Sunday, March 3, 2013

Green smoothie challenge!

In the spirit of St. Patricks day & health, join me in the week long Green Smoothie Challenge! One week in the month of March have a green smoothie first thing in the morning for 7 days straight. green smoothies are low in calories & packed with vitamins & antioxidants. Not to mention it will make you feel better & get things moving in the mornings (in more than one way). All you need is your favorite fruits, some veggies, water & a blender!

Don't let the color deter you!! If you find the right combo of the favors you like, this will soon become what you look forward to in the mornings. If the color is too much, pour it into a opaque glass with a lid!

Below I have listed 7 smoothies that I like from the incredible smoothies website. I am a fan of banana, so mine all contain banana. If you don't like these, please check out www.incrediblesmoothies.com, for a huge list of favors and combinations. I like to add some flaxseed oil to mine for some healthy fat.

My hope is that you like these so much that it becomes a staple in you diet. It is a great way to get several servings of fruit and veggies in one small drink. Let me know your thoughts and your favorite smoothies!

Slainte!

BanaBerry Smoothie
1 banana
1/2 cup raspberries
1/2 cup blueberries
2 cups fresh baby spinach (or other leafy green)
1/2 cup of water
Calories: 204 | Fat: 1g (gram) | Protein: 4.3g | Carbs: 51.9g | Calcium: 11% | Vitamin A: 83% | Vitamin C: 98%

Banana-Apple-Pear Smoothie
1 banana
1 apple
1 pear
2 cups fresh baby spinach (or other leafy green)
1 stalk of celery
1/2 – 1 cup water
Calories: 305 | Fat: 0.9g (grams) | Protein: 4.8g | Carbs: 79.1g | Calcium: 13% | Vitamin A: 88% | Vitamin C: 85%

BanaBlue Smoothie
1 banana
1 cup blueberries
2 cups fresh baby spinach (or other leafy green)
1 whole carrot
1/2 cup of water
Calories: 244 | Fat: 1.1g (grams) | Protein: 5.3g | Carbs: 62g | Calcium: 12% | Vitamin A: 257% | Vitamin C: 90%

Naner Pineapple Smoothie
1 banana
1 cup pineapple
1-2 celery stalks
2 cups fresh baby spinach (or other leafy green)
1/2 cup water
Calories: 217 | Fat: 0.8g (grams) | Protein: 4.4g | Carbs: 54.9g | Calcium: 15% | Vitamin A: 92% | Vitamin C: 158%

BanaNut Smoothie
1 banana
2 tbs natural creamy peanut butter
½ cup blueberries or 3-4 strawberries
2 cups fresh baby spinach (or other leafy green)
½ cup water
(OPTIONAL) 1 scoop protein powder*
Calories: 384 | Fat: 17.6g (grams) | Protein: 11g | Carbs: 52g | Calcium: 11% | Vitamin A: 83% | Vitamin C: 72% | * Protein powder adds additional calories and grams of protein.

Simple Banana Green Smoothie
2 whole bananas
2 cups fresh baby spinach (or other leafy green)
1/2 cup water
Calories: 252 | Fat: 0.8g (grams) | Protein: 5g | Carbs: 65.2g | Calcium: 10% | Vitamin A: 84% | Vitamin C: 80%

Blackberry-Orange Smoothie
1 cup blackberries
1 banana, peeled
1 small orange, peeled and deseeded
2 cups fresh spinach (or other leafy green)
4 ounces filtered water
Calories: 249 | Fat: 1.5g (grams) | Protein: 6.3g | Carbs: 60.5g | Calcium: 17% | Iron: 3mg | Vitamin A: 212% | Vitamin C: 156%