If you are new to drinking green smoothies, then this recipe is for you. Although I like my green smoothies sweet, and my green juices tart, this was too sweet for me, but it’s a good start and great for kids! With time increase the amount of spinach and/or reduce the fruit to 1/2 cup in total. And since both banana and pineapple are quite sweet, the other option is to switch one of them to a lower sugar fruit such as frozen berries.

Spinach is almost tasteless, so don’t worry about it affecting the taste. With time try adding other greens such as kale or collard. You can use fresh or frozen spinach.

Coconut water is optional however it adds a slight sweetness and goes so well with the pineapple and ginger.

As your progress in your green smoothie making adventure here are a few tips to keep in mind:

1. For a creamy texture always use frozen fruit or veggies. If you forgot to freeze your fruit in advance, just add a few ice cubes.
2. It’s important to have a good source of healthy fat in each smoothie. This will help keep you stay fuller for longer and balance your blood sugar levels. In the smoothie below I used avocado and hemp seeds. Other options are nut butters, tahini, flaxseed meal, coconut milk, and coconut oil
3. As with fat, it’s important to include a good source of protein to help keep you satiated for longer. I used hemp seeds and marine collagen in the smoothie below. Nuts, seeds and their butters are good sources of plant-based protein. You can also use good quality protein or collagen powder. I use only marine collagen.
4. Keep in mind the flavor of the smoothie overall when choosing your fat or protein so it will taste delicious.
5. Take the opportunity to add an extra health and flavor boost with the addition of superfoods such as ginger, turmeric, greens powders, mushroom elixir, lucuma or maca powder.
6. The better your blender the better your result. I use a Vitamix which is excellent, giving you a smooth result without overheating the smoothie.
7. For a thicker smoothie bowl consistency, use less liquid and as in the first tip, use frozen fruit and veggies.

Okay, let’s make a smoothie! If you have kids get them involved, they will probably enjoy it more than you, and an excellent way to get them to have more fruits and veggies.