Sweet Green Smoothie

By Trish Coffman

You’re looking to fill up, hydrate, and sneak in some nutrient-rich whole foods in the process.

You’re looking to fill up, hydrate, and sneak in some nutrient-rich whole foods in the process. Welcome to smoothie territory: that quick hit of calories, vitamins and fluids that can only come in handy during periods of heavy training.

This smoothie combines handfuls of greens (to support your body’s detox system, help prevent cell damage and reduce inflammation) with fruit (takes the bitter edge off the greens and replaces needed sugars and electrolytes), plus a few add-ins. This recipe is all about the mix-and-match: play with it, use what’s languishing in your fridge or freezer, and find the combination that’s right for you.

You will need:

• 3 to 4 ice cubes
• Greens: A few handfuls of kale or other leafy greens, such as spinach
• Fruit: 1/2 to 3/4 cups worth, such as 1 banana, chopped pineapple or mango, or blueberries (Bonus: frozen fruit is readily available in the freezer section and adds lushness to your smoothie; if using, defrost slightly before adding to the mix, since frozen fruit tends to clog blenders.)
• 1 celery stalk, trimmed and cut in half crosswise
• Healthy fats: 1 to 2 tbsp raw almonds, chia seeds or ground flax
• Sweetener (optional): Stevia, honey or agave nectar, to taste
• Water or coconut water

Combine ice cubes, greens, fruit, celery, fats, and sweetener (if using) in the blender, in that order. Cover at least halfway with cold water or coconut water (how much you use will depend on how thick you want your smoothie), then blitz until all ingredients are combined and pureed.