Eat More Veggies Using This Simple (And Tasty!) Smoothie Recipe

If you are looking to increase your intake of greens this year, smoothies can be a helpful tool. A healthy smoothie should have a balance of fruits, greens and protein.

Formula for a balanced smoothie:

Fruit: 1 serving fruit, such as 1/2 banana, 1 cup berries, 15 grapes or cherries, ½ cup frozen mango
Vegetable: 1-2 cups of your vegetable of choice. Mild tasting vegetables tend to be best, these include spinach and frozen cauliflower, kale or other dark greens, cucumber or beets
Protein: Choose an ultra-filtered milk that has a higher protein content, up to 1 cup nonfat Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup low-fat or fat-free cottage cheese, 1 scoop protein powder, 1-3 Tbsp hemp seeds or 1 Tbsp nut butter of choice
Liquid: Up to one cup of milk, such as skim or almond milk. Vary the amount of milk you use to achieve preferred texture

Want to get started? Try this simple green smoothie recipe.

• 1/2 frozen banana (fresh banana works too, but frozen banana provides a creamier texture)
• 1 cup milk of choice (recommended: skim milk or unsweetened almond milk with no added sugar)
• 2 large handfuls of spinach
• Protein options: Choose an ultra-filtered milk that has a higher protein content or 1 scoop protein powder of choice