My Go-To Green Drink
At the start of fall, I was making my blueberry-basil smoothie over and over and over.
But for the last few months, I’ve been making this green drink multiple times a week.
It is a great go-to meal in a glass.
It will fill you up without weighing you down.
I created this smoothie using ingredients that I keep reading about and I am currently obsessing over:
- Plain Nonfat Kefir: It has the taste and consistency of drinkable yogurt but it is 99% lactose free. Plus, it has a lot more probiotics than yogurt. If have read anything about the great stomach benefits of probiotics, you know that they help regulate your digestion. Sooooo, Kefir for the win.
- Turmeric: I recently bought this spice and I’ve been using it in all my smoothies lately. It’s an anti-inflammatory ingredient.
- Chia Seeds: If I don’t use flaxseed, I throw in chia seeds. They are easier to digest and they fill you up, while providing healthy omega-3’s. [cool note: soak chia seeds in coconut milk and honey or fruit overnight and you will have chia pudding]
- Cucumber: de-bloater
- Spinach, fresh basil, parsley: enough. said. right. there.
Whirl those ingredients together with a dash of cinnamon and lemon zest…
and you will quickly have something to feel good about.
Refreshing Green Smoothie
Makes 1 serving
- ¼ - ½ cup nonfat kefir, plain (nonfat Greek yogurt or skim milk will also work)
- ¼ - ½ tsp. turmeric
- 1 tsp. chia seeds
- few dashes of cinnamon
- ¼ cup sliced cucumber
- big handful of fresh spinach
- fresh basil and parsley (or mint), 5-6 leaves
- ½ large frozen banana (or 1 small banana)
- lemon zest (optional)
- cold water, if needed
Directions:
- Blend the kefir, turmeric, chia seeds, cinnamon, and lemon zest. Add in the spinach and herbs until it is totally blended.
- Add the cucumber and the frozen banana and blend until smooth.
- Enjoy right away or chill until ready to eat.
Drink your green stuff with pride.
I sure do.