Green Smoothies

After posting about some green smoothies on Facebook, several of you asked for recipes. So that's what this blog post is about: green smoothie recipes. I am in no way a green smoothie pro. I've done a lot of research, and these are recipes that I like. The basic formula for a green smoothie is 2 or 3 green veggie items, 2 or 3 fruit items, and a liquid, with an extra source of protein as a boost. Seasonings (cinnamon, ginger, lemon) can be added at random. I like Greek yogurt and oats as a protein combo, as well as peanut butter, but if you don't like those things, leave 'em out. You'll also notice that the measurements aren't exact. With green smoothies, you eyeball it and do what tastes/sounds good to you. If you decide to try one of these, feel free to improvise, add, subtract, whatever. These are just the ones I did today with my huge 22 pack green smoothie freezer explosion. They freeze really well, which is nice, and it's a great way to get fruits and veggies in your diet. Also, these recipes are for 3 to 4 servings of 1 1/2 cups each, but that's what I made for my freezer stash. Adjust as you'd like, and your servings don't have to be 1 1/2 cups. Basically, do whatever you want. It's my motto for 2014, after all!

Island Smoothie
1-2 stalks of kale, stems removed
2-3 handfuls baby spinach
1/2 cup pineapple, fresh or frozen
1/2 cup banana, fresh or frozen
4-5 large strawberries, fresh or frozen
1/2 cup peaches, fresh or frozen
1/2 cup almond milk (or other liquid of your choice)
1/4 cup Greek yogurt
Yield: 3 to 4 servings

Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie
1-2 stalks of kale, stems removed
2-3 handfuls baby spinach
1-2 bananas, fresh or frozen
1-2 tablespoons peanut butter (or to taste)
1/2 cup almond milk (or other liquid of your choice)
Optional ingredients:
1/4 cup Greek yogurt
1-2 tablespoons quick cooking oats
Yield: 3 to 4 servings

Berry Smoothie
1-2 stalks of kale, stems removed
2-3 handfuls baby spinach
4-5 large strawberries, fresh or frozen
1/4 to 1/2 cup blueberries, fresh or frozen
1/4 to 1/2 cup blackberries, fresh or frozen
1/4 to 1/2 cup raspberries, fresh or frozen
1/2 cup almond milk (or other liquid of your choice)
1/4 cup Greek yogurt
Yield: 3 to 4 servings
* Feel free to add or take away any berries to this mix

Apple Banana Oatmeal Smoothie
1-2 stalks of kale, stems removed
2-3 handfuls baby spinach
1-2 apples, peeled and cored
1 banana, fresh or frozen
1-2 tablespoons quick cooking oats
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 cup Greek yogurt
1/2 cup almond milk (or other liquid of your choice)
Yield: 3 to 4 servings

Cucumber Melon Smoothie
1-2 stalks of kale, stems removed
2-3 handfuls baby spinach
1/2 cucumber, peeled
1/4 to 1/2 cantaloupe or honeydew melon
1/4 cup Greek yogurt
1/2 cup almond milk (or other liquid of your choice)
Yield: 3 to 4 servings

Strawberry Banana Smoothie
1-2 stalks of kale, stems removed
2-3 handfuls baby spinach
4-5 large strawberries, fresh or frozen
1-2 bananas, fresh or frozen
1/4 cup Greek yogurt
1/2 cup almond milk (or other liquid of your choice)
Yield: 3 to 4 servings