Holiday Red and Green Smoothie

Next week, it begins: A seemingly never-ending parade of rich, gooey, sweet treats that break our wills as they fill our stomachs.
Break out the fat pants ladies; it’s the holiday season.
You know, it doesn’t have to be like that. We don’t have to be slaves to the almighty Christmas cookie and we don’t have to feel that don’t-want-to-step-on-the-scale January regret. Last year, from October to January, I actually lost weight. Eleven pounds to be exact. I did not exactly go on a diet. I did not really begin a new exercise regiment. I made one little change and that one little change led to another, then another.
Holiday Red and Green Smoothie
Last fall, I started having a green smoothie for breakfast every morning. After a few days, I realized that my energy level was much higher than usual. I also had no cravings for late-night snacks of chips, crackers, leftover Halloween candy or any of the other things that would normally call to me from my secret hiding places kitchen. The better I felt, the more smoothie I’d drink, usually between two and four cups a day. With all the energy I had, getting out for a walk or jog was easy.
If I wanted to eat a piece (or two) of pumpkin pie, I did. If I wanted to sample some Christmas cookies, nothing was stopping me. The thing was, I just didn’t really want to. I was able to keep my stretchy pants in the closet all season long.
I’ve written about green smoothies before, but in case you missed it, this is my basic formula:

Basic Green Smoothie Instructions
2 cups of liquid (water, juice, coconut milk/water)
Add greens (spinach, kale, chard, parsley) a bit at a time and pulse in blender. Keep adding until you have about four cups of greens and liquid.
Add fresh or frozen fruit a bit at a time and blend. Keep adding until you have about six cups of smoothie.
Sweeten, if desired, with raw honey, agave nectar, or dried fruit.
Optional add ins: flax or chia seeds for omega oils, yogurt, vanilla, cinnamon, peanut butter and/or cocoa powder for extra flavor
Makes about six cups. Leftover smoothie can be kept in the fridge for a couple of days. Shake before drinking.

Looking for a bit more inspiration? Why not try this sweet and tangy little number I made for breakfast today. Go ahead and give your fat pants the holidays off this year.

Holiday Red and Green Smoothie
Author: 
Recipe type: Smoothie
Prep time: 
Total time: 
 
Bright green with pretty red flecks, this smoothie looks as good as it tastes. It's like a little Christmas miracle in a glass.
Ingredients
  • 1-2 cups apple cider
  • A couple big handfuls of spinach
  • A half bunch of kale
  • 1-2 pears, fresh or frozen
  • 3 frozen bananas
  • A handful of cranberries, fresh or frozen
Instructions
  1. Pour apple cider into your blender jar. Use 2 cups for a sweeter smoothie or 1 cup cider and 1 cup water for less sweet.
  2. Add spinach and kale a bit at a time, blending until you have about 4 cups of green "juice".
  3. Add fruit a bit at a time, blending until you have about six cups worth.
  4. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to three days.

I whipped up a cranberry smoothie this morning that was yummy and pretty. Try one for breakfast or before you head out to a party and banish the siren song of Christmas cookies.

5 Comments

  1. You are an inspiration to us all! Thanks for the smoothie recipes! 🙂

    Reply
  2. I love your post – especially your basic smoothie recipe. It makes it so doable. I’m going to try it.

    Reply
  3. Thanks for posting these. I am working on weight loss and love a good morning smoothie.
    ~Kimberlee

    Reply
  4. I love green smoothies, too. I use almond milk which makes it a bit creamier. Also, I just use a banana as my sweetener.

    Thanks for the holiday smoothie!

    Reply
  5. Green smoothies Rock! I’ve been drinking one every morning for more than 5 years. They really set me up for having a grand day.

    Reply

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