There are some recipes I adore mainly for their vibrant and colorful appearance.  The taste has GOT to be there, but I’m a big believer in the power of seeing something beautiful on your plate.  These recipes are so visually tempting that they engage your senses fully before it has even touched your mouth.

This is not one of them.

Sadly, my favorite smoothie concoction resembles the murky green waters of the Everglades.

What I will tell you, is that I don’t care one little bit.  If you’ve ever wished you had a juicer to get in some green goodness, this is the recipe for you.  It is full of chlorophyll, antioxidants and tons of vitamins, and is whipped up in a standard blender!  It is creamy, fresh, and sweet.  Drink this in the morning and you have just gotten your day off to a mindful and healthy start.

This may not be the sexiest looking shake on the block, but it’s pretty darn smart and smart IS sexy, in my book.

… am I right girls?

MY PRIDE AND JOY GREEN SMOOTHIE

MAKES 1 LARGE BREAKFAST SHAKE

1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk

1/2 cup cold water

1 packet natural sweetener (stevia, trivia, or purevia are good choices.  A tablespoon of honey would be okay too.)

1/2 banana

1/4 avocado

1 cup fresh spinach

6 slices English cucumber (if using regular cucumber, peel the skin and discard)

2/3 cup frozen strawberries

2 ice cubes

juice from 1/2 of a lime

Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend on low speed for 2-3 minutes.

Increase speed to high and blend for another few minutes, until almost all flecks of green and red are gone and texture is very smooth.

Pour, drink, and take on the world.