Going Green(s)

I've been hearing so many mentions of "green smoothies" lately on Facebook and Twitter that I finally had to head over to Google and see what the big deal is. I had no idea it was the (probably not-so-new) thing. I'm always so behind the times.

Well the big deal is not a secret ingredient, or anything you didn't already know. Plain and simple, greens are good for you. They give you energy, they're insanely nutritious, and they aid in digestion.

The internet is brimming with information on the subject. You can join the Green Smoothie Challenge or the Green Smoothie Revolution and get advice from the Green Smoothie Girl or, presumably her nemesis, the Green Smoothie Queen.


Many of the websites I visited recommended a 40% / 60% ratio of greens to fruit and most listed a simple recipe of romaine lettuce and a banana to start out. Always the rebel -- and because I didn't have either of those on hand -- I used some collard greens, an over-ripe pear, three wilting strawberries and a few spoons of yogurt. I won't tell you it tasted like chocolate ice cream, but it was surprisingly not bad.

This morning I noticed some dandelions starting to pop up outside my kitchen window, so in the blender went the leaves with a pear and yogurt. Dandelion leaves are rich in potassium, antioxidants, vitamin A and vitamin C. Plus, they run rampant in my yard in the summertime. What better way to reduce their presence and add a free, healthy ingredient to a smoothie?

Since I'm trying to loose a few pounds for the upcoming bathing suit season (blech) I thought these smoothies would be a great, healthy breakfast or lunchtime meal-replacement.

Has anyone else joined the green smoothie bandwagon?