Confession: I’m a smoothie freak.

I’ve been torturing my family for years, forcing them to drink the sometimes often dreadful concoctions that I formulate from a deranged aggregate of ingredients — adding a little of this and a little of that — sometimes palatable, sometimes not.

While the raw Cauliflower-Brussel Sprouts Smoothie was NOT a winner, I think I’ve finally developed the PERFECT Green and Fruity Smoothie.

• Tastes delicious…no complaining and no gagging from anyone who drinks it (like the above mentioned Cauliflower-Brussel Sprouts smoothie)
• Nutritious
• Helps with digestive/gall bladder issues (me)
• Provides lots of energy

Some basic ingredients:

• Protein Powder; I like Aria whey protein ‘cos it doesn’t taste chalky, but choose whatever you like
• Slippery Elm powder, great for digestion
• Flaxseed Meal, full of healthy fiber
• Chia seeds
• EmergenC, one or two packets
• Beets, canned/unsalted or from my garden (good for gall bladder)
• Powdered wheat grass or Very Green from Trader Joe’s

•  Super Red Drink, also from Trader Joe’s

• Juices:  A combo; Rio Red Grapefruit, Apple, Mango, Cranberry
• Banana (one or two)
• Any other fresh fruit, this time I used blueberries, but anything you have is yummy —  from peaches to watermelon
• Nonfat yogurt, regular or Greek for more protein
• Ginger (to taste, I use about an inch-peeled)
• Turmeric…great anti-inflammatory (1 teaspoon)
• Cinammon (1 teaspoon)
• Ginseng (I use Korean Ginseng tea granules)
  ***Additions: I usually add a handful of kale, chard, spinach, parsley, mint…just about any greens, even dark leafy lettuce

I throw it all in the blender and process until very smooth. You’ll never taste the greens or the beets, but they add a bright undertone to the fruit. If you have a lime or a lemon, add a squeeze or two. I have a friend who tosses in a whole orange, peel and all, from her own organically grown tree. I’ve never done that, but it’s certainly an option.

Whether you try my smoothie as a meal replacement (like I do) or as a healthy between-meal snack, my Green and Fruity Smoothie will provide added energy and lots of nutrition for your busy day.

P.S. Yes, I use a lot of ingredients, but it’s still easy to do and can be made anywhere if you have a blender or even an immersion blender.

This is how I feel when I’m creating one of my smoothie masterpieces.
Bon appétit!