Green Smoothies

Green smoothies are my favorite breakfasts, to start the day with fresh, whole and delicious living foods.  This recipe makes about 1 quart.

EQUIPMENT: 
Cutting board, knife, High speed blender such as Vita Mix or Blendtec (a bit pricey but worth every penny).  

INGREDIENTS: 

• 2 large handfuls leafy greens*
  
• 1 - 2 cups fruit (fresh / frozen berries, non-sweet fruits like green apples, cucumber, zucchini, red /yellow / orange peppers, avocado.   
  
• 2 tablespoons Chia Seeds (soaked overnight in a cup of water.)
  
• 2 tablespoons Hemp Protein powder or seeds
  
• Liquid Stevia to taste (use sparingly - it's sweeter than sugar)
  
• 1 – 1 ½ cups water, coconut water / milk, or any other nut or seed milk.
  

DIRECTIONS: 
Put all ingredients in a high speed blender or smoothie maker and process until smooth.   Enjoy!

NOTES:  
Tropical fruits can be used by non-diabetics. Diabetics need to avoid them or use them sparingly.  
Avocado pits are high in fiber and are very nutritious. 
Chia Seeds are high in Omega 3 and protein.
Greens and Hemp are wonderful sources of vegetable protein.
Stevia is derived from leaves and is heart healthy.  Whole Stevia leaf powder can be bought in some health food stores.  I got mine online from a raw food store. 

OTHER RESOURCES:
I have crowned Victoria Boutenco as the Green Smoothie Queen.  Click here for her recipes online.  
You can also download her Green Smoothie App for your iPhone, and refer to it on grocery runs. Very cool!   

Photo: Green smoothie in the making.
Photographer: Suchinta

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