Drink Your Greens

A few months ago I bought a Whole Living magazine with all kinds of smoothies on the front cover.  It was so inspiring and such a good reminder how easy they are to make.  Also how they are a vehicle to add all kinds of ingredients.  We did a study one time at work where we had to include oil in all types of recipes throughout a day's worth of food and smoothies were one of the recipes that was really easy to put it in.  They are also good to put fruit that is just a little too ripe for taking a toothsome bite into, like an overly soft peach or freckled banana.

With all this cleaning and apartment feng shui-ing lately, I have been craving fresh food that makes me feel vibrant and alive.  All types of greens and vegetables have been making their way into my fridge.  Parsley is one herb that I almost always have on hand and makes for a refreshing component of a meal or recipe.

My colleague B told me that her husband makes a whole batch of smoothie, and then they drink it throughout the week.  My eyebrows immediately raised when she told me this.  What a great idea.  So with that in mind, I embarked on a journey to green smoothie land last night. 

I saw a recipe on the Whole Foods recipe index that included spinach.  So now there were two greens to make an appearance.  Banana was a must because it mixes so well.  Frozen mango and plain yogurt were already at my house so that was easy.  It needed one final zing...nothing like a little kick from fresh ginger and lemon juice.  All the ingredients were in place for a vibrant drink.

This recipe is definitely open-ended.  Personally, I like to drink my smoothies with a spoon, so I prefer them on the thicker side.  I also like them on the less sweet side.  So work with it and add ingredients such as:

• Orange juice or mango juice for a thinner smoothie
• Honey for a sweeter smoothie
• More spinach or parsley for a greener smoothie
• Milk (dairy or non-dairy) for a more protein-filled smoothie
• Flaxseeds for a more fibrous smoothie
• More ginger for a spicier smoothie

The options are endless!

Sweet and Spicy Green Smoothie
Inspired by a Whole Living and Whole Foods recipe
Yields about 4 (1/2 cup) servings

1 banana
1 1/2 cup frozen mango
1 cup spinach, packed tightly in measuring cup
1/3 cup fresh parsley, lightly packed in measuring cup
1 1/4 tsp ginger, fresh and grated
1/2 cup plain nonfat yogurt
1 lemon juiced

Puree all ingredients in food processor or blender.  Adjust for your flavor preference.  Make a double batch for your family or for yourself all week.