Very berry “green” smoothie

I truly do mourn the fact that I don’t like greens. I just can’t stand the taste or texture of anything leaf-like. I’ve wanted to find a way to incorporate greens into my diet despite my aversion, but I admit that my complacency had me in a state of inertia. Now, however, it’s time I make a move on this desire of mine, and feed my body what I know it’s long hungered for.

You're not going to see me munching on salads or anything like that, but I was inspired by Kati’s post about "green monster" smoothies. I resolved to take the stealth approach, and sneak some greens into me. Reassured by the promise that I wouldn’t detect any leafy taste, I took a deep breath and bought my first ever bag of spinach last Wednesday. Go me! On Thursday and Friday, this was my breakfast.

6-8 strawberries, hulled
1/4 cup fresh or frozen blackberries
1/4 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
1/4 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
1 1/2 cups (2 big handfuls) spinach leaves
1/2 banana, frozen
1/2 scoop protein powder
1T ground flaxseed
1/3 cup vanilla or plain soymilk
1/4 cup crushed ice or ice water

Watch out; this’ll go fast. Put all ingredients in a blender.



Pulse to combine, then purée completely. You can add extra water a spoonful at a time if it looks too thick.



Pour into a tall glass, and enjoy! I’m thrilled to report that you cannot, in fact, distinguish one hint of greenery in there. I looove my berries, and all I could taste were their sweet, tart, fresh flavors. And it’s so very healthy—just look at those nutritionals! This made a fantastic post-workout, pre-work meal, and it’s made me eager to find more ways to slip spinach and other greens into my diet. Look forward in the next couple of weeks to a post about how I used the remainder of that bag of spinach to craft a mouthwatering, savory…well, you’ll see.



Yield: 1 serving. Per serving: 252 calories, 4.6g fat (trace sat), 38g carbs, 14g fiber, 20.4g protein.

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