The not-so-green Smoothie

So I must admit, as much as I try to stay healthy during the holidays... it never happens. It usually goes something like this... I get to a holiday party and I hover around the veggie platter for the first two hours. I decide that one drink wont hurt... and that's when things go downhill. After that I decide that one, no, two slices of cheesecake, pumpkin pie, christmas cookies and every other dessert is a good idea. And usually New Years Day Andrew and I come out of our sugar coma and decide we need to get back into our "routine".  (which means practically no alcohol, paleo, lots of kale and chicken, and crossfit every morning). And I know, that doesn't sound as "fun" as cookies & cake, but honestly my body & mind feel SO much better in our routine. 

So this year, I've decided to add some healthy "resolutions":

1. I'm going to try to drink more water  

2. I'm going to eat more vegetables.

And one of my new favorite ways to bring vegetables into my routine is by doing the oh-so-trendy "green smoothie". Green smoothies are basically any type of smoothie where you add in some sort of vegetable (spinach, kale, etc). But the veggies on their own aren't the tastiest, so it's always a good idea to add some fruit to liven it up (Green Apple, Banana, Kiwi, etc). 

The recipe I am writing about actually turns out to be a "red smoothie" because of the beets.  Beets are SUPER healthy, and is one of the sweeter vegetables. You can also use the "greens" that are attached to the fresh beet. (we've made salads with it).

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Smoothies are super easy to make since you basically throw all of the ingredients in and blend! I actually make it each night and leave it in the fridge overnight. That way I have a healthy snack for work each day. 

Ingredients:

  • 1 Beet (cleaned extremely well, take off roots & chop into 4 quarters)
  • 1/2 Cup Spinach
  • 1/2 Banana
  • 1/2 Green Apple
  • 1 Kiwi
  • Splash of Lemon Juice
  • 1 inch piece of Ginger
  • 1 cup water (you can use any type of liquid: coconut water, coconut milk, etc)

Directions:

  • Blend together and ENJOY!