Green Smoothies (Recipe) and Blenders

Many people have expressed interest in the green smoothies that I make. Below you will find a recipe for the one that I started out with. Because I have been drinking these for a while, I’m pretty comfortable making it up as I go along. I’ll tell you, though, that one of my favorite things to add to my smoothies is watermelon because it adds such a wonderful sweetness to them, and I don’t have to add as much water. Also, I almost always add at least one banana or avocado for texture.

For more information about the health benefits of green smoothies, read Green For Life by Victoria Boutenko.

Blenders are also important because using your typical kitchen blender leaves you with a smoothie that’s a bit difficult to get down, in my opinion. The best one’s on the market are the VitaMix and the Blendtec. They both retail for about $400 online, but I was able to find a demo Blendtec on ebay, used only twice (they have a digital screen that tells you how many times it’s been run) for $289 with shipping (the “buy it now” price). I’ve had a few friends purchase from this seller, and all have been thrilled with their purchase. In fact, one of my friends received a blender that hadn’t even been used at all! If it helps, I also found this online comparison between the two that helped me make my decision on which one to buy.

–C.J. Cantrell

Green Smoothie

This is the very first raw recipe I learned to make, and is extremely high in both nutrients and fiber. I consider this the most important part of every day. If you do nothing else, drink this.

• 3 large or 6 small Collard Leaves, including stems (or equivalent of any other greens, like: spinach, kale, Swiss chard, etc.)
• 6-8 dates (if using Medjool, use about half), soaked – I like to use the water that I soak it it as well to help sweeten it up some, but that is optional.
• 3 ripe Bananas
• Ice (optional)
• Water

1. Place the dates in the blender, with 1-2 cups of water. Blend until dates are broken down pretty well (about 10-20 seconds).
2. Break collards in 3 pieces and add to blender. Add. bananas and enough water to fill 2/3 of the blender. Blend up until completely blended (about 20-40 seconds).
3. Add ice (optional) to top of blender. Blend until ice is all broken down (not too long, or the blender will start to heat the smoothie).
4. Pour into a cup and serve.

I pour this into a plastic pitcher and take it with me to work and drink it throughout the day. It makes a quick, easy breakfast and gives you all the greens you need, which otherwise is hard to get.

Note: I use a Blendtec blender, which has a 64 oz. Pitcher. The VitaMix and Blendtec are both high-speed blenders that breaks down the plant fiber like regular household blenders can’t do, so you are missing some nutrients. Also, many blenders are only 32 oz. Or less, so consider this when preparing the smoothie, and adjust the amounts to the blender size. For a 32 oz. Blender, use half of all the ingredients. Start right away and use whatever blender you have for now, until you get the one you want. Don’t get caught up in details.

This recipe from Nicole with www.NewLeafNutrition.com

For more information about C.J. Cantrell, or how Hypnosis can help you create healthy habits that last, please visit www.UseTheAdvantage.com