Hate eating your veggies? I’ve got you covered.

Author: Connie Kelly

You’ve taken the plunge into a healthier lifestyle which means you are trying to make healthy food choices. Your Naturopath has suggested a little bit of protein at each meal…you’ve got your chicken, beef or lentils. Check. Healthy fat at each meal...you’re adding in some pastured butter or olive oil. Check. And vegetables at eat meal. Wait. Not veggies! What do you do if you just don’t like veggies? I’ve got two solutions for you.

1.  Greens Smoothie (see recipe below).  
2. Buy a greens drink at the store in the produce section if you don’t have time to make a smoothie, or if you have a child that doesn’t like veggies. Right next to that greens drink will be a fruity drink that you can mix ½ and ½ to the greens to make it taste better.

But if you do have the time, your body will thank you if you make your own greens smoothie. Check out the recipe below. You can add to it whatever you have on hand as far as the vegetables, and whatever fruit you like. I occasionally like to add either avocado or full fat Greek yogurt for a creamier texture. This also adds fat for better absorption of your minerals. One teaspoon olive oil is a nice fat addition if you don’t have an avocado. I also freeze some of the fruit so my smoothie is cold. That way I don’t have to add ice.

P.S. if you eat organic produce, you won’t have to eat as much of it! Organic produce contains 100-fold more nutrients, vitamins and minerals as conventionally grown produce.

GREENS SMOOTHIE
Ingredients:
2 cups leafy greens or vegetables (I use all colors of veggies)
2 cups fruit (mango, pineapple, banana, berries)
2 cups water
1 tsp olive or avocado oil (optional)
½ cup avocado or full fat Greek yogurt (optional)

Instructions:
Tightly pack the leafy greens or veggies into a measuring cup and then toss it into the blender.
Add the water and blend together until all the chunks are pulverized.
Add your fruit (including your frozen fruit) and blend again until smooth.
Pour into your favorite cup or mason jar.
*Add more fruit if you feel it needs to be sweeter. Or sometimes I add a little raw honey.

*Note on Spinach: I recommend that if you use raw spinach regularly, you keep in mind that spinach has an anti-nutrient that blocks the absorption of calcium. It is better to lightly sauté in a small amount of apple cider vinegar to break down that anti-nutrient so you get the most out your healthy spinach!

Make this recipe your own and be creative with the substitutions! Your local farmer’s market is going to have sun-kissed, ripened organic produce which is going to be packed with yummy stuff for your tummy. Look for a CSA (community supported agriculture) or ask if they spray their crops. The answer you’re looking for is “No, I don’t spray my crops and I follow organic farming practices.” They don’t have to be certified organic.