Lovelyish

I’ve worked at a lot of smoothie places in my life. Two, to be exact, which may not seem like a lot but is probably two more than most people have ever worked at. 

The green monster smoothie has taken Pinterest by storm. This healthy smoothie gets its name from the spinach that makes it green and is jam packed full of vitamins and nutrients. Oh, and you can’t taste the spinach at all.

There are many different interpretations of the green monster smoothie, but here’s mine, which you know has gotta be good since I’m practically a professional smoothie maker.

The recipe makes two really big smoothies or three smaller ones. It also saves just as well as any other smoothie: just throw the leftovers in a plastic cup, cover with foil of plastic wrap and store in the fridge.

Put a big handful of baby spinach in a blender with 1.5 cups of coconut water and blend it up. You want to blend the spinach first to make sure you don’t get any big chunks of leafiness. Spinach is chop full of vitamins and antioxidents, and when you blend it in this smoothie you won’t be able to taste it at all. Coconut juice (which is the same thing as coconut water, but not the same thing as coconut milk), is super hydrating, full of good things for you like potassium, and is a natural alternative to drinks like Gatorade because it has electrolytes. Make this smoothie this summer after a nice workout! Also, coconut juice is easier to find than you think. They probably sell it at your grocery store in the health section, or in much cheaper cans like this. Make sure to get the unsweetened version!

Next comes the fruit. I add a handful of frozen strawberries. If your grocery store has it, get the all-natural version! I don’t know why, but the all-natural frozen strawberries tastes so much better. Or you can use fresh strawberries, which are in season right now! However, the consistency won’t be the same. Whatever you do, don’t get the dessert strawberries that are in syrup. Packed with sugar and high-fructose corn syrup, y’all. Not the idea we’re going for. Add a ripe banana (you can freeze this ahead of time if you want) and the juice of one lemon. Lemon juice makes every smoothie so much better. Next time you buy a smoothie, ask them to add a splash of lemonade to your favorite drink. You’re welcome. 

Then I add a couple tablespoons of chia seeds. Yes, the same chia seeds that gained its fame from chia pets. Chia seeds are packed with essential fatty acids and omega-3′s. Depending on if you like your smoothies seedy or not, give your smoothie a good blend to make it nice and smooth. 

As a finishing touch, I add a scant teaspoon of Truvia. Truvia is a natural zero calorie sweetener and gives the smoothie that sweet taste that we’re all used to getting from Jamba Juice. Have your smoothie and drink it too. 

Aaaand that’s it! You can really change this recipe to your own preferences, using whatever fruit you want. I just used strawberry and banana since it’s by far the most common. You can change out the coconut juice for almond or soy milk, or add yogurt to make it creamier. Instead of chia seed you could use whatever supplements you want. Etc.