LEAN & GREEN SMOOTHIE

Lean & Green Smoothie with the addition of chlorella.

This vibrant green smoothie is a family favourite. It makes a great veggie-packed breakfast or afternoon snack. I first served it to my son as a hydrating pre-dinner drink after a hardcore tennis lesson.  He thought it was the perfect pick-me-up!

The base recipe is light and refreshing. Instead of going with the typical spinach or kale, here I have used romaine lettuce along with celery, cucumber, and pineapple. Romaine is extremely low in calories (8 calories per cup), but rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

If serving as a meal replacement or substantial snack, I recommend adding healthy fats and protein and I have provided some options below.

For 2 servings, blend together until smooth:

• 1 cup unsweetened almond or nut-free milk

• 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce

• 1 cup diced English cucumber

• 1 cup frozen pineapple chunks

• 1 to 2 stalks celery, diced (including leaves if desired)

• 1/2 apple, cored and diced

• 1/4 to 1 tsp chlorella powder (optional, adjusted to taste)

• Lakanto or ZenSweet sugar-free monk fruit sweetener, pure stevia, raw honey (non-vegan), or sweetener of choice adjusted to taste

• optional toppings: toasted sunflower seeds, hemp hearts, bee pollen, or toppings of choice

Notes: If serving as a meal replacement or substantial snack, I recommend adding healthy fats and protein.  Good options include 1/2 ripe or frozen avocado PLUS 2 Tbsp Nuzest Clean Lean Smooth Vanilla or Just Natural protein powder (pictured below) OR 1/2 to 1 cup higher-fat Greek yogurt (non-vegan).

For a "mint-chip" twist, add 1/4 tsp pure peppermint extract and top with raw cacao nibs.

Lean & Green Smoothie with the addition of avocado and Nuzest Clean Lean Smooth Vanilla protein, topped with toasted sunflower seeds, hemp hearts, and bee pollen.

This recipe was first published Aug 28, 2017. It was updated Sept 2018 and March 2020.