Beef

One of the healthy benefits of smoothies in “green eating” is in easily increasing your intake of vegetables and their nutrition benefit, even the ones you don`t like. 

However, vegetables are seasonal, and it would be great if you could use frozen vegetables in smoothies all year round.  Can you do that?

The answer is yes you can, and it seems that using vegetables frozen at the moment of picking is healthier than using old vegetables from the fridge or larder or even store-bought “fresh” vegetables.

That is because the nutrients in vegetables deteriorate from the moment they are picked, and you can never be sure how long the vegetables have taken to travel from the farm to the shop.  

Out of season, that could be thousands of miles.

If they have far to travel, they can be picked before they are fully mature to allow them to ripen in transit.  That makes them deficient in nutrients before they even leave the farm.

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Benefits of Frozen Vegetables for Smoothies 

Frozen vegetables picked shortly after being harvested will have more nutrients. There are other benefits as well. 

They save you preparation time because they are already washed and cut.  

They are great for the budget conscious because in most shops they are cheaper than fresh veggies. 

And they are available all year round, either from your or the shop’s freezer.

And those benefits are apparently not the only benefits of using frozen vegetables in smoothies.  The flavor and texture are better as well.

Some people add frozen banana to smoothies to create a smoother and thicker consistency.  That however, adds carbs and sugar. If you are trying to cut down on them then replacing the frozen banana with frozen veggies can do it for you.

Some tips for finding the best frozen fruits and veggies:

• Look for produce that’s still in individual pieces. Each piece should be loose. If it’s a frozen solid lump, it`s been in the freezer a while
• Go green.  Choose vegetables with no additives, preservatives or flavorings. Beware, sauces can have hidden additives
• Keep an eye on expiration dates

Freezing Your Own Veggies

Freezing your own veggies? It depends on what you are freezing.  Some suppliers provide bulk bags, especially leafy vegetables like kale and spinach. 

First option – put the entire bag in the freezer.  

When you want some, open the bag and take out what you need. 

Reseal the bag with a clip.  

However, this can make the contents prone to freezer burn because the seal won’t be airtight. 

Second option – split the contents into individual freezer bags or containers. Remember to squeeze as much air out of the bag as you can.

That cuts down on freezer burn, and they take up less space.

Some shops have individual or small bags of single and mixed vegetables. 

These can be put straight into the freezer.

To summarize, yes, you can use frozen vegetables in smoothies.  

They generally provide better nutrition values than store-bought fresh vegetables, they add bulk, smoothness and consistency to smoothies.

For those who are fans of other Vitamix blenders, the e310 is a smaller version that can work well for those who don’t need to make so much of their various recipes.

As a result of the smaller size, it also comes at a lower cost, highly convenient for those on a budget who still want a high-quality product.

You’ll still get the same reliability you’ve come to expect from Vitamix, in a slightly smaller form.

Related Reading: Best blenders for green smoothies, read the reviews.

Controls

Controls are simple and clear.

Versatality

Capable of handling a wide variety of foods in five different ways.

Ease of Use

Simple, easy settings and features.

Features

Not a lot of bells and whistles, but the features are effective.

Editor’s Final Rating

Overall a great system for the money!

Pros

1. Works quickly
2. Easy to set up
3. Simple to use
4. Decent controls

Cons

1. Container may be a bit narrow
2. Can be very loud
3. Breakages can occur
4. Strength may sometimes not be enough

Here’s a good unboxing video I found on YouTube, that gives you a very detailed look on what you get when you buy the Vitamix e310:

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Those who look at the Vitamix e310 may find that it appears very similar to the Vitamix 5200, but in a 48-ounce version.

This makes it better suited to individuals and smaller families. You may also notice that the same durable blades appear in this model, great for all kinds of recipes.

Like other Vitamix options, this one is able to grind, emulsify or even heat the things you put into it; you can use it for soups and other warm recipes just as easily as cold one.

In addition, it’s also able to blend and chop, just like you’d do with a Ninja.

Consequently, the e310 is a device that can handle all the tasks that could otherwise take several different tools.

For those who don’t have a lot of space to offer up to a multitude of cooking appliances, or just like the versatility, the Vitamix e310 is a great device.

It’s also one that is easy for users to control, giving them the ability to choose their preferred speed as well as use the pulse button for quicker jobs.

What really brings it all together as a useful tool is the ability for it to self-clean.

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Who is this product for?

The Vitamix e310 is for those who enjoy the other Vitamix machines, but don’t need all the space that the larger options offer. 

This is especially true if you would prefer to avoid paying for the space you aren’t going to use.

It’s also a perfect choice for those who are looking to save a bit of money. Because Vitamix blenders tend to be a higher-end option, they can be on the expensive side.

These certainly aren’t blenders for just the casual blender user. However, that doesn’t mean everyone wants to pay the highest prices.

Consequently, the price of the Vitamix e310 is a bit lower and therefore keeps a little money in your pocket, while still providing a solid blender.

If you want to save even more money, you can look into a used or refurbished option, just make sure the source is reliable!

What’s included?

The largest part of the purchase is the blender itself. You’ll want to make sure it’s in good condition and starts up easily as soon as possible, just to make sure any potential problems are addressed quickly. 

On top of that, it should include the power cord, lid and blades all in good shape.

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You’ll get the 48-ounce blender container as well as a mini-tamper, motor base and a convenient cookbook to help you with finding delicious things to make using the e310.

On top of that, the 5-year warranty will ensure you’re fully covered for a multitude of issues.

Overview of features

If there’s one feature that really makes this blender worth the cost, it’s the self-cleaning ability. 

There are few things that can be more frustrating than trying to clean out a blender thoroughly by hand. With this machine, you won’t need to worry about that problem.

Furthermore, it contains stainless steel blades that should be able to hack through just about anything.

They are designed to be durable and effective on fruit, nuts and many other food items. Make sure to be careful when using and cleaning the blender though, as the blades are likely to be sharp.

With the versatility of this device, you won’t have a problem with chopping, mixing and emulsifying a wide variety of foods.

In addition, the included cookbook will give you plenty of options as far as things to make. It can also help to clear up space used by several different appliances.

Conclusion

Overall, the Vitamix e310 is a truly useful tool, which is sure to be able to help you with making a wide variety of meals. 

Whether it’s for a quick smoothie or a hearty soup, it’s difficult to go wrong with this device. You’ll be able to use different power settings as well as a pulse option for more sensitive foods.

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As a result, this is an ideal option for those who don’t have a lot of space, are looking for a smaller option than other Vitamix machines, or who want one versatile tool that can do it all.

For those who are fans of other Vitamix blenders, the e310 is a smaller version that can work well for those who don’t need to make so much of their various recipes.

As a result of the smaller size, it also comes at a lower cost, highly convenient for those on a budget who still want a high-quality product.

You’ll still get the same reliability you’ve come to expect from Vitamix, in a slightly smaller form.

Related Reading: Best blenders for green smoothies, read the reviews.

Controls

Controls are simple and clear.

Versatality

Capable of handling a wide variety of foods in five different ways.

Ease of Use

Simple, easy settings and features.

Features

Not a lot of bells and whistles, but the features are effective.

Editor’s Final Rating

Overall a great system for the money!

Pros

1. Works quickly
2. Easy to set up
3. Simple to use
4. Decent controls

Cons

1. Container may be a bit narrow
2. Can be very loud
3. Breakages can occur
4. Strength may sometimes not be enough

Here’s a good unboxing video I found on YouTube, that gives you a very detailed look on what you get when you buy the Vitamix e310:

Those who look at the Vitamix e310 may find that it appears very similar to the Vitamix 5200, but in a 48-ounce version.

This makes it better suited to individuals and smaller families. You may also notice that the same durable blades appear in this model, great for all kinds of recipes.

Like other Vitamix options, this one is able to grind, emulsify or even heat the things you put into it; you can use it for soups and other warm recipes just as easily as cold one.

In addition, it’s also able to blend and chop, just like you’d do with a Ninja.

Consequently, the e310 is a device that can handle all the tasks that could otherwise take several different tools.

For those who don’t have a lot of space to offer up to a multitude of cooking appliances, or just like the versatility, the Vitamix e310 is a great device.

It’s also one that is easy for users to control, giving them the ability to choose their preferred speed as well as use the pulse button for quicker jobs.

What really brings it all together as a useful tool is the ability for it to self-clean.

Who is this product for?

The Vitamix e310 is for those who enjoy the other Vitamix machines, but don’t need all the space that the larger options offer. 

This is especially true if you would prefer to avoid paying for the space you aren’t going to use.

It’s also a perfect choice for those who are looking to save a bit of money. Because Vitamix blenders tend to be a higher-end option, they can be on the expensive side.

These certainly aren’t blenders for just the casual blender user. However, that doesn’t mean everyone wants to pay the highest prices.

Consequently, the price of the Vitamix e310 is a bit lower and therefore keeps a little money in your pocket, while still providing a solid blender.

If you want to save even more money, you can look into a used or refurbished option, just make sure the source is reliable!

What’s included?

The largest part of the purchase is the blender itself. You’ll want to make sure it’s in good condition and starts up easily as soon as possible, just to make sure any potential problems are addressed quickly. 

On top of that, it should include the power cord, lid and blades all in good shape.

You’ll get the 48-ounce blender container as well as a mini-tamper, motor base and a convenient cookbook to help you with finding delicious things to make using the e310.

On top of that, the 5-year warranty will ensure you’re fully covered for a multitude of issues.

Overview of features

If there’s one feature that really makes this blender worth the cost, it’s the self-cleaning ability. 

There are few things that can be more frustrating than trying to clean out a blender thoroughly by hand. With this machine, you won’t need to worry about that problem.

Furthermore, it contains stainless steel blades that should be able to hack through just about anything.

They are designed to be durable and effective on fruit, nuts and many other food items. Make sure to be careful when using and cleaning the blender though, as the blades are likely to be sharp.

With the versatility of this device, you won’t have a problem with chopping, mixing and emulsifying a wide variety of foods.

In addition, the included cookbook will give you plenty of options as far as things to make. It can also help to clear up space used by several different appliances.

Conclusion

Overall, the Vitamix e310 is a truly useful tool, which is sure to be able to help you with making a wide variety of meals. 

Whether it’s for a quick smoothie or a hearty soup, it’s difficult to go wrong with this device. You’ll be able to use different power settings as well as a pulse option for more sensitive foods.

As a result, this is an ideal option for those who don’t have a lot of space, are looking for a smaller option than other Vitamix machines, or who want one versatile tool that can do it all.

Using pomegranate in your smoothies adds a tart taste that can work really well with lots of different fruits.

Pomegranate juice and seeds is packed with antioxidants and nutrients, which offers some impressive health benefits, including reducing “bad” LDL cholesterol, and keeping blood pressure in check.

It’s one of the super healthy foods you can add to your smoothies if you’re wanting to improve your heart health in particular.  

The tiny little seeds are highly nutritious so you’ll probably want to use these in your pomegranate smoothies as much as possible.

Not everyone enjoys using them though as they do alter the texture of the smoothie. If you’re not a fan of this, pomegranate still delivers some of the benefits.

In fact, the antioxidants in pomegranate juice are said to be three times stronger than the type you’ll find in red wine and green tea.

Ready to find out some of the best pomegranate smoothie recipes?

Superfood Pomegranate Smoothies

1. Pomegranate Banana Smoothie

The tart taste of the pomegranate is perfectly offset by the sweetness of the banana in this combination.

Using pomegranate seeds does change the texture of the smoothie somewhat.

If you’re not a fan of this, you may prefer to use pomegranate juice instead and add more banana (or another fruit).

Servings: 1 smoothie

Ingredients

• 1 banana (peeled and chopped)

• ¾ cup pomegranate seeds

• 2.5 ounces Greek yogurt

• 2.5 to 3 ounces liquid (milk or pomegranate juice)

Instructions

1. Peel and chop the banana.

2. Add all of the ingredients to your blender and combine until smooth and creamy.

3. Serve and enjoy!

2. Pomegranate Green Smoothie

Looking for a pomegranate smoothies recipe that is weight loss friendly?

This one fits the bill and comes it at under 170 calories.

It’s also a great source of vitamins A and C and provides an impressive amount of both.

It’s also a surprising source of calcium and iron so it’s a great smoothie choice for giving lots of nutrients without being calorie heavy.

Servings: 1 smoothie

Ingredients

• ½ cup pineapple (cubed)

• 1 cup spinach

• ½ cup green grapes

• 4 ounces pomegranate juice

• ½ to 1 inch ginger (fresh)

• Optional – 4 ice cubes

Instructions

1. Cube the pineapple, if you’re not using frozen chunks. Chop a piece of ginger that is up to an inch

2. Add all of the ingredients to your blender and combine until smooth.

3. Serve and enjoy!

3. Pomegranate Strawberry Smoothie

For a super refreshing smoothie, look no further than this combination.

It only uses a few ingredients so it’s perfect for an easy and healthy breakfast smoothie.

It’s also full of healthy antioxidants and a good fiber boost. If you’re using frozen strawberries, you don’t need to add the ice. 

Servings: 1 smoothie

Ingredients

• ¾ cup strawberries (hulled and chopped)

• 4 ounces pomegranate juice

• 2.5 ounces nonfat Greek yogurt

• 2 tbsp honey

• Optional – 4 ice cubes

Instructions

1. Hull the strawberries if you’re not using frozen ones and chop them into pieces.

2. Whisk together the honey and pomegranate juice until the honey has fully dissolved.

3. Add this mixture to the blender, along with the rest of the ingredients.

4. Blend until smooth and creamy.

5. Serve and enjoy!

4. Pomegranate Greek Yogurt Smoothie

Because it uses pomegranate seeds, the texture of this smoothie is likely to be a bit different to what you might be used to.

With the addition of Greek yogurt, it’s also super creamy and helps to keep you full due to the protein content.

You can easily turn this into more of a green smoothie by adding spinach.

Servings: 1 smoothie

Ingredients

• ½ apple (peeled, cored and diced)

• ½ cup pomegranate seeds

• 4 ounces Greek yogurt

• Splash of milk (any kind)

• Optional – 2 to 3 ice cubes

• Optional – 1 tsp honey or agave syrup to sweeten

Instructions

1. Peel and core the apple, and dice it.

2. Add all of the ingredients to the blender and combine until smooth and creamy.

3. Serve and enjoy!

5. Pomegranate Mango Smoothie

There’s a great sweet and sour combination to the taste of this smoothie thanks to the combination of ingredients.

This makes it really refreshing and the tartness of the pomegranates teams up nicely with the tropical, summery vibe of the mango.

Orange and mango add a vitamin C boost.

Servings: 1 smoothie

Ingredients

• 1 medium banana (peeled and chopped)

• ½ cup pomegranate seeds

• ¾ cup mango (peeled and chopped if not frozen)

• 4 ounces orange juice

Instructions

1. Peel and chop the banana. Chop the mango if you’re not using frozen chunks.

2. Add all of the ingredients to your blender and combine until smooth.

3. Serve and enjoy!

Pomegranate FAQs

Hopefully these pomegranate smoothie recipes have got you super excited to learn more about the nutrition benefits of this mighty fruit.

Are pomegranate seeds edible?

The seeds are actually the only edible part of a pomegranate and both the skin and flesh are not eaten.

Is pomegranate skin edible?

Pomegranate skin is one of the parts that you shouldn’t look to eat. When you open up a pomegranate, you’ll need to de-seed it and use the edible seeds in your smoothies.

Is pomegranate acidic or alkaline?

Pomegranate has a low pH value, which makes it acidic. It generally has a pH value of less than 3.2. 

This makes it slightly more acidic than blueberries, raspberries, grapefruit and oranges but less acidic than limes and lemon juice.

Is pomegranate high in potassium?

There is quite a lot of potassium in pomegranate and it’s generally considered to be a high potassium food.

There is around 205 mg of potassium per ½ cup of pomegranate seeds (which is the amount that we’re using in most of the pomegranate smoothie recipes that are using seed and not juice).

This is a high enough amount for the National Kidney Foundation to recommend that anyone with kidney problems should avoid pomegranate. 

For most people, it’s one of the smoothie ingredients that can help you on your way with your daily potassium intake, especially if it is combined with other potassium rich smoothie ingredients such as banana and orange.

Is pomegranate high in fiber?

Adding pomegranate seeds to your smoothies is an easy way to increase your fiber intake.

You’ll get around 3.5g of fiber by adding a ½ cup of pomegranate seeds. 

And as most fruits and vegetables contain fiber, pomegranate smoothies are sure to boost your intake when you take other ingredients into account too.

Some fruits are higher in fiber than others, including blueberries.

You can also add more fiber to pomegranate smoothies by adding seeds.

Which Recipe Did You Enjoy Most?

As you can see, there are lots of ways to enjoy pomegranates in your smoothies, whether you choose to use the seeds or the juice.

The fiber content makes it a great choice for including in breakfast smoothies but with the powerful antioxidants they contain, pomegranate smoothies are a super healthy snack any time of the day. 

I’d love to know which recipe you’ll be making first.

Let me know in the comments and ask away if you have any questions that haven’t been addressed in the rest of the piece. 

As always, feel free to share this piece with your family and friends so they can get some inspiration for creating delicious, super healthy pomegranate smoothies too.

If you thought national days are only for memorable events in history, think again.

Vegetables are now making the cut too. I’m talking about the National Kale Day – yes, it really exists! 🙂

Kale, a close relative of the Wild Cabbage, is a green leafy vegetable that’s especially rich in wholesome nutrients.

Great to add in pregnancy shakes!

Here is the deal.

You probably think kale is bitter… However, when you include it in a smoothie, it’s a whole different game.

When you think delicious healthy smoothies, think kale. Today, I will be sharing my selection of the healthy kale smoothie recipes that taste amazing.

The best part? The ingredients are very easy to find, and the recipes are equally easy to make.

Health Benefits of Kale

Kale is richer in nutrients than most other vegetables you’d put in your smoothie, so if you’re looking to step up your healthy nutrition, this is definitely the go-to vegetable.

Not only that, but what gives kale its bitterness is a sulfur compound that researchers think might suppress cancer.

But that’s not all…

Kale and Weight Loss

The high levels of sulfur found in kale act as a detoxifying agent. It also has antioxidants that prevent fat cells from multiplying in the body.

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Kale and Cancer

Statistics show that cases of cancer are on the rise the world over. By taking kale, you gain anti-inflammatory and healing nutrients that trials have shown to have potential to suppress cancer.

Kale and Diabetes

Incorporating kale into your everyday meals can lead to balanced blood sugar levels.

Kale’s high fiber content decreases the rise of glucose in the body. This is particularly for type 2 diabetics.

Kale and Brain Health

Kale contains omega-3 fatty acids that enhance brain and muscle functions. It also contains flavonoids that reduce the risk of stroke.

If you got a brain injury, kale helps with that too. Sulforaphane is an anti-inflammatory antioxidant that aids in cognitive functions.

Top 15 Kale Smoothie Recipes

Now that you know about the exceptional benefits that kale can have on your health and weight loss efforts, you’re probably eager to try a smoothie or two.

These are the most delicious kale smoothie recipes that I’ve developed or found – I’m sure you’ll love them!

You will notice I use water for some recipes as the liquid base for the smoothies. Follow if you prefer your smoothies not too thick, but for thicker smoothies, use other liquid bases such as kefir yogurt or coconut milk.

If you’d like to know the basics of how to prepare smoothies the right way and ensure they look and taste great, you can’t find our full smoothie making guide here.

1. Kale Spinach Smoothie

This is ideal for breakfast when you are just starting your day. I chose spinach because it is low in fat and even lower in cholesterol.

Spinach also makes this perfect for newcomers to green smoothies, as its taste is more neutral than other leafy greens, and kale is enough of a challenge for beginners as is.

These ingredients make this smoothie a good superfood.

I opted for mango as a natural sweetener because of its great taste. A very ripe mango gives the best results.

>>Looking for some healthy morning smoothie? Check out these amazing easy healthy smoothie recipes you can make!<<

Ingredients

• 1 cup spinach
• 2 cups kale
• ½ ripe mango to sweeten
• 2-3 drops vanilla extract
• 1 cup water (or ½ cup water and ½ cup ice)

Instructions

1. Cut half of the mango
2. Toss all ingredients in the blender and blend until smooth

2. Kale Avocado Smoothie with a Twist

This is one of my go-to smoothies whenever I need some energy boosting.

Kale and Avocado work surprisingly well together, and the Avocado does a good job masking the somewhat harsh taste of the green.

It’s ideal if you are trying to lose weight, mainly because of the cholesterol lowering properties of avocado.

For the citrus twist, add either the juice from half an orange or just half an orange.

If you’re going for orange juice, squeeze the orange on the spot to preserve the maximum number of vitamins and minerals and to avoid sugar added store-bought juice.

Only the best blender food processor will come in handy for this.

Ingredients

• 2 cups kale
• ½ avocado
• ½ orange
• 1 cup of water

Instructions

1. Add all the ingredients in a blender.
2. Blend until smooth and serve.

3. Kale Banana Smoothie

Recipe and image via tasteandtellblog

This is perfect as a post-workout regimen, or for when you just need an energy boost. It’s bound to leave you feeling rejuvenated.

Servings: 1 smoothie

Ingredients

• 2 cups kale, stems removed
• 2 cups of water
• 2 cups chopped pineapple (I like frozen)
• 1 banana (I like frozen)
• Juice of ½ lime
• 2 tablespoons chia seeds

Instructions

1. Blend the kale and the water in a blender until smooth.
2. Add the remaining ingredients and blend again.

4. Super Chia Green Smoothie

Recipe and image via ifoodreal

I love my chia and flax seeds for an added protein boost.

I’ve also tried this recipe with an added vanilla flavored protein powder, and it worked great. If you’re working out, you can opt for more or less protein here – be it chia seeds, flax, or powdered protein. How cool is that?

Servings: 2 smoothie

Ingredients

• 2 cups cold water
• 2 handfuls spinach
• 1 kale leaf, medium
• ½ long English cucumber, sliced
• ½ any apple, chopped and not cored/seeded/peeled
• 2 tbsp chia seeds
• ½ lemon, juice of

Instructions

1. In a blender, combine all ingredients and blend until smooth. If using a regular blender, it is best to add the ingredients in the order listed above and press “pulse” on and off to get the blending process started.
2. Then I usually hit “grate” and “liquefy” after.The order doesn’t matter for a powerful blender.

Storing Instructions: It is best you consume the smoothie right away, but the reality is different. I refrigerate the leftovers in the blender for up to 12 hours and drink all day – just a little advice.

5. Kale Almond Milk Smoothie

Don’t you just love the taste of almonds in your mouth? This particular recipe has been in my family for years.

My nana used to soak them up to 48 hours. Then, adding water depending on the desired quantity, blend, and voila! Almond milk.

You can also buy almond milk from the store. The choice is absolutely yours. Both ways work perfectly fine for this smoothie.

If you go for the store-bought almond milk, the unsweetened version is the healthiest.

Ingredients

• 1 cup almond milk
• 2 cups shredded kale
• 1 tablespoon honey to taste
• 4 ice cubes

Instructions

1. Blend all ingredients until desired creaminess.
2. Serve immediately or keep refrigerated until it’s time to drink.

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6. Kale Orange Smoothie

Oranges are an ideal fruit because of their citrus properties – think a healthy dose of vitamin C plus a 10% reduction in odds of developing breast cancer, among many other health benefits.

>> Check out tropical smoothie cafe recipes here! <<

Ingredients

• 2 cups shredded kale
• 1 ripe orange
• 1 cup of water
• Honey to taste (optional)

Instructions

1. Mix all the ingredients in a blender.
2. Add water and blend to desired consistency.
3. Serve and enjoy.

Snack Replacement Smoothies

Let me paint a quick scenario for you. Its midday, you are at the office and craving to eat something.

Naturally, you reach out for cookies or chocolate, stored in your top drawer. We’ve all been there. As I was struggling to lose weight, my poor snacking habits kept taking me back to the drawing board.

This was until I realized I could totally snack on smoothies and get the same satisfaction. I was ecstatic.

It’s the best habit to have it both ways. You get to snack and keep your calories low at the same time.

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7. Kale Strawberry Smoothie

Recipe and image via inspiredrd

Strawberries always have a way of leaving us feeling more vibrant than before. This recipe was created with exactly that in mind. It’s so yummy. You will be recommending it to all your friends within no time.

Servings: 2 smoothie

Ingredients

• 8 oz. unsweetened almond milk
• 1 heaping cup fresh or frozen strawberries
• 1 packed cup fresh kale leaves
• 1 cup frozen blueberries
• 1 ripe peeled banana, fresh or frozen
• 1 Tbsp. nut butter
• Dash ground cinnamon

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients to a blender, blend until smooth.

8. Kale Apple Smoothie

Recipe and image via blendtec

My mum eats apples like her life depends on it. I tried to catch up to the habit but realized it wasn’t working for me.

What better way to get the nutritional value apples provide than to make the good old apple smoothie, with kale? You will love it.

Servings: 2 smoothie

Ingredients

• ⅔ cup almond milk (unsweetened)
• ¾ cup ice
• 1 ½ cups kale (chopped, packed)
• 1 stalk celery (diced)
• ½ Gala apple (cut into chunks)
• 1 tbsp ground flax seed
• Agave nectar (to taste)

Instructions

1. In a Blendtec blender, combine almond milk, ice, kale, celery, apple, and flaxseed. Blend on high until you achieve a smooth texture.
2. Taste smoothie. Add agave nectar if needed and blend again.

9. Kale and Berry Yogurt Smoothie

Recipe and image via 3yummytummies

Berries bring sweetness and vibrant color to this smoothie, while the plain yogurt takes care of the amazing creamy texture. The cranberry juice is a great addition, but it isn’t necessary if you’re looking to avoid the extra sugar.

Servings: 2 smoothie

Ingredients

• 1 C. packed Kale
• 1 C. Strawberries
• ½ C. Blueberries
• ½ C. Raspberries
• 1 C. Nonfat Greek Yogurt
• ½ C. Cranberry Juice
• 1 C. Ice (not necessary if Frozen fruit is used)

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients to blender bowl and blend until you get a smooth texture

10. No Fruit Kale Smoothie

Recipe and image via insonnetskitchen

You’re trying to avoid sugar, even fruit sugar. So, you opt for smoothies without fruit.

Alternatively, you do like your fruits, but you wake up one day and realize you forgot to pass by the store and restock. It’s a total disaster. But is it?

There is a way you get to enjoy your daily smoothie without adding any fruits. It’s simply delicious, and you get to double up on the nutritional values of kale.

Servings: 2 smoothie

Ingredients

• ½ organic cucumber, chopped
• ¼ cup parsley
• ½ lemon, peeled
• ½ avocado, pitted and peeled
• 2 cups organic, raw spinach
• 1 cup of coconut water
• 6 ice cubes

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.
2. Enjoy immediately.

11. Kale Pineapple Smoothie with a Twist

Recipe and image via vegkitchen

Pineapples with anything are a popular smoothie idea. Why not try something new for a change?

This recipe needs you to add cucumbers to the mixture. You will be thankful.

Servings: 2 smoothie

Ingredients

• 1 cup diced fresh or canned pineapple
• ½ medium or 1 small sweet apple
• 4-inch piece cucumber (leave peel on if unwaxed)
• 3 to 4 kale leaves (curly or lacinato)
• 2 tablespoons hemp seeds or chia seeds, optional
• 1 cup mango or pineapple juice

Instructions

1. Combine all the ingredients in a high-speed blender and process until quite smooth.
2. Divide between two tumblers and serve at once.

12. Kale Blueberry Smoothie

Recipe and image via organizeyourselfskinny

What I love most about this recipe is how the smoothie turns out.

The vibrant colors blend together to form one tasty smoothie that will leave you craving for more.

Servings: 2 smoothie

Ingredients

• 3 cups frozen blueberries
• 3 cups of coconut milk
• 1 cup kale (or more if you like)
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
• ​2 teaspoons pure maple syrup
• water if needed for consistency

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients to a blender and blend till smooth.
2. Add water, if needed, to get the consistency you like.

Kale Dessert Smoothies

To some, it may sound strange, but kale can actually make a great dessert choice!

Just try these recipes, and you’ll understand why.

Here’s a quick tip:

If you’re ever experiencing heartburn or acid reflux at night, turn and sleep on your left side – it’ll help with your digestion!

13. Creamy Vanilla Kale Smoothie

Recipe and image via onelovelylife

This smoothie passed the critical taste buds of kids as well as green eating beginners. So, if you’re just starting out with green smoothies, this is perfect for you.

Servings: 2 smoothie

Ingredients

• ½ – ¾ cup almond milk (more, if needed)
• 2-3 tsp pure maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup raw cashews, soaked 30 minutes – 8 hours if possible
• 1 cup kale leaves, tough stems and ribs removed (or spinach, if you prefer)
• 2 frozen bananas, sliced

Instructions

1. Place all ingredients in blender in the order listed.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides of your blender, and adding additional almond milk as needed.
3. When the mixture is very smooth, taste and add additional syrup if needed.

14. Chocolate Blueberry Kale Smoothie

Recipe and image via lorimerkitchen

And just when you thought the fun was over, it’s just beginning.

When I’m feeling low and need chocolate to get me feeling like everything is alright with the world, I get up and whip me a chocolate smoothie.

Incorporating kale makes it a healthier option. You don’t have to worry about putting on extra pounds. It’s so easy to make and tastes like heaven.

Servings: 2 smoothie

Ingredients

• 1 cup Soy Milk
• 1 Banana
• 4 Ice Cubes
• 1 cup frozen blueberries
• 3 tablespoons Cocoa Powder
• 1 ½ cup kale
• 2 tablespoons Oats (optional)
• 1 tablespoon Hemp Seeds (optional)

Instructions

Mix all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.

15. Kale Detox Smoothie

Recipe and image via littlespicejar

The holidays have just ended, and for most of us, the festive mood got us falling off the losing weight wagon. Now, you must be wondering what to do to shed all the extra pounds gained. It’s pretty easy.

The first step is detoxing to rid your body of all those toxins. I just came across a kale smoothie recipe perfect for the detox. Give it a try. This is bound to leave you feeling as good as new.

Servings: 2 smoothies

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups spinach
• 1 ½ cups kale
• 1 orange (peel removed)
• 8-10 fresh or frozen strawberries
• 1 cup frozen or fresh mango and/or pineapple (cubed)
• ⅓ cup Greek yogurt
• ¼ cup of water
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional)

Instructions

1. Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until desired smoothness. Drink up!

I hope you have enjoyed reading this post.

Now it’s time to put knowledge into action! Which kale smoothie recipe will you try first?

Use the comments below to tell us what recipes you loved and which ones you added a little twist of your own.

Go green!

Kale: A Superfood FAQ

Is Kale a superfood?

Any dark green vegetables are often considered powerhouses of nutrients. For this reason, kale is definitely considered a superfood. Cooked kale actually has more iron per ounce than beef does – does that help put it into perspective?

What kind of kale is good for smoothies?

Red kale is considered one of the sweetest types of kale, which makes it ideal if you want to eat the kale raw. When you use this kale in smoothies, you want to first massage and soften the leaves to break down the fiber. This will make it much easier to digest.

Is kale bitter tasting in a smoothie?

Since kale is incredibly rich in iron, it can definitely have a very bitter taste to it. A smoothie with other ingredients is one of the best ways to use kale and to mask this bitter flavor. When making smoothies with a bitter green like kale, you want to try to only use the most flavorful and the sweetest fruit available.

Is spinach or kale the better option for smoothies?

Both kale and spinach are highly nutritious greens that make a healthy addition to any smoothie. Kale offers more Vitamin C while spinach provides more folate, and Vitamins A and K. However, both can improve heart health, help with weight loss goals, and protect against some diseases.

Can you put raw kale into a smoothie?

Kale is very nutritious, whether it is raw or steamed. You can even steam the kale and then freeze it to use in your smoothies later on. It also provides you with a good and nutritious way to keep your smoothies cold instead of using frozen fruit versus fresh fruit. While eating kale raw is okay, you want to steam it first to help deactivate the oxalic acid content. It also makes the kale more nutritious.

Can kale stems be used in smoothies?

You can cut the stems off the kale before putting them in your smoothie, or you can cut up the larger stems and incorporate them. With the stems, you will find added minerals and nutrients. However, keep in mind, they do have a very bitter taste to them.

Are there any kale smoothie recipes that contain very little sugar?

Since kale is so bitter, you need to have the sweetest fruits to make the kale in the smoothie taste better. However, if you are looking to reduce sugar, you can cut down on the amount of fruit you are using. For example, instead of using a whole banana, you can use only half of the banana.

Is it okay to drink a kale smoothie every day?

A green smoothie recipe is a good way to get your daily recommended servings of fruits and vegetables. They are also a great source of vitamins and minerals and can be consumed each day.

Should you boil the kale before using it?

Again, to cut down on the acidic content of the raw kale, it is best to boil it before you use it. This is also a good way to up its nutritional value as well.