Green Smoothies

Green smoothies have become a staple and an everyday treat in my life. Whether you are a raw foodist or a fan of the awe inspiring great smoothie, green smoothies are one of the simplest ways to bring chlorophyll rich greens straight into your body.   Greens are loaded with amino acids, vitamins, fiber, minerals, and of course... chlorophyll.  Much to the surprise of newbies, most greens are quite sweet and add a wonderfully earthy flavor to a smoothie.   

Got kids?  Spend the afternoon reading Dr. Seuss's "Green Eggs & Ham" while enjoying GREEN smoothies together. Add cacao to your child's green smoothie to create a "chocolate milkshake."   If your kids refuse to eat greens, chances are they do not see YOU eating greens. Try something new together! Brady is 4 years old and lives down the street.  We always enjoy green smoothies together when he comes over to hang out.

This is my favorite green smoothie recipe, it is jam packed with energy to keep you going, flowing, and grounded, you are guaranteed to be happily satisfied (guaranteed!)  

Meredith's Favorite Green Smoothie:

20 oz. spring water

1 frozen banana

1 C. mixture of frozen strawberries, mangoes, and pineapple

maca - heaping spoonful

spirulina - heaping spoonful

bee pollen - 1 tbsp

raw cacao - 2 tbsp

green superfood powder - 1 scoop

raw honey - 2 tbsp

2 large handfuls of baby spinach 

* Maca is a root vegetable that is WONDERFUL for females because it helps to naturally regulate and balance hormones, enhances fertility,  improves sex drive, and alleviates depression and stress.   Maca is high in phosphorus, calcium, B1 and B12, all of which calm and nourish the nervous system creating an overall sense of well being and increased steamina.  

* Spirulina is a blue green algae that is over 3.5 billion years young!  It contains all 8 essential amino acids, it is 65% protein, the world's highest known source.  It is also the highest known source of B12 and provides the body with all necessary digestive enzymes, minerals, and trace elements... woah!

* Bee Pollen is about 25% complete protein, extremely rich in B vitamins and antioxidents as well as other vitamins, minerals, and enzymes.  Nutritionally, it is one of the most complete foods found in nature.  Pee pollen causes a boost in energy and endurance all while slowing down the aging process... now who doesn't want that?

* Raw cacao... where do I start?  Cacao is loaded with antioxidents, more than red wine, more than blueberries, 4 times more than green tea!  Raw cacao helps to repair free radicals, literally protecting us from environmental toxins.   Cacao is a feel good food.  It increases the levels of certain neurotransmitters in our brain like serotonin, anandamide, endorphins, and phenylethylamine.   Basically, these are the chemicals in our brain that are mood elevators, they boost feelings of love, euphoria and create an overall sense of well being.