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Smoothies and Fresh Juices: The Ultimate Guide to Healthy Blends and Refreshing Drinks


  • Author: Clara
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x

Description

Start your day with a nutritious smoothie and fresh juice combo! This refreshing recipe combines ripe bananas, spinach, and mixed berries for a delicious smoothie, paired with a revitalizing juice made from cucumber, carrots, apple, ginger, and lemon. Perfect for a healthy breakfast or snack, it’s packed with vitamins and flavor!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ripe bananas
  • 1 cup of fresh spinach leaves
  • 1 cup of frozen mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
  • 1 cup of almond milk (or any milk of your choice)
  • 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon of chia seeds (optional)
  • 1 medium cucumber
  • 2 medium carrots
  • 1 apple (any variety you prefer)
  • 1 inch piece of fresh ginger
  • 1 lemon (juiced)
  • 2 cups of water (or coconut water for added flavor)

Instructions

  1. Gather all your ingredients. Ensure your bananas are ripe with a few brown spots for optimal sweetness.
  2. In a blender, add the spinach leaves first to ensure they blend smoothly.
  3. Peel the bananas and break them into smaller pieces, then add them to the blender.
  4. Toss in the frozen mixed berries for flavor and color.
  5. Pour in the almond milk. For a creamier texture, consider using yogurt.
  6. If desired, add honey or maple syrup for sweetness. This step can be skipped if the fruits are sweet enough.
  7. For added nutrition, include chia seeds.
  8. Secure the lid and blend on high speed for 30-60 seconds until smooth and creamy. Stop to scrape down the sides if necessary.
  9. Taste the smoothie; if too thick, add more almond milk or water to reach your desired consistency.
  10. Pour into a glass or mason jar and enjoy!
  11. Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly to remove dirt and pesticides.
  12. Peel the cucumber and carrots (optional) for a smoother juice.
  13. Chop the cucumber and carrots into smaller pieces for easier juicing.
  14. Core the apple and cut it into quarters (peeling is optional).
  15. Peel the ginger and slice it into small pieces.
  16. Juice the lemon by cutting it in half and using a juicer or your hands to extract the juice, removing any seeds.
  17. If using a juicer, feed the cucumber, carrots, apple, ginger, and lemon through it. If using a blender, blend all ingredients with water or coconut water until smooth.
  18. If blended, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to separate juice from pulp (optional).
  19. Taste the juice; dilute with more water or coconut water if too strong.
  20. Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately for the best flavor and nutrients!

Notes

  • Customize your smoothie by adding protein powder or oats for extra energy.
  • Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the smoothie and juice according to your taste preferences.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes