Glowing Green "Smoothie-Juice"

IN THE KITCHEN: Glowing Green "Smoothie-Juice" :)

Offset the inevitable richer foods of the holidays with this morning drink that even my kids love! The mineral-rich greens, vitamin-packed fruits, and detoxifying lemon make it clean, balancing and energizing...formulated for easy digestion since the base is water (vs the smoothie norm of fats or proteins). Also loaded with antixodidants, fiber, amino acids, and phytonutrients that prevent and repair damage in the body. 

Blending already helps predigest greens but you can still "chew" this drink to further aid absorption, especially if you're prone to bloating.

Drink on an empty stomach. 

GLOWING GREEN "SMOOTHIE-JUICE"

Inspired by Kimberly Snyder

Equipment: high-powered blender, such as Vitamix

Ingredients:

  • 7 cups chopped spinach (roughly)

  • 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce (about 1 small head)

  • 2 1/4 cups cold filtered water

  • 1 1/2 cups chopped celery (about 2 medium stalks)

  • 1 medium green apple, cored and coarsely chopped (skin on)

  • 1 medium pear, cored and coarsely chopped (skin on)

  • 1 medium banana, peeled and torn into chunks

  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed (or bottled) lemon juice

  • 1 ⁄2 cup minced fresh cilantro (stems okay)

Instructions:

Combine spinach, romaine and water in a blender and begin processing on low. Gradually move to higher speeds and blend until smooth.

Next, add the celery, apple, and pear, and the cilantro. Lastly, add the banana, lemon juice, and blend until smooth. Drink right away or refrigerate in glass jars for up to 3 days. It tends to thicken as it sits in fridge; if so, just add water.