What is with the Green Smoothie Diet?
During my researches for the previous posts, I have encountered a lot about Green Smoothie Diet. Every time I type a word with smoothie in it, I don’t fail to stumble upon blogs and websites talking about green smoothies for weight loss and green juice detox recipes. However, since I have read basic information about it, I can’t help myself getting more and more curious about what is really up with the green smoothie diets. I wrote some information and shared recipes in my Vitamix Smoothie Recipes article if you want to jump into the topic.
Anyway, I said to myself that I would do a deeper research and share it with you, so here we go. I hope you will read to the end because I will also be sharing some amazing green juice cleanse recipes and green detox smoothie recipes later.
Learn the Benefits of a Green Shake Diet
Green smoothie diets are actually made of green vegetables. That is why other recipes are called vegan green smoothie or veggie smoothies. Eating raw vegetables will not be that easy because not all green vegetables taste good. Lettuces, onions, pepper, tomatoes, and cabbage can be eaten raw or mixed in salads and will have no other bitter tastes, but potatoes, broccoli, kale and spinach will not be the same. Others would prefer to blanch kale and spinach rather than cook it, while some will not eat them uncooked. Now, here is a good solution to the bitter and after tastes – smoothies, shakes and juices!
You can now eat any green leafy vegetable even if uncooked and it will also prevent you from consuming fats from oils you’d use when cooking. Simply preparing a green shake diet or turning them into a delicious green smoothie diet or green juice cleanse remedy will do the trick. Aside from that, you will also enjoy these proven benefits:
Hydration and Feeling of Fullness
A green smoothie diet can keep you hydrated and full because it contains water and fiber from the fruits and vegetables you processed. Smoothies and shakes can make you feel full while juices can’t because only the fruit and vegetable juices will be extracted from them. Anyway, there are really certain circumstances when you only need to drink juice and when you are allowed to take smoothies.
Drinking smoothie diets is also another way of taking in the required 8 glasses of water a day. I don’t know if you agree with me, but most people do not consume as much because of its plain taste. As a result, they can’t even consume 6 glasses. To add water intake, have at least 3-5 cups of green smoothie diet and you will feel hydrated throughout the entire day.
Kids to Eat their Vegetables
Another fun and helpful benefit of having a green smoothie diet prepared in our home kitchen is to trick our kids to eat their vegetables. There are certain sweet fruits, such as mangoes, oranges, pineapples and bananas, we can add to the green shake diet we want to serve them and they will certainly love to drink their vegetables. These are best served as snacks or meal replacement. You can also do this when they get sick (just don’t put too much ice or use plain water instead). Kids don’t as much enthusiasm to eat when they are sick, unlike when they are not. Keeping them nourished with a glass of green smoothie diet once a day is probably a good idea.
Feeling Stronger
Smoothie diets are easy to be digested because they are already blended. In addition, they are easier to prepare than any other meal recipe and are very ideal for rushing people. You can carry it with you while going for an outdoor exercise or even at the office. Vitamix has series of personal blenders that come with individual cups which are very handy and with lids that fit well enough and make them spill proof.
A green smoothie diet can serve as an energy booster, especially when made out of fruits and vegetables that are rich in fiber but with little sugar contents. Too much sugar is bad, but our body needs some. With the help of fiber, sugar contents of fruits and vegetables will be distributed in a timely manner because fibers help slow down the sugar absorption.
Green Detox Juice Recipes vs. Green Smoothie Detox Recipes
There are certain arguments over which is better between green smoothies and green juices, so let us make our own comparison. Anyway, this is just a reference for all of us because, in actuality, both detox recipes are healthy and safe. They just differ in a few ways.
Green Juice Cleanse Recipes
If you are planning to make a juice cleanse plan, do understand that you will be using a juicer in order to extract only the juice from your fruit and vegetable ingredients. You may use a blender to process and then a cheesecloth to strain the pulp. The fiber contents of juices will reduce because it will be put to waste with the pulp when you strain it. Though juices are more recommended to people who have digestion problems such as IBS because they are easily digested.
Pineapple-Vegetable Juice
226 calories, 2g total fat, 35g carbohydrates, 15g sugar, 5g fiber, 8g protein
You will need:
1 cup of pineapple chunks
1 apple, sliced
4 large kale leaves
½ bunch of parsley
1 cucumber, sliced
6 large stalks of celery
Ginger
How to prepare:
- Put all the ingredients into a Vitamix container.
- Pulse for 35 seconds or more until the pulps are thoroughly grounded.
- Strain with a cheesecloth to separate pulp or serve as is.
- You can also chill before serving. Makes 2 servings.
Green Juice
5 calories, 23g carbohydrates, 5g fiber, 2g protein
You will need:
1 cup of raw baby spinach
½ green apple, with skin
1 kiwi, peeled
3-inch cucumber piece
1 tablespoon of lemon juice
water (as needed)
½ cup lemon-flavored sparkling water, chilled
How to prepare:
- Put all the ingredients into a Vitamix container.
- Pulse for 35 seconds or more until the pulps are thoroughly grounded.
- Add water as needed. Strain with a cheesecloth to separate pulp or serve as is.
- Add lemon sparkling water. You can also chill before serving. Makes a single serving.
Orange Kale Juice
300 cal; 6 g fat; 35 g carbs; 613 mg sodium; 7 g fiber; 23 g sugar; 30 g protein
You will need:
1 cup of water
2 scoops of protein powder (vanilla)
1 cup of raw kale, chopped
1 orange, peeled and seeded
½ teaspoon of spirulina powder
1 pinch of ground cinnamon
1 pinch of ginger powder
How to prepare:
- Put all the ingredients into a Vitamix container.
- Pulse for 35 seconds or more until the pulps are thoroughly grounded.
- Strain with a cheesecloth to separate pulp or serve as is.
- You can also chill before serving. Makes a single serving.
Green Smoothie Detox Recipes
For a green smoothie diet plan, one can benefit from the fiber contents of the ingredients because you will drink the juice with the pulp. This is a good meal substitute and it will make you feel fuller for a longer period of time. So, if you are into a weight loss diet or having a long day at work, you can carry a green smoothie diet with you as a snack or perhaps even for lunch (or dinner if you will be working overtime).
Mint Chocolate Flavored Smoothie
365 calories, 22g fat, 0g trans fat, 22g carbohydrates, 8g sugar, 10g fiber, 30g protein
You will need:
2 cups of organic spinach
1 cup of almond milk, unsweetened
1 cup of filtered water
½ avocado
1 scoop of protein powder (chocolate)
¼ cup of fresh mint or 1 drop of mint extract (to taste)
1 tablespoon of dark chocolate chips
Stevia (to taste)
Ice (optional)
How to prepare:
- Combine all the ingredients into a Vitamix container in the order listed above.
- Blend in the lowest speed, then increase to the highest speed until mixture is smooth.
- Add ice cubes when desired or chill before serving. Makes a single serving.
Blueberry Basil Smoothie
249 calories, 6g total fat, 50g carbohydrates, 9g fiber, 28g sugar, 5g protein
You will need:
2 cups of unsweetened almond milk
1 cup of blueberries
¼ cup of basil leaves
½ cup of spinach leaves
1 frozen banana
How to prepare:
- Combine all the ingredients into a Vitamix container in the order listed above.
- Blend in the lowest speed, then increase to the highest speed until mixture is smooth.
- Serve immediately. Makes a single serving.
1 cup of green tea, chilled
1 cup of cilantro
½ avocado
1 cup of cucumber, sliced
1 cup of organic baby kale
lemon juice
1 cup of pineapple chunks
1 tablespoon of fresh ginger, grated
How to prepare:
- Combine all the ingredients into a Vitamix container in the order listed above.
- Blend in the lowest speed, then increase to the highest speed and blend until mixture is smooth.
- Serve immediately. Makes a single serving.
Collagen Benefits of Green Detox
Green detox or body detox in many forms aims to cleanse body toxins left by junk foods (the most common foods we eat today). Aside from their weight loss effects, green detox recipes have other health benefits to include its collagen contribution. In addition, green juices, compared with other fruit juices, have lower sugar content. You can have two or more glasses of green detox a day, especially if you are doing a green smoothie diet to cleanse. Read our 3 Most Recommended Guide for Body Toxin Cleansing and Lose Weight. Meanwhile, here are the listed collagen benefits of green detox:
Better Sleep
Having enough collagen in the body can help promote a better sleep. Collagen has glycine content which has an essential role in brain health as well as improvement in sleeping habits. If you have a hard time catching sleep, then you can have a glass of a green smoothie with high collagen content. Research also shows that having enough collagen will keep you energized during day time and prevent sleepiness.
Healthy Skin, Hair and Nails
Among the benefits of collagen, this is the most noteworthy of them all. You can achieve a healthier glowing skin and strong hair and nails with the aid of collagen. There are already numerous collagen supplements, creams and drinks being sold on the market today. You can have one if you desire, but why spend much when you can regularly make green smoothies at home?
Some medical practitioners already testified that collagen helps in anti-aging problems, especially among women. It can help dry skin get back to its normal firmness and softness and could give you a younger looking skin with regular intake.
Strong Bones and Muscles
Collagen serves as glue to our body, making it very important in our bones, tissues, cartilage, ligaments, skin and hair. If you lack collagen, there is a chance you will experience rheumatoid arthritis when your bone joints get inflamed. Some believe that collagen can aid in the prevention of such illnesses and some also use it as a home remedy. So, if you are one of those who are experiencing this, you can prevent it by having a regular green shake diet.
For my athletic readers, collagen might not be an alien word to you because it is known to be essential in repairing damaged or inflamed muscles. This ingredient works hand in hand with protein and other body building nutrients. The arginine content of collagen assists in the production of growth hormones and increasing muscle mass.
2 cups of spinach
½ cucumber
1 small avocado
½ cup of ripe mango, sliced
1 orange, peeled and seeded
1 lime, peeled and seeded
2 cups of coconut water (or water)
1 tablespoon of chia seeds
1 tablespoon of flax seeds (ground)
2 tablespoons of pumpkin seeds
- Put the spinach into the Vitamix blender first, then add the other ingredients.
- Blend everything for about 2 minutes or until smooth.
- Chill or serve immediately. Makes 2 servings.
Glowing Skin Smoothie
½ cup of coconut water
2 frozen ripe bananas
1 cup of pineapple chunks
1 cup of mango, chopped
2 cups of spinach or kale
½ avocado, sliced
- Combine all the ingredients into the Vitamix blender and then secure the lid.
- Blend everything for about 2 minutes or until smooth.
- Chill or serve immediately. Makes 2 servings.
½ cup of almond milk
1 ½ bananas
1 whole orange peeled
2 tablespoons of almond butter
1 tablespoon of chia seeds
1 tablespoon of coconut oil
2 kale leaves
1 scoop of collagen powder
7 ice cubes
- Combine all the ingredients into the Vitamix blender and then secure the lid.
- Blend everything for about 2 minutes or until smooth and collagen powder is dissolved.
- Chill or serve immediately. Makes 2 servings.
Wrinkle Blaster Smoothie
You will need:
1 cup of water or unsweetened almond milk
1 handful of spinach
½ ginger root
1 handful of berries
1 handful of baby kale
2 tablespoons of lemon juice
1 scoop of bee pollen
1 scoop of collagen powder
How to Prepare:
- Combine all the ingredients into the Vitamix blender, then secure the lid.
- Blend everything for about 2 minutes or until smooth and collagen powder and bee pollen is dissolved.
- Chill or serve immediately. Makes 2 servings.
Strong Bones Smoothie
You will need:
300 ml coconut water
½ avocado
1 cup of spinach
1 cup of kale
50 grams pineapplechunks
1 cucumber, roughly chopped
How to Prepare:
- Combine all the ingredients into the Vitamix blender and then secure the lid.
- Blend everything for about 2 minutes or until smooth mixture is achieved.
- Chill or serve immediately. Makes 2 servings.
Recommended Smoothie Diet Ingredients
What were your expectations before you decided to shift or integrate the green smoothie diet into your regular meals? Did you wish to lose weight, have strong bones and muscles, detoxify, or just wanted to prevent or cure certain illnesses? Whatever the reason is, I hope this list of recommended smoothie diet ingredients will assist you in making a shopping list to start your green smoothie diet.
Kale – This green leafy vegetable is full of vitamins such as Vitamin A, B, C and K and minerals like Manganese, Copper, Calcium, Magnesium and Potassium. It also has contents like Omega-3, antioxidants and helps promote a healthy heart because of its ability to lower bad cholesterol levels. The Vitamin K content, which is rarely found in other fruits and vegetables, is another good feature kale has. It prevents blood clotting and helps reduce bone breakage or weakening. Ageing causes body parts to weaken and kale can be a great aid to lessen more complications.
Kale Juice
You will need:
5 large kale leaves
2 large cucumbers
1 lemon, peeled
1 apple
2 large celery stalks
1 inch knob ginger, peeled
How to Prepare:
- Combine all the ingredients into the Vitamix blender, then secure the lid.
- Hit pulse for 35 seconds or until the ingredients are well blended.
- Use a nutmilk bag to strain and separate the pulp from the juice.
- Chill or serve immediately.
Broccoli – Like kale, this green vegetable is also rich in antioxidants and is essential to bone and heart health. It is famous for its ability to fight cancer causing diseases and it can also lower the cholesterol levels. Broccoli is being used for detox due to its high content of phytonutrients known to aid in the elimination of body toxins. With these health benefits, parents do their best to let their kids eat it in order to benefit from these nutrients. It is also a common ingredient to soups, smoothies and juices. That is not surprising because it is easier to eat it that way. You can drink plain broccoli juice but you can also enhance the taste by adding other nutritious ingredients like banana or grapefruit for the consumption of the whole family.
Broccoli with Banana
You will need:
8 ounces of filtered water
2 large bananas, sliced
2 cups of frozen broccoli, chopped
How to Prepare:
- Combine all the ingredients into the Vitamix blender, then secure the lid.
- Blend everything for about 2 minutes or until smooth mixture is achieved.
- Chill or serve immediately.
Broccoli with Grapefruit
You will need:
8 ounces of of almond milk
1 large banana, sliced
1 cup of broccoli, chopped
½ red grapefruit, peeled
How to Prepare:
- Combine all the ingredients into the Vitamix blender and then secure the lid.
- Blend everything for about 2 minutes or until smooth mixture is achieved.
- Chill or serve immediately.
Spinach – The third on my list is spinach and I know you won’t ask me why because it is already known that this is one of the healthiest vegetables and one available in almost every region. What is unique in this small leafy vegetable is that it is also good for the skin health and blood. It is also friendly to the heart and a good immunity and energy booster. Like the two ingredients mentioned above, spinach is also a common ingredient being added to beverages and other meals. It is rich in minerals such as potassium, calcium, protein and iron and is filled with Vitamins A, B, C, and B Complex. To enhance its taste, you can blend it with fruits such as peach, berries and apples.
Spinach With Apple
You will need:
1 ½ cups of apple juice
2 cups of stemmed and chopped spinach
1 apple, chopped with peel
½ avocado, chopped
How to Prepare:
- Combine all the ingredients into the Vitamix blender, then secure the lid.
- Blend everything for about 2 minutes or until smooth mixture is achieved.
- Chill or serve immediately.
Spinach with Pear
You will need:
1 ½ cups of water
1 ripe pear, chopped
2 cups of spinach
1 tablespoon of lemon juice
1 teaspoon of ginger, grated
A tablespoon of flaxseed
Honey (to taste)
Mint leaves (to garnish)
How to Prepare:
- Combine all the ingredients except mint leaves into the Vitamix blender, then secure the lid.
- Blend everything for about 2 minutes or until smooth mixture is achieved.
- Chill or serve immediately.
Green Power Smoothie Summary
With this information and green smoothie diet recipe, I hope you have already made up your mind to join the health goal of everyone and shift from eating lots of junk foods to drinking healthy green smoothies and juices. Power up and achieve a strong mind and body with the green leafy vegetables our ancestors used to love and let us enjoy a longer period of life in this very awesome world. If you want more Vitamix recipes, feel free to visit our site from time to time and access all our nutritious recipes here.
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