Green Smoothie Challenge Recipes

Nowadays, green smoothies are all the rage. From kids to dieters to seniors, everyone is praising their health benefits.

Why are green smoothies very popular these days? Just because they have life-transforming positive aspects! Vegetables and fruits are naturally gifted with most of the nutrients that we need to remain healthy and to survive.

Healthy Green Smoothies Recipes

---

Green smoothie benefits table of contents

• Green Smoothies: Healthy or Hype?
• How to Make Green Smoothies
• Green Smoothie Myths Debunked
• Are There Any Side Effects?
• The Surprising Benefits of Drinking One Green Smoothie Per Day
• What Green Smoothies Can Do for Your Health
• Healthy Green Smoothies Recipes

---

The idea of drinking the magical elixir of vegetables and fruits for good health and healing has been available since the beginning of time, but it’s only recently that juices and smoothies became popular in the western world.

Smoothies are the perfect way to meet or even exceed the recommended daily allowance of fruits and veggies.  They are easy, fast, packed with nutrients and taste delicious – you just can’t go wrong.

Why are they so popular? Let us count the ways…

• unlike fruit juices, they’re much lower in sugar and have more fiber
• they have a creamy texture and refreshing flavor
• it’s easy to get more nutrients in your diet – almost an entire days worth in one glass!
• you can eat clean without feeling hungry or deprived
• the overall health benefits are astonishing

Green Smoothies: Healthy or Hype?

These delicious, healthy beverages have been around for decades. Just about everyone who drinks them loses weight. However, the benefits of green smoothies go beyond a slim body. It all comes down to the ingredients used. Green smoothies can boost your immune system, increase your energy levels, and help your body flush out toxins.

When used as part of a balanced diet, these refreshing concoctions make it easier to get five or more servings of fruits and veggies per day. If you hate spinach or other veggies, you can mix them into your smoothies – and not even realize they are in there! By adding fruit and other ingredients, you can easily mask the flavor. Even the pickiest eaters will love these beverages.

Most green smoothie recipes are jam-packed with vitamin A, vitamin C, antioxidants, folate, copper, potassium, magnesium, iron, and other essential nutrients. Instead of eating five to nine servings of fruits or vegetables a day, you can just drink a smoothie. It’s fast, easy, and convenient.

How to Make Green Smoothies

In general, these beverages are made with leafy greens, chlorella, spirulina, and healthy fats, such as coconut and hemp seeds. Some people also add fruits or coconut oil. Depending on your preferences, you can either use all fresh, raw ingredients, or make your smoothies with frozen fruits for a thicker consistency.

One of the things that make green smoothies so appealing is the full range of recipes available. There are hundreds of ways to make a green smoothie, so you can always try new flavors. Some favorite recipes include spinach-grapefruit smoothie, Jalapeño green smoothie, kale banana smoothie, aloe vera smoothie, spinach orange smoothie, blueberry mint green smoothie, flax and oats smoothie, vanilla matcha protein smoothie, and strawberry pomegranate green smoothie.

With so much variety, it’s impossible to get bored. So, are you ready to incorporate green smoothies into your diet?

Now, green smoothies are touted as a cure-all. From future moms to celebrities to nutritionists, everyone is crazy about these beverages. However, some people still have doubts about their benefits. Although green smoothies are not meant as a “cure” for diseases, they still boast remarkable healing properties. The key is to enjoy them in moderation and use them as part of a balanced diet.

Green Smoothie Myths Debunked

Some people mistakenly believe that smoothies are high in sugar. However, this isn’t necessarily true. Unless you add too many fruits, sugar, or honey, your smoothie will be low in carbs. These beverages contain naturally-occurring sugars, such as those found in bananas, cherries, and papaya. Due to their high fiber content, the sugar is slowly released into your body, so there are no insulin spikes. A green smoothie made with greens and no fruit can easily fit into low carb and ketogenic diets.

Contrary to what you may have heard, these beverages are low in calories. The best part is that you can alter any smoothie recipe to suit your calorie needs. Some dieters are saying that green smoothies contain large amounts of oxalic acid, which may lead to kidney stones. While it’s true that certain greens, such as kale and spinach, are high in oxalic acid, they’re unlikely to cause any health problems unless you already have kidney disease. You can replace these veggies with celery, lettuce, cucumbers, and other greens with low levels of this compound if you have any concerns.

Are There Any Side Effects?

Smoothies are healthy for people of all ages. However, some individuals may experience diarrhea, bloating, and digestive distress because they either drink too many smoothies or combine them with the wrong foods, such as fries or fatty meals. Be aware that drinking green smoothies is not the same as juicing. Most people use these terms interchangeably. Drinking juices all day long is more likely to cause digestive problems than sipping on a smoothie between meals.

Additionally, the smoothies found on store shelves or served at restaurants contain additives and artificial sweeteners that may trigger indigestion. For instance, sucralose, a commonly used sweetener, is notorious for its side effects. As long as you make your smoothies at home, it’s unlikely you will experience digestive issues.

So don’t be afraid to experiment and indulge in this simple, delicious and fun way to maximize your daily nutrient intake.

It all depends on how and where the veggies are cultivated.

While cruciferous vegetables and leafy greens certainly have health benefits, consuming large amounts of them in green smoothies may not be healthy in the long run, for several significant reasons.

1. Cruciferous vegetables, such as kale, broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage, have been found to contain high levels of a toxic heavy metal, thallium.
2. Cruciferous vegetables contain goitrogens, which are naturally occurring plant chemicals that inhibit the uptake of iodine by the thyroid gland and reduce the production of thyroid hormone, thus lowering thyroid function.
3. Many leafy greens, such as spinach and collard greens, are high in oxalates. Oxalates are plant-based compounds that may promote kidney stone formation and inflammation when consumed in large amounts.

More…

The Surprising Benefits of Drinking One Green Smoothie Per Day

Want to drop weight and have more energy? Tired of eating chicken and veggies? If so, add green smoothies to your diet! These healthful concoctions can slim you down, boost your nutrient intake, and give you the energy needed for a busy day. Drinking just one green smoothie per day can improve your health on every level.

What’s So Great about Green Smoothies?

Decades ago, green smoothies were mostly used for detox and weight loss. Today, their health benefits are widely known and go way beyond weight loss. These beverages can lower blood sugar levels, regulate blood pressure, improve sleep, and give your immune system a boost. Drinking green smoothies is a quick, easy way to stay hydrated and meet your daily nutrient requirements.

Even though liquid greens are not a substitute for fruits and veggies, they have their perks. A study conducted in 2014 has shown that the risk of death was 42 percent lower in subjects who ate at least seven portions of fruits and vegetables per day compared to those eating just one serving. Unfortunately, most people nowadays lack the time needed to plan their meals and eat so much food. Drinking one green smoothie a day helps ensure you hit your daily target of fruits and veggies.

What Green Smoothies Can Do for Your Health

These beverages are not just convenient, but healthy too. When consumed regularly, they reduce toxic load in the body, improve digestion, and lower your risk of chronic diseases. Green smoothies also provide steady energy and support your fitness goals. If you start the day with a smoothie, you’ll feel more alive and focus better at work. Many people have recovered from chronic fatigue by drinking these beverages daily.

The vitamins and minerals in green smoothies support brain function, enhance mental clarity, and keep your heart healthy. Depending on the ingredients used, these beverages can ward off sugar cravings, improve skin appearance, cure acne, or relieve IBS symptoms. They’re also a healthier alternative to soda and fruit juices, which contain nothing but empty calories. If you have a sweet tooth, drink green smoothies to curb cravings and stay full between meals.

Healthy Green Smoothies Recipes

Smoothies are the perfect way to meet or even exceed the recommended daily allowance of fruits and veggies.  They are easy, fast, packed with nutrients and taste delicious – you just can’t go wrong.

The amazing thing about smoothies is that they are very versatile with as many different purposes for concocting them as there are different ingredients to use in them. The possibilities are endless!

We are going to focus on smoothies for the most common problems people need solved:

• Weight loss
• Detox
• Clear/ glowing skin
• Anti-aging
• Better sleep
• Energy
• Better digestion

Without further ado, let’s talk smoothies!

 Weight Loss Green Smoothie

Endowed  with omega-3s and beta-carotene from the flax seed and carrots and healthy vitamins led by vitamin A and a great dose of dietary fiber, this green smoothie is the ultimate way to kick start your weight loss efforts. Drink a tall glass of our weight loss smoothie first thing in the morning to boost your metabolism.

Yield: 5 Servings

Total Time: 5 Minutes

Prep Time: 5 Minutes

Ingredients

• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
• ¼ cup grapefruit
• ¼ cup orange
• ¼ cup pineapple
• 1 tablespoon ground flax seed
• ⅔ cup unsweetened almond milk
• 2 cup baby spinach
• ¼ head celery
• 1 cup chopped mint
• 3 carrots
• 2 apples

Directions

In a blender, combine all the ingredients and blend until very smooth. Serve over ice.

Nutritional Info Per Serving:

Calories: 175; Total Fat: 8.6 g; Carbs: 24.8 g; Dietary Fiber: 6.2 g; Sugars: 15.8 g; Protein: 2.9 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 65 mg

Clear Skin Green Smoothie

This yummy smoothie for clear skin is bursting with healthy fats, antioxidants and the perfect mix of vitamins from avocado, kiwi, coconut oil and spirulina. The cucumber and coconut water hydrate your skin giving it a beautiful and clear glow. The veggies offer skin cleansing benefits that leave your skin looking and feeling fresh, smooth and glowing.

Yield: 3 Servings

Total Time: 5 Minutes

Prep Time: 5 Minutes

Ingredients

• ½ avocado
• 2 kiwifruit
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin coconut oil
• 1 cup unsweetened coconut water
• 1 small cucumber
• 1 organic carrot
• 1 cup chopped parsley
• 1 teaspoon spirulina powder
• 1 tablespoon fresh ground flaxseed
• 2 tablespoons hemp
• Stevia, optional

Directions

In a blender, combine all the ingredients and blend until very smooth. Enjoy!

Nutritional Info Per Serving:

Calories: 367; Total Fat: 31.4 g; Carbs: 22.5 g; Dietary Fiber: 7.8 g; Sugars: 10.3 g; Protein: 5.3 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 52 mg 

Super Detox Smoothie

This smoothie is a fresh fruity and veggie way to clean up your entire system and give you a fresh start. The strawberries deliver vitamin A and the pineapple does everything from actually stopping cancer to cleaning your gut. Add in the antioxidants and vitamins from the apple along with the chlorophyll and other goodies from the cucumber and other veggies, and you are nutritionally ready to jumpstart your detox and cleanse your system.

Yield: 4 Servings

Total Time: 5 Minutes

Prep Time: 5 Minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup baby spinach
• 1 cucumber, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 cup raw coconut water
• 1/2 small avocado, pitted, peeled
• 1 green apple,  cored, diced
• 1 beet, peeled and diced
• 1 cup frozen pineapple
• 1 cup frozen strawberries
• 2 teaspoons chia seeds

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Directions

In a blender, combine all the ingredients and blend until very smooth. Enjoy!

Nutritional Info Per Serving:

Calories: 279; Total Fat: 19.6 g; Carbs: 28 g; Dietary Fiber: 7.1 g; Sugars: 17.8 g; Protein: 3.5 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 46 mg

Anti-Aging Smoothie

This delicious green smoothie delivers a berrylicious blast of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that get rid of wrinkle inducing free radicals and the omega-3s from the Brazil nuts and flax seeds plump up your skin giving it a youthful luster. The kale cuts the sweetness, but the flavors of the berries and orange juice really shine through.

Yield: 4 Servings

Total Time: 5 Minutes

Prep Time: 5 Minutes

Ingredients

• 2 cups frozen blueberries
• 2 cups chopped kale
• 1½ cups cold coconut water
• ½ cup fresh orange juice
• 2 Brazil nuts
• 1 tablespoon flax seeds

Directions

In a blender, combine all the ingredients and blend until very smooth. Enjoy!

Nutritional Info Per Serving:

Calories: 354; Total Fat: 29 g; Carbs: 23.9 g; Dietary Fiber: 5.5 g; Sugars: 13.1 g; Protein: 5.6 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 30 mg

Sleep Boosting Green Smoothie

Say goodbye to nights of insomnia and hello to sweet dreams with this tasty blend of fruits, veggies, oats, honey and a bit of spice that deliver the perfect mix of minerals, such as magnesium, which is nature’s own sedative that helps to induce and regulate sleep.

Yield: 4 Servings

Total Time: 5 Minutes

Prep Time: 5 Minutes

Ingredients

• ½ cup coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon almond butter
• 1 tablespoon raw honey
• 2 cups kale
• ½ cup uncooked oats
• 1 frozen banana
• 1 kiwi
• 1 cup cherries
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg

Directions

In a blender, combine all the ingredients and blend until very smooth. Enjoy!

Nutritional Info Per Serving:

Calories: 271; Total Fat: 10.5 g; Carbs: 42.9 g; Dietary Fiber: 4.4 g; Sugars: 11.1 g; Protein: 4.7 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 31 mg

Pectin-Rich Digestive and Immune Boosting Smoothie

This pectin-rich digestive smoothie combines the nutritional power of immune boosting and digestion friendly foods such as kefir, pineapple, chamomile, apple, avocado and honey. With anti-inflammatory and gut soothing benefits, this is the perfect smoothie for boosting your digestive function or when you are feeling a little out of sorts.

Yield: 3 Servings

Total Time: 5 Minutes

Prep Time: 5 Minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup nonfat Greek yogurt or kefir
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 3/4 cup diced fresh pineapple
• 1 organic apple, diced
• 1/2 cup chamomile tea
• 1 teaspoon raw honey

Directions

In a blender, combine all the ingredients and blend until very smooth. Enjoy!

Nutritional Info Per Serving:

Calories: 260; Total Fat: 14.8 g; Carbs: 26.4 g; Dietary Fiber: 6.9 g; Sugars: 17.1 g; Protein: 9.3 g; Cholesterol: 4 mg; Sodium: 30 mg

Energy Boosting Smoothie

Packed with healthy fats from the avocado  and an army of antioxidants led by vitamin A, this smoothie has everything you need to power you through the day , and its rich, smooth flavor will remind you of fall. Blend it with crushed ice for a refreshing, treat on a hot summer day or stick to the coconut milk and Greek yogurt for an energizing winter pick-me-up.

Yield: 4 Servings

Total Time: 5 Minutes

Prep Time: 5 Minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/2 avocado
• 1 cup chopped kale
• 1/2 apple
• 1 cup baby spinach
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 4-5 fresh mint leaves

Directions

In a blender, combine all the ingredients and blend until very smooth. Enjoy!

Nutritional Info Per Serving:

Calories: 257; Total Fat: 20.4 g; Carbs: 13.6 g; Dietary Fiber: 4.1 g; Sugars: 7.4 g; Protein: 8.3 g; Cholesterol: 3 mg; Sodium: 43 mg

For most people, merely the thought of consuming an entire selection of veggies and fruits appears like plenty of work. But, not once you throw all things in your blender and offer it in a tall and tasty looking glass!

There’s no question that the majority of smoothie components are among the best foods you can feed your body with. Our seven green smoothies should supply you with tailor-made benefits that will practically improve your current circumstances.

Go ahead and get a little daring and add some of your preferred ingredients to the recipes and put your signature to it.