Today I share with you Blaine’s Green Smoothie recipe! Since last summer, I have been incorporating a “green” smoothie pretty much every morning. I put green in quotes because mine actually turns more purple!
While I try to live a healthy lifestyle, people are always shocked to know that I don’t eat greens. Or many vegetables at all. I’m a meat, potatoes and bread kinda girl. But I know I need more greens in my diet. I have just always been a SUPER picky eater. I truly believe I’m a super taster (it’s a thing– see here). If I have even a tiny piece of lettuce on a taco, I can taste it.
I’ve developed anxiety around food because of my food choices. I eat like a toddler most of the time. I’ve always been anxious about eating new foods around people because honestly, I’ve been known to gag. I can’t control it. The food may be the best thing anyone’s every made, but my palette just doesn’t like it. I’m weird about tastes and textures. I love apples, but can’t do applesauce. UGH!
What I do eat, I try to make as healthy as possible. I usually grill or bake my meat. I use turkey versus beef for things like spaghetti and tacos. And I don’t eat a LOT of fast food. I bring my lunch to work 99.9% of the time.
Over the years, I’ve started making myself green smoothies (some recipes turned out better than others). But it wasn’t until early last summer that I really got serious about it. I typically get up, go to the gym, walk the dogs, then I usually walk or run on the treadmill. After that, I’m usually already feeling hungry, so I’ve started making my smoothie before I do my yoga and stretching. The only time I may not get the smoothie in is on the weekends when my schedule tends to get off. But even then, I try really hard to keep it up.
Drinking my smoothie each day helps with many things– mostly my appetite, and digestive system. I haven’t really noted a huge boost in energy or anything. But I know that getting some greens in is definitely better than nothing. And yes, I know I need MORE than just some spinach each morning– but hey– baby steps!
Here’s Blaine’s Green Smoothie Recipe (with some special guests included):
Spinach
Spinach has been the base of my smoothies for the last year or so. I have done kale as well. I buy “organic” baby spinach, although it doesn’t really matter that much to me. I buy a big tub of it, and put the spinach in a big freezer bag and put in the freezer. That way, I have plenty of spinach, and it won’t go bad before I use it. I actually didn’t realize until just recently that you can buy frozen spinach!
Also, I don’t measure the spinach out, I just put some in my blender cup. Some days I’m like– yep, I need more. It looks like a lot in these pictures, but of course it gets smashed down with the other ingredients!
Collagen
I just recently started adding collagen to my smoothies. I’ve heard there are many benefits to adding collagen to your diet– including skin, hair, nails and joints! I buy one that has hyaluronic acid (because that’s another great skin boosting ingredient — and I’m workin’ on taming these wrinkles. Did you see my post about things I should’ve done before I turned 30?) I will say I think my nails have improved in just the few weeks I’ve been using it. And my skin may be looking a bit healthier too!
I add two scoops, per the instructions on the container.
Chia Seeds
I love chia seeds. They really help with the digestive system. I won’t get into details on that one… but do your research on that if you’re interested. They also have a lot of omega-3s, antioxidants, and fiber, plus protein!
I use 2 1/2 tablespoons — that’s the serving size on the container.
Protein
Because I workout and lift weights 3-5 days a week, I try to get in a good bit of protein to help my muscles grow! I usually use either vanilla flavored, or strawberries and cream (which is what I’m currently using). I am using a wheybolic protein with a thermogenic.
I use two scoops– which is the recommended serving size.
Berries
This is why my smoothies are purple! I’ve been using a three berry blend. I like it because the flavor really covers the greens for me. Plus, berries are great for antioxidants. This one has strawberries, blueberries and raspberries.
I don’t measure these out either. I usually just pour in some until the cup’s almost overflowing.
But WAIT!
The pups have discovered blueberries. I started a habit of giving them a blueberry when I make my smoothies… so now it’s a daily thing. They know the sound of the bag the berries come in. I can’t NOT give them some! I mean, look at these faces!
And another!
It’s become a habit to give them two each now! Haha.
Add water and blend!
Last step before blending, add water up to the fill line and blend it up!
Drink Up!
Now it’s time to enjoy! Again, I’ve been doing this before my yoga because I’ll start feeling REALLY hungry. This smoothie definitely helps fill me up and curb my appetite for a while. As much as I work out though, I’m usually hungry again in a few hours!
Don’t mind this gorgeous *sarcasm* selfie! I’d just finished running 3 miles! No makeup, sweaty hair… all the things!
