Super Smoothies :: Spinach Cherry-Berry

Cheers! Or as my husband might say, Cin-Cin (just because he likes to). To what, you ask? To your health and vitality 🙂 If you have any sort of greens in your fridge right now, eat them. Run to them and eat them. No, I’m not completely nutty – I’m just astounded at the facts and research that tells us that on average North Americans eat less than three servings of vegetables a day. An American study revealed earlier this year that only 26% of Americans eat 3-5 servings of vegetables a day. We need to get vegetables into our bodies, because they can rock our worlds.

” It’s hard to argue with the health benefits of a diet rich in vegetables and fruits: Lower blood pressure; reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, and probably some cancers; lower risk of eye and digestive problems; and a mellowing effect on blood sugar that can help keep apetite in check. Most people should aim for at least nine servings (at least 4 1/2 cups) of vegetables and fruits a day, and potatoes don’t count. Go for a variety of kinds and colors of producs, to give your body the mix of nutrients it needs. Best bets? Dark leafy greens, cooked tomatoes, and anything that’s a rich yellow, orange, or red color.”

Smoothies are one of the easiest ways to get your daily dose of fruits and veggies. In one tall glass (aprox. 2 cups/ 500 ml), I can get four servings of vegetables and three servings of fruit – and that’s going easy, it’s amazing how many servings you can pack into a super green smoothie.

Ever since I’ve started including ‘greener’ smoothies into my diet, I’ve seen a noticeable difference in my enegery level, night vision, and skin tone. My two favorite things right now: lots of veggies + virgin coconut oil. Their health benefits are awesome! Oh, and I love chia seeds too (they are full of antioxidants).

Begin by adding small quantities of milder tasting vegetables to your fruit smoothies, like baby spinach and english cucumbers. Gradually increase their quantities and then add other greens to the mix as well.

Before you know it, you’ll be getting way over the ‘recommended’ daily intake of vegetables and you’ll be feeling pretty wonderful about it too.

Spinach Cherry-Berry Smoothie

Serves 2

1/2 cup dark cherries, pitted

1 cup of mixed frozen raspberries and blackberries

1 banana

2 cups of baby spinach

2 cups of unsweetened almond milk (or water)

2 Tablepsoons of virgin coconut oil

Wash and prepare spinach and dark cherries.
Place spinach in the bottom of blender, then berries and cherries, then pieced banana, top with coconut oil and almond milk.
Blend on high for 2-3 minutes. Use the ‘ice cubes’ or ‘frozen drink’ option to break up frozen fruit if necessary. Blend until smooth consistency is reached.
Enjoy a glass now, save the other in the fridge (up to 24 hours) for later.

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Emily Smith

Emily Smith is the Editor of The Best of This Life who has been writing in the lifestyle niche and creating delicious recipes for over 10 years. Her work has been featured on BRIT + CO, Today's Parent, Chatelaine, Huffington Post, The Pioneer Woman, and Food Bloggers of Canada. She writes about family, food, entertaining, home decor, wellness, travel and a litany of other topics. She loves sharing her three core values - love life, live well, share the beauty - and encourages her readers to enjoy the best of their lives every day. She lives in Ottawa with her loving husband, two darling children, and dreams of one day owning a puppy.