I don't know about you, but I can't count how many times I've seen a post about the almighty green smoothie pop up in my reader lately. Joy has a pear flavored one with kale, Emily concocted one with oatmeal for breakfast, Gina has a skinny version. Green smoothies are taking over the interweb.
It's not hard to see why -- one large smoothie contains two servings of veggies and a serving of fruit. It's packed with fiber, vitamins, calcium, and tons of other good-for-you stuff. Couple that with how "delicious and life changing" everyone says it is... and, well, drinking one is pretty much a no brainer.
Since this was my first attempt at green smoothie making, I decided to keep things simple. One cup of skim milk, two cups of spinach, one ripe banana that had seen better days, a tablespoon of peanut butter, and a handful of ice. I had everything in the kitchen, and this was a perfect way to use up the leftover spinach from last week's dinner menu.
The verdict? Meh. We both thought the smoothie tasted better than expected, but overall it wasn't very impressive. The consistency was surprisingly creamy (although I'm not sure how... the banana? peanut butter? spinach??) but it lacked that special something to keep me wanting more and had a slightly leafy aftertaste. If I ever make it again, I'll probably throw in berries or citrus fruit for a little more zing. This recipe wasn't very sweet, either, since the only sugar in it came from the banana... I would recommend adding a little honey to the mix if you have a sweet tooth like me.
Well, internets... for now I disagree with your green smoothie love. It's really not that tasty and definitely not life changing. And I can taste the spinach, you're not tricking me. Admittedly, it's a great way to knock out half of your fruits and veggies for the day (especially if you make this for breakfast) but I think I'll stick with spinach salads and smoothies of the strawberry-banana variety, thank you. Has anyone else attempted the green smoothie? I'd love to know your thoughts/recipes!
Next up on the blogging trends list: kale chips. I feel like I have to.
Or possibly no-heat curls...
11 comments:
Yes! I'd love to read the post on kale chips. I've heard that they were so good. I wonder if it's like eating those seaweed papers?
haha, I agree. Meh. I do love a good strawberry smoothie though.
Haha, great idea for a series! I'm reluctant to post about things sometimes because they've been so done in the "blog world" but I forget there are people in the "regular world" that still don't know about it. I wore a sock bun to a wedding recently, thinking they were such old news, but everyone was super impressed!
Ahhh i so disagree! ;) Try it with the citrus, or pear! I'll have to make you one if I ever see you in real life.
I had such great hopes for the green Smoothie!! It's such a pretty color.
Haha, welp, it's not for everyone...and definitely not necessary for health either. :)
I usually use almond milk, which adds a little sweetness and also a little vanilla extract and no ice. You can also add an apple for extra sweetness.
@ Kate -- I promise I'll give it a second chance :) We should plan some sort of Chicago adventure soon with Abby!
@Emily -- I though about almond/soy milk to add a little more sweetness, an apple sounds like a good idea too. Does it blend well?
I love your idea to try blogging trends. I can't lie, sometimes stuff gets traction on blogs and I wonder if it is really good, so this is hilarious.
THE INFAMOUS GREEN SMOOTHIE! Congratulations for drinking it properly from a mason jar. I pretty much have had one for breakfast for the past three months (straight out of a wide mouthed quart Ball jar). And somehow it manages to be the same one every morning (because I like it that way). My version is pretty much like yours except: no pb, no ice, two bananas, coconut milk, a little water and MANGO! (or pineapple if I can't find frozen mango in the store) Lately I have been throwing in a little blue green algae but I wouldn't recommend it for someone still venturing into the Greendom. Welcome, by the way.
And...I laughed out loud at "leafy aftertaste". You know? I think that's what my breakfast is missing...a nice, leafy aftertaste. I mostly try cosmetic things from the blog world. I'm a pro at mermaid curls and ombre nails.
Also, if you have a Chicago adventure with Kate and Abby...I'm totes crashing it.
This may sound crazy, but I've found that the more flavorful the fruit, the less you taste the green. Strawberries do a great job of masking the taste. Personal favorite: 1 orange, 1 kiwi, handful of spinach - mixed with either orange juice or almond/soy milk. The orange juice intensifies, the milk smooths it out - so it depends on what you want. If you go with the orange juice try adding some greek yogurt. And if you go with the greek yogurt add a little bit of honey. Totes cray.
Okay, that's all.
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