Green Smoothies
mlbazemore
Posts: 252 Member
My husband and I want to start drinking green smoothies, myself especially. I wanted to ask if anyone had any recommendations on blenders and tasty green smoothie recipes. I want a vitamix but is it really necessary to spend $500 on a blender. I love the warranty and I do plan on using it everyday if I can find smoothie recipes I like.
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Replies
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I have a blender, and a nutribullet. I used a blender for about a year? Now, with the nutribullet I see how much easier it is, and how much better it blends the tougher stuff.
And I like how small its "footprint" is and how easy it is to clean, and carry the drinks with me. Super convenient!0 -
I have a cheapish blender from Walmart (mayyyybe $50) and it works great for smoothies.0
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I have a Vitamix, thankfully it was gifted to me by my mother who bought a new one. Now that I have one, I wouldn't NOT want to live without it. It makes way smoother smoothies than a regular blender. Recently the container "died" (20+ years old) and while waiting for the new one we ordered, we had to use our old blender. Oh my word, it was not enjoyable eating smoothies made in that!
I generally start my day with a green smoothie. My hubby does too and says that when he's not feeling the greatest, having one makes him literally feel better pretty soon after.0 -
You can use any blender for green smoothies. You should just blend the greens in liquid (water, whatever you're using) first before adding the fruit and other ingredients to avoid the green leafy chunks. Simple Green Smoothies has a lot of recipes.
I used to drink green smoothies before I began calorie counting...they're typically around 250-500 calories. But the calories can really creep up. I loved the idea of Simple Green Smoothie's Skinny Mint Smoothie (meant to be like a Shamrock shake) but the recipe adds up to over 700 calories.
If they're a meal replacement (like breakfast), you're not counting calories, or have a higher calorie threshold, they're probably worth it. They just weren't worth it to me when I am trying to net 1200.0 -
I have an old Vitamix and I don't care for it. My blender didn't blend smooth. I have a 3 yrs old Ninja and really liked it so for Christmas I got their Mega Kitchen which has 2 smoothie cups with lids to blend and go. Love it!!! Use it most every day.0
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nc_crittersitter wrote: »I have an old Vitamix and I don't care for it. My blender didn't blend smooth. I have a 3 yrs old Ninja and really liked it so for Christmas I got their Mega Kitchen which has 2 smoothie cups with lids to blend and go. Love it!!! Use it most every day.
I had a ninja that I loved but I burnt the motor out...my first thought was to replace it but I've never made a green smoothie let alone in my ninja...I do miss it!0 -
I have a nutribullet. It does a good job. Put the greens and some of the liquid in first, blend, then add the rest of your ingredients. Makes for a smoother smoothie.
I like spinach and dandelion greens. 0 -
mlbazemore wrote: »nc_crittersitter wrote: »I have an old Vitamix and I don't care for it. My blender didn't blend smooth. I have a 3 yrs old Ninja and really liked it so for Christmas I got their Mega Kitchen which has 2 smoothie cups with lids to blend and go. Love it!!! Use it most every day.
I had a ninja that I loved but I burnt the motor out...my first thought was to replace it but I've never made a green smoothie let alone in my ninja...I do miss it!
Lol... I donated my old blender, was in need of a food processor and wanted to make smooth smoothies :-) and this has filled the slot! I did wait and shop around to catch it at a good $$!0 -
Any good green recipes out there? Or ones using more veggies? I do have a tendency to make more fruity smoothies.0
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I use a blender for my smoothies. We do smoothies every morning for breakfast. (3 of us). We use:
1/2 container unsweetened vanilla almond milk
1/2 bag of frozen spinach
1 banana
5 frozen strawberries
1/3 - 1/4 cup frozen pineapple tidbits
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I have a ninja and love it for smoothies0
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I make one most mornings, this makes two smoothies (my wife LOVES them so it works out well, we split a pitcher):
2 small apples
2 cups spinach
1-2 cups water (depends on how thick or watery you want your smoothie, we usually do just about 1 cup)
2 carrots OR 2 celery sticks (Depends on what we have around)
1 teaspoon cinnamon
You can add more cinnamon if you wish, or tweak the mix-ins, but I like using apples because they blend nicely and add natural sweetness. When you add the cinnamon it's very tasty! Depending on the size of your veggies and apples and which you use, the smoothie runs between 75-100 calories per serving, so it makes a great breakfast starter or mid-morning snack. Just beware that if it sits for a while you will need to stir it because there will be some unpleasant looking separation.0 -
mlbazemore wrote: »My husband and I want to start drinking green smoothies, myself especially. I wanted to ask if anyone had any recommendations on blenders and tasty green smoothie recipes. I want a vitamix but is it really necessary to spend $500 on a blender. I love the warranty and I do plan on using it everyday if I can find smoothie recipes I like.
Vitamix is worth every penny. I have had mine for 13 years. IMO, nothing compares...
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You can use any blender for green smoothies. You should just blend the greens in liquid (water, whatever you're using) first before adding the fruit and other ingredients to avoid the green leafy chunks. Simple Green Smoothies has a lot of recipes.
I used to drink green smoothies before I began calorie counting...they're typically around 250-500 calories. But the calories can really creep up. I loved the idea of Simple Green Smoothie's Skinny Mint Smoothie (meant to be like a Shamrock shake) but the recipe adds up to over 700 calories.
If they're a meal replacement (like breakfast), you're not counting calories, or have a higher calorie threshold, they're probably worth it. They just weren't worth it to me when I am trying to net 1200.
Wow! What's the ingredients in that one? My shakes only come out to between 300 and 400 calories, and that is when I use 2 scoops of protein powder.
I use about 2 cups of Spinach
1 cup of unsweetened Almond milk
1/2 to 1 frozen banana
1 to 2 scoops vanilla protein powder
2 T Splenda
Around 1/4 t peppermint extract
And a few ice cubes
(If I want the extra calories I will also add about a tablespoon of dark chocolate chips, but it has to be really thick or they just sink to the bottom.)
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You can use any blender for green smoothies. You should just blend the greens in liquid (water, whatever you're using) first before adding the fruit and other ingredients to avoid the green leafy chunks. Simple Green Smoothies has a lot of recipes.
I used to drink green smoothies before I began calorie counting...they're typically around 250-500 calories. But the calories can really creep up. I loved the idea of Simple Green Smoothie's Skinny Mint Smoothie (meant to be like a Shamrock shake) but the recipe adds up to over 700 calories.
If they're a meal replacement (like breakfast), you're not counting calories, or have a higher calorie threshold, they're probably worth it. They just weren't worth it to me when I am trying to net 1200.
Wow! What's the ingredients in that one? My shakes only come out to between 300 and 400 calories, and that is when I use 2 scoops of protein powder.
I use about 2 cups of Spinach
1 cup of unsweetened Almond milk
1/2 to 1 frozen banana
1 to 2 scoops vanilla protein powder
2 T Splenda
Around 1/4 t peppermint extract
And a few ice cubes
(If I want the extra calories I will also add about a tablespoon of dark chocolate chips, but it has to be really thick or they just sink to the bottom.)
http://simplegreensmoothies.com/green-smoothie-recipes/skinny-mint-green-smoothie
It's not an everyday type smoothie for sure but, still, the calories can really add up sometimes. It looks really good though. I liked adding mint to regular green smoothies for the refreshing and cooling feeling.
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Sorry but the vitamix is the only blender that completely obliterates all the ingredients to make a perfect drink. I have tried others and the smoothies have all come out gritty... never smooth. I have been making smoothies for over 10 years so I have plenty of experience...
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Sorry but the vitamix is the only blender that completely obliterates all the ingredients to make a perfect drink. I have tried others and the smoothies have all come out gritty... never smooth. I have been making smoothies for over 10 years so I have plenty of experience...
You don't have to be sorry. Not everyone is seeking the same elusive smoothie perfection.0 -
Sorry but the vitamix is the only blender that completely obliterates all the ingredients to make a perfect drink. I have tried others and the smoothies have all come out gritty... never smooth. I have been making smoothies for over 10 years so I have plenty of experience...
You don't have to be sorry. Not everyone is seeking the same elusive smoothie perfection.
You clearly have not had a good one yet. If you did, you would know...
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Sorry but the vitamix is the only blender that completely obliterates all the ingredients to make a perfect drink. I have tried others and the smoothies have all come out gritty... never smooth. I have been making smoothies for over 10 years so I have plenty of experience...
You don't have to be sorry. Not everyone is seeking the same elusive smoothie perfection.
You clearly have not had a good one yet. If you did, you would know...
I'll add it to my bucket list so as to not offend the blender gods.
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I love my nutribullet - blends everything nice and smooth.0
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questionfear wrote: »I make one most mornings, this makes two smoothies (my wife LOVES them so it works out well, we split a pitcher):
2 small apples
2 cups spinach
1-2 cups water (depends on how thick or watery you want your smoothie, we usually do just about 1 cup)
2 carrots OR 2 celery sticks (Depends on what we have around)
1 teaspoon cinnamon
This sounds delicious... Does it taste like apple pie, or is that just wishful thinking:-)
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just weren't w
Wow! What's the ingredients in that one? My shakes only come out to between 300 and 400 calories, and that is when I use 2 scoops of protein powder.
I use about 2 cups of Spinach
1 cup of unsweetened Almond milk
1/2 to 1 frozen banana
1 to 2 scoops vanilla protein powder
2 T Splenda
Around 1/4 t peppermint extract
And a few ice cubes
(If I want the extra calories I will also add about a tablespoon of dark chocolate chips, but it has to be really thick or they just sink to the bottom.)I use about 2 cups of Spinach
1 cup of unsweetened Almond milk
1/2 to 1 frozen banana
1 to 2 scoops vanilla protein powder
2 T Splenda
Around 1/4 t peppermint extract
And a few ice cubes
(If I want the extra calories I will also add about a tablespoon of dark chocolate chips, but it has to be really thick or they just sink to the bottom.)
I'm sure I didn't do this quote right but I'm new the the MFP app and I got tired of fulling with it...kinda new to cell phones all around....Anyway....I just wanted to say that this recipe sounds good, almost like a thin mint, which happens to be my favorite girl scout cookie 8*]0 -
I agree. It certainly is nice to be able to spend hundreds of dollars on a vitamix but if you can't afford a luxury like that a less expensive blender most certainly does the job.
I stumbled on a fantastic deal in Walmart one time and got a $90 Ninja for $24.97. Best deal ever. Love the Ninja...it does a better job than a regular blender...but if a regular blender is your only option don't let that hold you back.
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Sorry but the vitamix is the only blender that completely obliterates all the ingredients to make a perfect drink. I have tried others and the smoothies have all come out gritty... never smooth. I have been making smoothies for over 10 years so I have plenty of experience...
That's like telling people that only a Porsche will get them to their destination.0 -
I have a Nutribullet, and I love it. My go to smoothie is as follows:
1/2c unsweetened almond milk
2 1/2c spinach or kale
1/4c of pineapple chunks
1/4c of strawberries
1 small pear
1 serving of vanilla protein powder
It's absolutely delicious. 0 -
I have the $50 George Foreman blender, it mixes everything no problem0
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I have had my vitamix for over 13 years. So in that sense, it really is not that expensive...0
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Good for you. I have had my $100 Oster blender for 19 years. Your point?0
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