Green Is the New Black

May 21, 2018 0 Comments

Each spring, people from all walks of life work themselves into a frenzy in anticipation of what is undoubtedly the health industry's second favorite season; swimsuit season. 

Long forgotten New Year's resolutions are re-ignited with the force of a category four hurricane as we try to work off the effects of months worth of bad habits in a few short weeks. (I mean, chili cheese fries are considered a food group during ski season, right)? Time to trade the beer cheese sauce for something a bit more waist wise; a green smoothie.

While swimsuit season in Montana consists mainly of icy dunks into mountain lakes, weekend floats on the river and the occasional afternoon at the town pool with the kids, we like to make sure our pasty bodies look toned and trim while we're doing it!

-Easy, delicious green smoothie with pineapple & spinach 

Fortunately, there are some easy fixes that can make a big difference in your bikini bod and overall health. Green smoothies are an easy way to kick-start healthier eating and drop a few pounds. The beauty of the smoothie is it's adaptability; you don't need a lot of fancy ingredients or high priced supplements to blend up one of these nutritious shakes; just throw in what you've got and call it a day! However, if your looking for some inspiration, check out a few of the scrumptious combos below. 

-Turns out our tasting spoons are perfect for avoiding awkward blender mustaches and reaching every last drop! 

And remember, while green is the new black in the smoothie world, it's not how it looks, it's how it performs. Forget the Insta worthy photos and make something that nourishes your body from the inside out.

-Nutritional superhero, SPIRULINA!

Basic Green Smoothie Recipe                                                                     

Start with this easy green smoothie recipe then tailor it to your liking.

-2 Large handfuls of greens (baby kale, spinach, broccoli, arugula if you're spicy)
-One small banana + up to 1.5 C fruit and veggies of choice
-1 C liquid (milk, coconut water, water, La Croix, almond milk, etc.)
-1 C ice (optional)

Optional Add-Ins                                                                                               

Get creative with your add-ins! This is where the fun of smoothie making kicks in

-1 Tbs nut butter (peanut, almond, cashew)                                                         
-Add avocado for a creamy texture and healthy fat                   
-Ginger, cinnamon, turmeric, maca, spirulina, bee pollen, cayenne
-Chia seeds, hemp seeds, ground flax
-Fresh herbs
-A scoop of your favorite protein powder

I realize some of these ingredients may seem odd or dare I say- icky- but they are easily disguised by the robust flavor of fruits. You won't know what's hiding in your shake after it's all blended up, and, your body will thank you!

 Claire's Favorite Combos

Pineapple-Cilantro Refresher: Add these two items to the basic smoothie recipe for a refreshing, cleansing taste. Coconut water for the liquid ups the hydration factor. A note to the wise, be careful with the cilantro, a little goes a long way!

Chocolate-Berry Bliss: A scoop of chocolate protein powder plus mixed berries makes for a yummy, dessert-like treat! I skip the banana on this one.

Vanilla latte: Add a cup of cold coffee, a shake of cinnamon, 2 tsp vanilla extract and almond milk to start your morning off right!

Brad's Favorite Combos

Trash Can Smoothie: No frills here. Take whatever you have in your fridge- broccoli included- and blend it up. Make a giant batch in the morning and drink throughout the day.

Salted Caramel: Vanilla protein powder + salted almonds + caramel extract. Enough said. 

Have a great smoothie recipe of your own? Know another magical trick to get us looking our best for those days we're out casting a line in the summer sun? Leave us a comment below.

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