A Kinder Katie: Banana and Pear Green Smoothie

Smoothies are a great way to get a quick boost of nutrients, vitamins, and fiber. You may not think that spinach, let alone anything green, would taste good in a smoothie. However you would be surprised at how great they can taste! By blending your greens and fruits you are allowing for those nutrients and vitamins to be more easily assimilated into your body = greater benefit for you! And sometimes making smoothies is a lot easier than sitting down and eating a crunchy salad. They will fill you up, are great on the go as a quick snack, and are fun for kids to drink! Trust me, if my 15 month old son gobbles them up, you can too. Read about additional benefits of green smoothies here.

The best way to start out on a green smoothie adventure is to introduce yourself to the idea by using sweet fruits and baby spinach first. In order to receive the most benefit from green smoothies you should stick to the following categories when preparing them:

1.) One part green: Two/Three Part Fruit
2.) Do not mix sweet fruits with acid fruits. (I.e. Banana with Berries. Sub-acid fruits such as pears or apples are OK to mix with sweet fruits or acid fruits in moderation.)
3.) Refrain from adding yogurt, milk or milk substitutes, or nuts.
4.) Work your way up to denser, heartier greens such as kale, dandelion, etc once you have mastered swiss chard or baby spinach.
5.) Use juices, honey, or other sweetener additives sparingly.
6.) Switch up your greens on a regular basis.

Recipe:

4 cups chopped organic baby spinach
1 ripe medium organic banana
1 organic Bosc pear
1 organic Bartlett pear
1-1/2 cups filtered water

Directions:

1.) Wash spinach and fruit. Chop into large chunks. Toss fruit into blender first, topped with spinach and then filtered water.