I still can’t get over the fact September is here! Sweater weather means my blog fare is soon going to diversify into casseroles, soups, multiple versions of chili, pecan pie galore & stews. In the interim, a heat wave continues to move across Toronto over the long weekend & icy cold smoothies seem like a great idea!
Green Smoothies used to be my least favorite ones; that is no joke. It took me a while before I filled my blender with spinach, kale or swiss chard. “A true act of bravery”- as I used to call it. I think that an important part about promoting healthy food to those around you is being open & honest about your own fears/excuses at that time. I had plenty. To this day, I continue to test smoothie recipes in my kitchen always looking to improve the taste and nutrititonal content. I have gone from 1 cup of greens to packing in 2 full cups of greens into my smoothies. They taste amazing, and there’s no other breakfast in the world that could provide me with that level of nutrition, antioxidants, vitamins & minerals. Unless of course, you’re willing to chow down 2 cups of plants; which am not.
This green smoothie was tested on one of my closest friends, which we often refer to in this blog as “G”. G is a natural with children and often stops by to play with mine & allow me some time in the kitchen to get my creative juices flowing; quite literally! She was obsessed with this smoothie. She said it was all about the mango. The smoothie also had cilantro for natural detoxing; but she didn’t even comment on it. I sprinkled the top with the best tasting bee pollen I’ve tried, courtesy of my friends at Beekeepers Naturals. I never endorse a product unless I am certain of the quality & sustainability behind it; and these guys do a great job on both! All the bee pollen I had previously tried had a bit of a bitter after taste; well this one does not. Bee pollen is amazing to boost your immune system, particularly with cold & flu season right around the corner. Here’s a kick ass smoothie recipe that will change your mind about sipping on greens!
Makes 1 Large Serving or 2 Large Ones
- 2 cups of mixed greens: baby bok choy, swiss chard & spinach (or your pick of 1)
- 1/4 cup of cilantro
- 1/3 cup of vanilla coconut yogurt
- 1.5 cups of coconut water
- 1.5 cups of frozen or fresh mango in cubes ( I used frozen, no sugar-added mangoes)
- 1 tablespoon of Beekepers Naturals Bee Pollen
Blend on high until desired consistency has been achieved. I do not add sweeteners or crushed ice to this smoothie. The ripe frozen mango serves a dual purpose and there’s also a little sweetness in the vanilla coconut yogurt. Enjoy cold!
