Guest post by Kyra Howearth
Are you making green smoothies every day yet?
Green smoothies, usually a blended combination of fruit, leafy green vegetables and nutritious
superfoods, are so good for your body in numerous ways.
Lose Weight
Many people claim that green smoothies have helped them shred many kilograms off their
body weight.
Green smoothies are a great way to lose weight without starving yourself.
Green smoothies can help you slim down if you consume them as a meal replacement
(add some protein powder so the smoothie keeps you satiated for longer), or consume them
in place of unhealthy snacks.
Gain Energy
As green smoothies are already partially broken down, your body will save energy by not
having to work as hard to digest them.
Also, leafy greens are often a great source of magnesium.
If you have studied a bit of biochemistry, you will know that magnesium is needed by the
mitochondria in our body’s cells to make energy.
Replace Coffee Addiction
Start your day with a green smoothie instead of a coffee and notice the difference!
Your body will be fueled by nutritious fruit and vegetables rather than caffeine, and you won’t
get that afternoon slump as the caffeine wears off.
Easy to Make
Green smoothies are ridiculously easy to make, especially once you get a feel for the right ratios
of fruit to greens to liquid.
It is just as simple as throwing all the ingredients in your blender, pressing the “on” button, and
within 60 seconds you will have a delicious smoothie ready to slurp.
Reduce Cravings for Unhealthy Foods
Don’t be surprised if you find yourself craving kale chips instead of potato chips once you start
consuming green smoothies regularly! You will also start to appreciate the flavours of raw fruit
and vegetables.
This works best if you have your green smoothie in the morning – what you eat for breakfast
usually defines what your body will crave for the rest of the day, so make sure breakfast is a
healthy choice.
Clear Skin
Drinking green smoothies can help your skin become clearer.
Skin breakouts are often caused by a poor diet, so by drinking a green smoothie every day you
will provide your skin with much needed nutrients.
You can also reduce inflammation in your skin by including anti-inflammatory ingredients in your
smoothies, such as turmeric, blueberries, as well as leafy greens.
Full of Fiber
As fruit and vegetables are naturally high in fiber, green smoothies are a great way to ensure you
are consuming plenty of fibre each day.
Fiber helps you feel fuller for longer, and also helps to clean out your digestive tract and keep your
bowel moving regularly.
Hydration
Green smoothies are a great way to keep your body hydrated.
It can be difficult to drink the recommended 2 litres of water each day, but green smoothies can
contribute to this daily amount.
Fruit and vegetables are usually 90% or more water, so if you drink 500 millilitres of green smoothie,
it is safe to count that towards your daily water intake.
Pack More Nutrients into Your Diet
Green smoothies are jam-packed with nutrients such as vitamins C, K, beta-carotene, iron,
magnesium, calcium, folate, and so much more (depending on the different ingredients you use).
I will admit, on some days, green smoothies are the healthiest thing I consume.
Encourage Your Children to Eat More Leafy Greens
Will your children willingly eat a salad packed with leafy green vegetables?
I know my children are not fans of green vegetables.
However, most children love the sweet taste of green smoothies – and the green color makes the
smoothie look fun!
Start off with lots of fruit in your children’s smoothies, and gradually increase the amount of leafy
green vegetables.
Before you know it, they will be asking for kale smoothies, and may even begin to nibble on
spinach salads.
Sensational Taste
Perhaps one of the most appealing reasons to make green smoothies part of your daily life is to
satisfy your sense of taste.
The fruity combinations excite your taste buds, and green smoothies are usually a joy to drink.
You can create different flavors every day by using different fruits, fresh herbs, or adding
superfoods like cacao.
Or simply try this healthy and delicious Greener Colada Smoothie pictured in the photo above.
About the author
After sharing hundreds of green smoothies between herself, her husband and 3 children, Kyra Howearth knows a thing or two about how to make the perfect green smoothie. You can find some of her healthy smoothie recipes on her blog Vie De La Vegan or Instagram @viedelavegan.
Top and bottom photo: Greener Colada by Kyra Howearth
Have you made green smoothies a daily habit yet?
What are your favorite green smoothie combinations?
Share your tips, combos, thoughts and comments with us.
Hi Deborah,
Great information. Smoothies are such a wonderful way to improve our health and you have pointed out in the article. Thanks for sharing on Real Food Fridays. Pinned & Twitted.
I love my green smoothie! It really is a great way to start the day. I need to convince my husband that it can replace his morning coffee ;p
Thanks so much for sharing this at Healthy Vegan Fridays Deborah – I am pinning this =)