My Crazy Green Smoothie

For anyone that knows me, they can testify that I always carry around a jar of green goo. Some days it's bright green. Other days it's dark green. The most common question I get is, "Are you drinking... pesto?" I guess that's what I get for drinking an unfamiliar liquid out of an old jar.

Not pesto. It's most likely kale. Or maybe chard. Some days spinach. Yes, that's right, I blend greens into my smoothies.

Even though I can't see your face right now, I'm guessing you look perplexed, perhaps wondering if you should be grossed out or intrigued.  I promise it's not gross.  It's super easy, super healthy, and makes a perfect breakfast.  All you need is 5 minutes and a blender.

This is where I have to do a little product promotion... have you ever heard of a Vitamix blender? It will change your life and you will never be the same again. You can mix, blend, liquefy anything. It's amazing... believe all the good things you see and hear. Also, there are no chunks, promise! If you blend it correctly, all the stems of greens or seeds from fruit become liquid. (Even I would have to draw the line at a green, chunky smoothie.)

On a non-food note, I have to recommend a book I'm reading: Taming Your Gremlin by Rick Carson. I'm taking a coaching course in a few weeks and this was on the reading list. If you are interested in changing your life and becoming more open to possibility, I would recommend this book. You can also check out their website here.

Your "gremlin" is the negative voice inside your head. From my perspective, gremlin-taming is a process of becoming more aware of yourself and through being aware of your thoughts and actions, creating the life you want to be living. I have to share this one part that really struck me today. Carson has a list of "rules" that are bound to lead to disappointment and unfulfilling relationships. One of them is: "Lead your life in accordance with rules and regulations, and without taking into account your natural desires and the current moment and situation" (Carson, 2003, p. 152).

How often do we do something just because we're "supposed to"? Over the last couple of years, I have become more and more aware that I tend to live my life by the "shoulds," rather than the "wants." And that, ladies and gentlemen, is no fun.

This book is inspiring me to re-examine what's really important in my life and make sure that is where my time and energy are focused. Maybe even (gasp!) break a few "rules" here and there... like making a really green smoothie and letting people think it's pesto. ;)

Here's how to make a green smoothie of your own:
2 cups almond milk (soy or rice work well too)
1 frozen banana (remove the peel, cut into 1-inch slices, and freeze in a plastic bag overnight)
1 cup of frozen berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and/or blackberries, etc)
1 Tbs flax seeds
1 scoop rice protein powder (soy or hemp work well)
Greens: spinach has the mildest flavor and for a beginner, I would recommend starting with 1/2 cup.  As you become used to the taste, you can increase to 1 - 2 cups or try other greens like kale, chard, or collards.

Directions:
Blend milk and greens for 15 seconds - 1 minute (depending on your blender) on high. Then add your fruits and blend for 15 - 30 seconds. Add the flax and protein powder and blend another 15 - 30 seconds.