have a favorite! xo. emma

Comments

[ashley]

i usually make kale smoothies with a frozen banana, two torn up kale leaves, milk, and a dash or two of cinnamon. yumm.

[Miss K]

Great idea! Since I have a smoothie maker I should give this a try.

[Rima]

this inspired me to get a NEW blender. I love smoothies.

[Amy Nguyen]

Love green smoothies! My favorite combination is spinach + frozen oranges, chunks of pineapples, and peaches. It's a lot of fruit but it tastes great!

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[Xeana]

It looks very appetizing! We must it try made!

From http://www.xeanafashion.com

[Sam]

I am starting the JuiceMaster diet that includes vegetables in smoothies - Google Jason Vale.... It is a detox and lose at least 7lbs in 7 days diet. Although i did need to invest in a juicer and blender as all the fruit juices MUST be fresh and no preservatives etc.

Good luck with your smoothies, i think I will need more luck to only have juice and smoothies for 7 days!!!

[Zoe]

I LOVE green smoothies, a also freeze them for my little girl and she thinks its a lollypop treat :)

Zoe
http://gypsiesister.blogspot.co.uk

[Jessa]

Awesome idea!! I will try these too. If you love getting more green smoothies and juices in your life, check out Kris Carr--she has is an inspiring survivor who has kept her cancer at bay for almost 10 years with amazing veggie lifestyle and just released this super fun ebook http://crazysexyjuice.com/ i have it , its packed with recipes and a ton of fun and interesting information about food and greens for our bodies. Love her! Enjoy :)

[Margo]

I have been drinking the "old fashioned" Green Monster for the past couple of weeks, but after reading this I've decided it's time to get more adventurous! Thanks for the great ideas.

[Tonje]

This sounds awesome! I sometimes use avocado in my smoothies and throw in a couple of walnuts for a dose of healthy fat and omega!

[Jess Walter]

I make two green smoothies every morning. One goes in my belly, and one goes in a lidded mason jar and into my husband's briefcase. Spinach is my poison of choice! A really great trick is to never use ice; replace it with frozen fruit. You get a much brighter flavor. And my fav unexpected, tasty additions are a dash of nutmeg or some fresh mint. Yum! Thanks for sharing. xxx

[Cat]

Green smoothies are yum! I put kiwi in mine. You can find my recipe on my blog here! http://nowoodenspoons.blogspot.de/2012/03/green-smoothie-recipe.html

[Alisha McKay]

Tried this smoothie combination the other day and it was TO DIE FOR.

Mango
Pineapple
Banana
Coconut flakes
Spinach
A splash of almond milk
A dollop of greek yogurt

Definitely my best one yet!!

[Sandra - If it comes in pink]

The color looks so cool!

[Viveca Johansen]

It looks delicious :) I might try it out!

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[Kyla]

I used to make green smoothies all the time. Such a great, healthy way to start the day. I never thought to put coconut flakes in, can't wait to try that! Thanks for the suggestion!

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[Alice]

Looks so delicious. I will try this one with my lovely rasberrys....
Thanks for sharing these wonderful combination!

[Michelle]

Refreshing! perfect for summer thirst.
http://mitchinheels.blogspot.com/

[anne]

is the spinach pre cooked?

[nina]

i have to try the raspberry coconut one. it sounds delicious.