Green Breakfast Energy Smoothie, YUM!

I've experimented incorporating green juices and smoothies into my lifestyle since 2009, but have been consistent recently, for almost a year now.  The more I learned about how our food sources are made, the more aware I was of profit vs. true nutrition.  Being informed allowed me to make better choices for my health.  I make the conscious choice to love myself, and therefore, chose the best fuel for my body.  This does not mean that I do not consume any processed foods at all.  Herein lies my humanity, our humanity, and to accept our imperfect state at times it arises.

Let's talk about breakfast.  What do you eat in the morning?  Typical American meal: sugary cereal with pasteurized milk, an omelet, toast, coffee, etc.  This was my standard breakfast meal that always left me craving for something else.  It was filling, but unsatisfying.

What have I tried differently now?  Starting my day with a green juice or smoothie makes a HUGE difference in my energy level and alertness in the morning.  (Amount of sleep is also a factor.)  The body has just emerged from a state of rest.  When a heavy meal is consumed, it would be understandable as to why I am nodding off in my Art History class at 10 A.M. 

Thus, an easily digestible meal in the morning is key to energy.  My favorite morning green smoothie consists of baby spinach with an orange, and some lemon juice.  SPINACH is packed full of chlorophyll, which is alkalizing and cleansing for the body.  It is the plant's life source which I am consuming.  Spinach is packed full of Vitamins A, C, K, and minerals such as CALCIUM and IRON.  Baby spinach is tender, which makes the fiber easy to digest.  We are also "pre-digesting" the fiber when we blend everything into a smoothie form.  I drink it immediately because the live energy and enzymes decrease as it sits.  An hour later, I have a fruit smoothie with some oranges.  (Please note that this does not include the extra fruit or nuts I snack on until Lunch.)

Amounts can vary to your liking but it is important to consume enough food to sustain until your next meal.


INGREDIENTS: (My Personal Amount)

Green Smoothie

• 1 cup water or as much until desired consistency
• one entire package of baby spinach
• one whole orange, peeled
• one lemon squeezed

Place all ingredients into a blender until consistency is smooth. (approx. 30 secs.)


Fruit Smoothie

• 2-3 oranges
• (water is optional)

 Blend until smoothie consistency. (approx. 30 secs.)

For those who are calorie curious: the two smoothies would equate to approx. 265- 330 calories.

 P.S.- Spinach is a mild green.  It has a neutral taste, but if it does not appeal to you, add more fruit!  Although greens and fruits should be consumed separately for easier digestion, this is still a much healthier choice than a standard American breakfast meal.)

***Making one small dietary change in the morning can surprisingly benefit you.  Try it and ENJOY!**