I will be the first to admit that eating a restricted diet can be hard. Like, really hard.

I’m Ukrainian.  Hello pierogis, you gorgeous fried dumpling with potatoes, cheese and extra sour cream!  When I fall off the wagon I turn into a child again sitting around the kitchen table competing with my brother, sister and cousins to see who can eat the most pierogis.  I know I will pay for it.  I will feel like garbage tomorrow.  I will look so bloated you might think I’m pregnant, but I assure you I’m not!

Even when I eat food that is not good for me, I always have my green smoothies.  If I don’t have a green smoothie every morning, I notice it.  My body now craves it. Clearly, this wasn’t always the case.  My body has learned to expect the high vitamin, mineral and healthy fat jolt I get from my smoothies.  I can truly say I love a smoothie, but I never had one until a few years ago.

Benefits of Green Smoothies 

The benefits vary depending on what you put in them.

• Green leafy vegetables are so high in vitamins and minerals including Magnesium which can help with constipation, and calm moods. They are also high in calcium.
• By blending your veggies you will consume way more than you would normally. When was the last time you had a big salad for breakfast?  Never?
• Adding fruit sweetens the flavour and adds natural sugars your body will quickly turn into energy.
• And don’t forget the anti-oxidants from all the bright colours you are adding.
• Nuts and seeds have amazing healthy fats.  Fat is your friend. Fat is how your brain works.  Seeds and nuts also contain protein which can help you feel full longer and prevent blood sugar crashes.
• Blending all this goodness keeps the fiber intact, which creates bulk for your poop.  (And who doesn’t love to poop?)

What is the basic formula for a super healthy smoothie?

Ingredients – and options

• 2 parts greens (spinach, kale, swiss chard, beet tops)
• 1 part fruit to sweeten
• 1/2 part seed or nut or combination for fats and protein
• liquid to cover – such as water, coconut water, almond milk, cashew nut milk or other nut or seed milk
• flavouring – consider cinnamon, nutmeg, pumpkin spice,  vanilla, cocoa nibs, turmeric, ginger, mint, or cilantro either alone or in combination

Add-ons once you’re addicted

• wheat grass
• dandelions greens
• purslane
• algae
• seaweed
• coconut yoghurt
• avocado
• broccoli
• beets
• carrots
• pumpkin
• supplements (The ones you don’t like can be hidden in the mix.)

Maybe you’re not ready for all this green in your life.  Maybe you start small. Use half the greens, add a little more fruit.

I got my daughter hooked on smoothies each morning by pouring it into shot glasses, which made it more fun. It might also make me a bad mom, but you do what you gotta do! You can also freeze in popsicle molds and freeze them.  If the colour green weirds your kid out, throw a bunch of blueberries in and make it a purple smoothie.

Another way to enjoy your smoothie – smoothie bowls.  You take your smoothie a little denser by using less liquid and pour it into a bowl. Top with fresh fruit, granola, toasted coconut, cocoa nibs.  The possibilities are endless!