Vegetable “smoothies” are an excellent way to increase your intake of vegetables.  Smoothies or juicing should not replace eating and chewing solid foods at every meal, but are a perfect meal alternative for busy working professionals, those on a detox, candida, or elimination diet; or for anyone who doesn’t have the palate to consume 5-7 servings per day of vegetables.

Note:  You must use a high-powered blender such as a Vitamix or Nutribullet that will liquify fruits and vegetables to get a smooth, refined, “drinkable” consistency.

Vegetables in a blender ready for juicing!

I like to make a large quantity in advance so I, or anyone in my household, has a glass readily available throughout the day.  A minimal amount of nutrient value will be lost when storing and refrigerating for a few hours, but for me it is worth the convenience of having them prepared in advance.

  • This recipe makes about 3 – 8 oz. servings.
  • Use fresh, organic ingredients.
  • Rinse all vegetables well before adding to blender.
  • Use all parts of the stalk, leaf and stems to maximize nutrient value.

Ingredients:

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Purified or distilled water
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2 – 3 cups (or substitute with brewed green tea)
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Green or red kale stalks
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1-3 stalks
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Green or red Swiss chard
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1-2 stalks
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Collard greens
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1-2 stalks
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Dandelion greens
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4-5 stems
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Parsley
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small bunch, approx.3-4 stems
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Eggs
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(raw organic) 2-3
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Avocado
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1/3
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Coconut oil
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2 tbsps.
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Lemon
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½ to 1 lemon (to taste), cut off ends only – the rest goes in the blender (rind too!). Lemon helps minimize bitterness from the veggies and is good for digestion.
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Berries*
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small handful (about 4-6 berries, little more if raspberries or blueberries)
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Banana*
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1/3 of banana, remove outer skin (eliminate if using berries or reduce quantities if using both fruits).
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Optional ingredients:

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Organic, brown-rice vanilla protein powder
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½ scoop
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NanoGreens or other powdered vegetable drink
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½ scoop
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Vitamin C powder
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1 dose/scoop
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Experiment with other vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, beets, other leafy greens, other herbal teas as a substitute for water (no fruit juice!), or boost protein and good quality fats by adding nuts and seeds such as flax, hemp, pumpkin, almonds, walnuts.

*If you are on a low-glycemic or candida diet, berries used in a smoothie should be counted toward your weekly limit.  Due to high sugar/carb content, bananas should only be added if they have been added to your overall program.

 

Note:  This information is provided as a resource and for educational purposes only.  These recommendations are not intended as a substitute for consulting a physician or licensed healthcare practitioner.   Individuals dealing with a serious or chronic health issue should consult with your doctor before beginning a nutritional program, taking supplements, discontinuing medications or eliminating foods from your daily diet.   This information is not intended to replace medical advice from your doctor or to diagnose any health condition. 

Nutrition Life Strategies