How to Make a Raw Food Green Smoothie

If you're eager to try a raw food diet, an easy way to start changing to a raw food diet is to make and drink green smoothies. Green smoothies are vegetable and fruit drinks that are made in the blender. They are quick, easy to make, and filled with vitamins, minerals and fiber. Experts from physicians to the American Cancer Society recommend eating more fruits and vegetables. Green smoothies pack in the vegetables without packing on the pounds. Here's how to make your very own raw food green smoothie.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• One head of greens - choose one: Romaine lettuce, red or green leaf lettuce (NOT iceberg), kale, spinach, Swiss Chard
• One cup of fresh fruit, such as mango, pineapple OR
• One cup of unsweetened frozen fruit. Cherries are particularly delicious.
• Water
• Blender

1. Rip the lettuce or greens into one inch long pieces. Wash to get off any loose dirt. Place in blender.

2. Add enough water to cover the greens. Blend on smoothie setting until all the greens are blended.

3. Add one cup of fruit. Depending on how thick you want the smoothie, you may need to add more water. Frozen fruits may need more water. Blend on smoothie setting until blended smooth.

4. Add sweetener like cinnamon. A squirt of fresh lemon juice is also delicious, depending on the fruit. Give the blender a quick whirl, then unplug the blender and pour the smoothie into a glass and enjoy.

Tips & Warnings

• Smoothies keep for up to two days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze in ice pop molds to make very healthy cold treats.
• Drink a green smoothie instead of eating an afternoon snack.
• Always unplug and clean blender after use.
• Avoid adding sugar. Use natural sweeteners instead.

Resources

• Green for Life, a book containing recipes to make green smoothies, research and more.
• Sun Foods is a mail order source for raw food products.
• More information on green smoothies for weight loss.
• Basics of a raw food diet simply explained.