Green smoothies have a bit of a bad reputation. We know, blended spinach mightn’t exactly sound like the most appealing start to your day, but trust us, you can’t get a more nutritious (or tastier) morning kick.

A green smoothie is any blended drink containing a dark green leafy vegetable as its main ingredient. Fortunately though, green veg work amazingly well with citrus fruits, berries, bananas and other yummy add-ons.

Spinach and kale are the most common green smoothie bases, but dark green lettuces and collard are also good options. If you’re a bit wary of the taste, try these three beginners’ recipes… we promise you’ll soon be hooked!

If you want your smoothies cold, use one frozen fruit if possible and ensure your liquids are always straight from the fridge. All recipes serve one person.

The Virgin Green Mojito
This tropical smoothie is a great one to make for friends too if you’re having people over for brunch or brekkie. The lime and pineapple give this smoothie a great Caribbean feel!

Ingredients:

  • 40g kale
  • 250 ml coconut water
  • ½ pineapple, peeled, cored and cubed
  • Small handful mint leaves
  • Juice of ½ lime

Method:

  1. Blend kale and coconut water until smooth.
  2. Add other ingredients and blend again until smooth

 

The Morning Alarm Clock
This zingy smoothie will be sure to get you moving in the mornings!

Ingredients:

  • 250ml milk (dairy, soy, almond – whatever is your preference)
  • 30g spinach
  • Large handful of strawberries (or any berries you prefer)
  • ½ banana, chopped
  • ½ tablespoon grated ginger

Method:

  1. Blend spinach and milk until smooth
  2. Add other ingredients and blend again

 

The Glowing Green Smoothie
Avocados are great for skin redness and for improving skin tone in general, as they contain lots of healthy fats like Omega 9. So this is a great smoothie to leave you feeling bright as a button on a Monday morning!

Ingredients:

  • 30g spinach
  • 250ml coconut water
  • ¼ pineapple, peeled, cored, and cubed
  • ½ avocado, peeled and sliced (stone removed)

Method:

  1. Blend spinach and milk.
  2. Add other ingredients and blend again