A few years ago, while making our way through Costco, the kids and I stopped at the engaging Vitamix presentation. The kids immediately sampled the green concoction that was offered and enthusiastically begged me to try as well.
This green smoothie concoction had me at hello! I quickly inquired as to what the contents contained as I couldn't believe that something so divine, yet good for us, could not be laden with sugar! What followed is the recipe I am sharing minus the chia seeds, which after researching, I have added for their nutritional content and to ensure the kids are getting a good dose of protein in addition to the beneficial spinach and other ingredients.
This smoothie is a morning staple in our house. I love the ease of throwing the ingredients together and the kids being able to walk out the door with a nutritious "meal" in tow.
Our Favorite Green Smoothie
One slice of fresh ginger, about the size of a dime (I keep a ginger root in my freezer and cut it as needed)
1/2 of a banana
Two huge handfuls of fresh spinach
1 lemon wedge (cut a lemon in eighths)
1/2 container of 100% white grape juice concentrate (no added sugar, just all-natural goodness)
2 cups of ice
1 Tab. chia seeds (optional), I put them into 3 Tab. of warm water to soak in for a few minutes until they turn into a gel-like substance then put all of this into the smoothie.
Instructions
Layer the ingredients in the following order in a blender: grape juice concentrate, lemon, ginger, chia, spinach followed by the ice. Blend until smooth and enjoy!
Feel free to get creative once you have the original recipe well-accepted by your tasters (family). I substitute kale for the spinach or lime for the lemon, throw in flax seeds for added fiber, add frozen strawberries, blueberries or any leftover fruits, or add Greek vanilla yogurt for a creamier version. It's really hard to "mess-up" this base recipe. Keep in mind that as you add ingredients, the beautiful almost-neon green color turns to less enticicing shades of brown.
And yes, I came home with a Vitamix that day...a day before Father's Day (after standing talking to the Vitamix salesman for almost an hour, quizzing him over and over, and sampling numerous other creations). The kids were over-the-top excited. The Hubs had a great surprise that year too (Rest assured, I made up for the taboo "appliance gift" in subsequent years).
I will have to say that the Vitamix transformed our lives that summer, and I am not exaggerating. We consume more raw, fresh vegetables than ever before. One of our pickier eaters started consuming fruits and vegetables and became one of our best eaters that summer as a result. Did you know that it makes great soup and sorbet too? In fact, this recipe freezes well and morphs into great sorbet with a beautiful color!
I've offered many green concoctions to friends' children and hesitant guests who have been pleasantly surprised by the awesome taste. My sweet friend Chelsea was blown away that her son, who tends to be pretty picky, loved the "Shrek Green Monster Sorbet" made with spinach and kale that I offered him.
We even take our Vitamix on road trips to our annual family reunion and I would take it camping if we were guaranteed an electrical outlet and could guarantee not being hazed by our friends for bringing along an appliance such as this.
The Vitamix is amazing!
One last thing...
Did you know that Chia Seeds are touted by Dr. Oz as an ancient super-seed secret and they not only pack protein but they also contain fiber, omega fatty acids, calcium, antioxidants and so much more! The poor chia seeds were given a bad rap by gaining their fame as the Chia Pets. Who knew they packed such a punch of nutrients? I buy mine here on Amazon as I have yet to find them locally.
