Barb’s Vegetable Smoothie Recipe

Vegetable “smoothies” are an excellent way to increase your intake of vegetables. Smoothies or juicing should not replace eating and chewing solid foods at every meal, but are a perfect meal alternative for busy working professionals, those on a detox, candida, or elimination diet; or for anyone who doesn’t have the palate to consume 5-7 servings per day of vegetables.

Note: You must use a high-powered blender such as a Vitamix or Nutribullet that will liquefy fruits and vegetables to get a smooth, refined, “drinkable” consistency.

I like to make a large quantity in advance so I, or anyone in my household, has a glass readily available throughout the day. A minimal amount of nutrient value will be lost when storing and refrigerating for a few hours, but for me it is worth the convenience of having them prepared in advance.

  • This recipe makes about 3 - 8 oz. servings.
  • Use fresh, organic ingredients.
  • Rinse all vegetables well before adding to blender.
  • Use all parts of the stalk, leaf and stems to maximize nutrient value.

Ingredients:

Purified or distilled water2 – 2 ½ cups (or substitute with brewed green tea)

Green or red kale stalks1-3 stalks

Green or red Swiss chard1-2 stalks

Collard greens1-2 stalk

Dandelion greens4-5 stalks

Parsleysmall bunch, approx.3-4 stalks

Eggs (raw, organic)2-3

Avocado1/3

Coconut oil2 tbsps.

Lemon½ to 1 lemon (to taste), cut off ends only, the rest goes in the blender (rind too!). Lemon helps minimize bitterness from the veggies and is good for digestion.

Berries*small handful (about 4-6 berries, little more if raspberries or blueberries)

Banana*1/3 of banana, remove outer skin (eliminate if using berries or reduce quantities if using both fruits).

Optional ingredients:

Organic, brown-rice vanilla protein powder½ scoop

NanoGreens or other powdered vegetable drink½ scoop

Vitamin C powder1 dose/scoop

Experiment with other vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, beets, other leafy greens, other herbal teas as a substitute for water (no fruit juice!), or boost protein and good quality fats by adding nuts and seeds such as flax, hemp, pumpkin, almonds, walnuts.

*If you are on a low-glycemic or candida diet, berries used in a smoothie should be counted toward your weekly limit. Due to high sugar/carb content, bananas should only be added if they have been added to your overall program.

Barbara Rodgers, NC, BCHN | (610) 563-4776