It is surprisingly easier for me to get up and go to the gym on rainy days then sunny ones. I think it has something to do with having to drive my car either way and the fact that it’s going to be dark all day. So I went straight to the gym after getting up this morning.
But first I satisfying a slightly grumbling stomach that was yelling for breakfast with a half banana + Nuttzo combo
At the gym I tackled the Stairmaster again – no flames this time – and finished up on the Squirrelliptical. Saving my muscle strength for Sculpt tomorrow!
Once home I decided 1) to have either yogurt or a smoothie and 2) that we had lots of things to use up in the fridge, including kale. Sometimes when I make food decisions I think about what I’m going to have later that day. I’m planning on taking yogurt to class, so for the sake of variety, I had the smoothie (also to use up the kale!)
I first blended a cup of milk, a small banana and a handful of ice. Then I added kale up to the top
And then half a packet of Amazing Meal and a spoonful of Perfect Acai
I then had to add some frozen mango because the texture was awful. Actually, this whole smoothie was pretty bad. Not recommended! Do any of you guys have the perfect green monster recipe? (And without garlic or steaming – sorry Angela!) Just the right proportions of greens to banana to milk. Do you only use frozen bananas so you don’t use ice?
The GRANOLA, however, comes highly recommended!
Bob’s Red Mill hooked me up with some of their breakfasty items like granola, hot cereal and muesli. I had to open the Crunchy Coconut Granola immediately yesterday and it’s fantastic!!! SUPER crunchy and may be thick rolled oats? There are no clusters – just super crunchy oats. It’s the perfect sweetness too. And it’s actually pretty reasonably priced. Mmm!
I went back for a little more when I got halfway through the smoothie.
Might make a cup of coffee in a bit.
Currently listening to Ingrid Michaelson on Grooveshark and getting some computer work done.
xo
Anne [email protected] Weigh of Life says
For my green smoothies, I use frozen bananas and two-three handfuls of spinach. It works like a charm every time!
Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg says
Dang, Kath– that is a LOT of kale!!!
I’ve had the same problem with kale-based gm’s (I’ve had mine turn out almost…stringy? And I have a vitamix, so I blend them up ALL the way, but it still doesn’t go completely smooth), so I usually only put spinach in mine now. My classic is usually:
2 cups spinach
1 cup almond milk
1 small banana
1 scoop protein powder
ice
That works for me!
Have a great day!
Errign says
Hi Kath!
I do baby spinach, vanilla soymilk, frozen banana & sometimes a scoop of peanut butter!
Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg says
Oh, and also– I made a barley pancake this morning and thought of your oatmeal pancakes of yore. I gave you a shout out 🙂
Marla says
Did Bob’s Red Mils give you any SCOTTISH OATMEAL to try?
Hope so,cause I really think you’ll love it….well anyway I do! 😉
Kath says
YESSS!
Paige(Running Around Normal) says
I love using kale in my green monsters! I’d be willing to bet that a frozen banana makes a much better difference.
That granola sounds very good! I like how it’s just crunchy little oatmeal flakes!
Cyclist Kate says
I never ever add ice to my smoothies. My green smoothies are always 2 c. of frozen fruit (mixed berries, mango, bananas…whatever I have), about 1/2 c. of some kind of juice ( I like green juice, grape juice, or OJ), and about 3-4 c. of greens (my favorite is kale but I use spinach sometimes too). I usually add 1 T. of flax stirred in at the end so it doesn’t congeal, and sometimes I add protein powder but more often not. I feel like the green smoothies need some kind of strongish flavor to carry them and adding ice and milk would just “water” it down. The tart berries and sweet juice do the trick for me.
skinnyrunner says
i had a green monster yesterday and although it was good, definitely didn’t fill me up. i dont think im doing something right…
megan says
I always use spinach instead of kale. I use 1 banana, about 3/4 cup of milk and a little bit of juice for sweetness/flavor. so good 🙂
megan says
oh and a big handful of spinach too.
Tanya says
I do a big handful of spinach +1/2 cup Almond (or soy) milk + frozen banana (adds more sweetness than fresh and ice) + 1/2 cup fresh cranberries – latest addition and it’s totally yum!
Jessica @ How SWeet It Is says
I ALWAYS use a frozen banana, and I only use spinach. I am afraid of how kale would taste. Eek!
Alicia says
yeah my kale smoothies never work out well, so I stick to spinach. When I was using kale I tried to steam it to make it softer.
Try putting that kale in soup! I always throw it in my potato soup where it adds body and color! (I have a great recipe on my blog for potato soup with kale, leeks, and bacon. so so good!)
My normal GM is steamed spinach, almond or hemp milk, pb, amazing grass, chia, a banana (frozen or not) and any other fruit I feel like. I love raspberries but the seeds can be annoying.
Tay says
I haven’t experimented much with green smoothies, but I love the spinach + mango combo. The mango makes it creamy and so sweet!
Heather says
I just can’t do kale in my green smoothies! Since it’s so rough, the texture is always a little gritty to me. That might be different if I had a VitaMix or some other high speed blender, but I stick with spinach. I like a frozen banana so I don’t have to use ice, almond milk (vanilla!), ground flax, a few handfuls of spinach, and my secret ingredient: COCONUT OIL! So good.
Pam says
Haven’t seen that granola, but it looks really good!
Enjoy!
happyshoes says
LOVE Ingrid Michaelson. Bought a couple of her albums on Bitmunk and burned them to CD’s for my car. I’ve listened to them probably 60 times since this summer. 😀
I usually do spinach, ice, milk, natural pb, vanilla protein powder (opt.), and a banana. Sometimes I’ll add flax see or wheat germ.
Food Makes Fun Fuel says
I’m having my second ever green drink now after a great workout! I hope it lives up to its promises
meagan says
1 c. unsweetened vanilla almond milk
1/2 c. frozen mixed berries
1 banana
2 huge handfuls spinach
and if i have it, a splash of apple cider.
Michele says
Agreed! This is my exact recipe and it’s delicious. I find Kale to be too strong. I Sometimes add ground flax (for fiber and fat) or some amazing meal original, which changes the flavor entirely, but it’s good for a protein boost. I think the powdered proteins really change the flavor, I don’t always care for them.
Naomi(onefitfoodie) says
looks delicious! never tried kale in a smoothie, always use spinach, but great idea thanks kath 🙂
Erin says
That granola looks good! And love Ingrid Michaelson — saw her in concert a couple of years ago and she was really fun and entertaining.
Anna says
My regular green smoothie is an apple, frozen strawberries, 2 cups of spinach, vanilla soy milk, some ground flax seeds, ginger (ground or fresh), and cinnamon. The fruit varies but that’s my favorite combo.
It’s light, tasty, and easy to drink (instead of thick like other smoothies I make). I think that’s mostly due to the addition of the apple.
I’ve tried kale but it’s flavor is too strong for me in a smoothie – I’ve made it more manageable by adding almond butter to those smoothies – and I usually go very light on the kale – after removing the stalk from the leaves (people mentioned stringiness so I thought I’d specify that part). A kale smoothie would typically be 3 stalks of kale (de-stalked), frozen blueberries, almond butter, flax, vanilla soy, and cinnamon. I go for the stronger fruit combo with the kale.
During the summer I’m all about the frozen banana, but now that’s it’s colder I prefer just using a few frozen fruits and having a few non-frozen fruits to balance out the thickness and make it less thick.
Amanda @ Cakes and Ale says
You’re brave! I cannot do kale in a smoothie – way too intense! Spinach, yes – kale, nope!
Brittney says
I typically use spianch, frozen banana or berries, and orange juice and they’re very tasty. Or, if you’re in the mood for something chocolatey, I sometimes use spinach, frozen cherries, and chocolate soymilk. It’s amazing 🙂
julia says
I add yogurt to my smoothies. I think it helps the consistency a lot! (I like thick smoothies.)
1 banana
3 oz. yogurt (I use Stonyfield nonfat vanilla)
1/2 c. frozen mango
splash of orange juice
1 – 2 big handfuls of spinach or kale
1 – 2 ice cubes
All these measurements are approximate. Sometimes I’ll also add a few frozen strawberries or a handful of frozen blueberries (but not too many or it turns brown!).
Libby says
And this just proves why I have such a horrible time being healthy… I honestly thing I would gag if I had to drink anything with kale OR spinach in it! For that matter, I can’t do smoothies anyway! I’m a big texture person on top of already being super picky! (can’t stand mushrooms, tomatoes – except stewed -, fish, and tofu (again, the texture there)) I’m always so inspired by all you healthy ladies, but I have the hardest time!
Kath says
Libby,
I used to hate most vegetables when I was younger – and it was a texture thing. I’ve found that the best way to get over that is to have them a little at a time on things – a few veggies in pasta or on a pizza, tomato slice on sandwich – and overtime, even with picking them out, I’ve grown to like them. I think it’s all about recognizing the taste! HTH, K
Alexandra says
I have the best recipe!!
1 c vanilla hemp milk
2 handfuls of baby spinach or a few leaves of kale
1 frozen banana
1 tsp of cashew butter
dash of cinnamon
Add more hemp milk if it’s too thick. It’s delish 🙂
Jen says
My base smoothie is usually:
1 C almond milk
1/2 frozen banana
1 kiwi
handful of kale or spinach or both
Lately, I’ve been adding shredded raw squash (CSA squash overload). I’ve added shredded carrot or zucchini, too, with good results. Apple is good, too.
I’m going to have to try the cranberry idea!
Jess says
Like others, I only use spinach now.
3/4 c milk
2 c spinach
1 banana (the riper the better)
1/2 frozen blueberries (if you don’t have those, I think you could use a frozen banana or two ice cubes)
chipped nails and all says
I usually add almond butter to my green monsters, which adds such a great, but subtle flavor. Here’s the breakdown of my ingreds:
-1 cup almond milk
-1 frozen banana, cut in to small chunks
-1 tablespoon flaxseed
-3 kale leaves (def. not steamed…no time!)
-1 tablespoon almond butter
that’s it! I usually later the ingreds to make blending easier….almond milk on bottom, then half of kale, banana, almond butter, flax seed, rest of kale on top.
Allison K says
My base is usually:
1 cup milk (I think almond milk makes it taste like dessert, but I like cow’s milk for the protein)
1 banana-not frozen
3-4 piecesof random frozen fruit (I buy a big bag at costco just for this reason) in lieu of ice.
As muc h spinach as the blender can handle.
I should try adding nut butter to it….
Stacey says
I can’t bring myself to drink a smoothie in this cold weather! Though I seriously crave them sometimes 😀 I need to get MY butt up and out to the gym, but it’s rainy and the perfect day to snuggle in my pj’s
Karla says
My Green Monsters have:
1 banana (I’ve noted that frozen doesn’t make that much of a difference…)
5 frozen strawberries
3 large handfuls of spinach (or until it looks nice and green)
1T Almond Butter
A few ice cubes
1/2 cup of water (or more if needed)
Delicious! Almond butter makes all the difference in the world!
Mara @ What's For Dinner? says
I do 3 c. spinach, 1 c. almond milk, frozen banana and strawberry, PB2 or almond butter, 1 scoop Jay Robb
Amanda says
I have never used kale in my Green Monsters, simply because I usually just have spinach on hand! I usually use:
1 cup almond milk
1 frozen banana (works like a charm!)
1 tbsp flax
lots of spinach (3 cups?)
could add PB for a little more staying power
YUM!
Meg DeZutti says
I use the banana and milk, and then fill of the blender the rest of the way with fresh spinach. I add some superfood powder in the last whir. It’s quite tasty.
brandi says
not sure if it makes a difference, but I NEVER use frozen bananas, and with kale, I usually add some nut butter to my smoothies. i think it makes it creamier.
Jocelyn says
2 cups of spinach
2 cups of almond milk or regular milk
big BLOB of almond or peanut butter
1 frozen banana
some ice
agave
Light Delight with TouTou says
such a healthy breakfast! I love greens In every meal!
Cara (Cara Craves...) says
Frozen bananas = no need for ice…much better texture, I think.
~carolyn~ says
I always use frozen bananas in my smoothies. I usually buy too many bananas and when they are just perfectly ripe I will peel them, cut in half and wrap them and put in the freezer. I have a couple variations of the green smoothies…
1. Almond milk (1 cup)
2. 1/2 Large or 1 small frozen banana
3. about 2 large kale leaves
4. big handful of spinach
5. about 1/4 cup frozen pineapple tidbits (Trader Joes)
and on occasion I will add 1 scoop of vanilla protien powder if I had a longer run or an intense workout.
And I always add ice…of course I am usually shivering after but I do not like runny smoothies they need to be thick and icey!
Heather @ Health, Happiness, and Hope says
I usually do 2 cups spinach, 3/4 cup milk (or 1 cup milk if I am adding in extra fruit), 1 large banana (NOT frozen), and 4-5 ice cubes. That ususally works perfect for me!
LOVE the granola on top… perfect crunch!
Heather @ Health, Happiness, and Hope says
Oh, and I ALWAYS add 1 tbsp almond butter! 🙂
Lauren @ Eater not a runner says
Too bad about the smoothie! That granola does look awesome though 🙂
S says
Our most basic GM recipe (for 2 people) is: 2 frozen bananas, 2 cups milk, 4 cups baby spinach (loosely packed in measuring cup, or 3 generous handfuls), and a scoop of either protein powder or green superfood powder. Our favorite add-ins are frozen mango (I freeze mango cubes along with the banana) or frozen strawberries. A big spoonful of nut butter never hurts either.
Kath you were brave to try kale…I still can’t stomach it!
Sarah (Running to Slow Things Down) says
So sorry you had a bad experience with the green smoothie! I hate when they turn out less then stellar!
Okay, so my favorite blend goes to the basic: 1 frozen banana, 1 c. milk (preferrably soy, which adds sweetness,) 2 c. spinach. It tastes great everytime. Sometimes I’ll add a dollop of salted and chunky peanut butter which you can actually taste in the smoothie. 😀
Oh, and definitely freeze the banana first! It adds so much more froth and creaminess, and takes away the need for ice which just ends up watering it down!
Erin says
I have always had a problem with green monsters. I think the spinach is just NOT a match with my stomach. Athough I have to steam kale/spinach so that might help. These comments will definitely be helpful. Good for you for getting the greens in!
Fallon says
I haven’t graduated from using fresh greens in my smoothies. I picked up a bag of frozen spinach that comes divided up. Not the block kind of spinach you find frozen. So I’ll add a frozen banana with some of the frozen spinach and I’ve been able to drink that.
I use 8 oz. of liquid (1/2 almond milk, 1/2 water)
1/2 frozen banana
2-3 pieces of spinach
1 scoop of amazing grass ( or use 1 packet)
1 tablespoon brown rice protein
stevia and cinnamon
and I mix it together in the blender. It is actually really good and easily drinkable! If I want chocolate I’ll add a spoon of cocoa powder and sometimes for more thickness I’ll add some chia seeds or ground flaxseed. For a crunch I’ll use raw cocoa nibs. That is always fun to drink because it comes through the straw!
Bonnie @ Salad Craze says
Oh, ok… now I’m going to bite the bullet and do a GM. I’ve been reading about them for months and I haven’t been brave enough to have them in a smoothie!
Lara (Thinspired) says
I haven’t been able to do kale and like it, but I do know that frozen banana makes all the difference in the world!! I use either a half or whole one, plus frozen blueberries, and never need ice.
Just read on Twitter about the juicer…awesome!
Rebecca says
I use about two handfuls of baby spinach, 1 cup of milk, TBSP of flax seed (meal), banana and sometimes a scoop of PB. Works every time.
Katherine says
I’m curious– what type of milk do you use in your recipes? Thanks 🙂
Kath says
Organic Skim. Stonyfield’s this week.
Estela @ weekly bite says
always use frozen bananas! Never use kale…
1/2 cup soy milk
1 frozen banana (or other frozen fruit)
packet of amazing grass/meal
fill the blender to the top w/ spinach.
Joanie Simon says
I actually came up with a good one yesterday.
1.5 cups frozen strawberries
juice of 1 lime
1 cup (or more for consistency) water
5 big leaves of kale
1 prune
1 Tbs. agave syrup
I love tart/acid flavors, so this suits me well. I’m sure throwing some milk in there would make is creamier, but this set me off on a good foot yesterday.
Have a great day!
Kristie Lynn says
I don’t like the texture ice gives to my smoothies, so I always use frozen banana. If you use spinach there is usually no worry with using too much (although I’m sure using a big old package would be too much) – I’ve always had trouble with kale though. My standard base is 1 c. almond milk, 1 frozen banana, 1/2 frozen seedless, peeled cucumber, and 2 big handfuls of baby spinach. Then I add whatever I feel like (flaxseed, frozen blueberries, peanut butter, etc.)! 🙂
Christie @ Honoring Health says
Wow, look at all these green smoothies!
I do:
2/3 cup almond milk
fill blender to top with spinach or kale
blend the crap out of it
add one whole banana
one cup frozen fruit
and other mix ins
blend forevah
Some days I do nut butter, protein powder, grapeseed oil (for staying power!!)
Noelle says
I tend to add a whole orange & frozen pinapple & frozen mango along with a frozen banana and some water then I add my greens. Texture is great and the citrus flavors definately overpower the greens so you can barely taste them!
Lisa says
Kath,
Thought of you when I saw this Serious Eats post: The Oatmeal Song
http://www.seriouseats.com/2009/12/video-the-oatmeal-song-with-mike-birbiglia-and-mates-of-state.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+seriouseatsfeaturesvideos+%28Serious+Eats%29&utm_content=Google+Reader
Kath says
FUN!
Anais says
The combination that I use is delicious (in my opinion): for one person, you add 2-3 giant handfuls of spinach, 1/2 banana (frozen or not), 3/4 cup almond milk, and about 1/2 cup of mango. I find that the mango COMPLETELY covers up the spinach taste/smell and gives it a really nice texture 🙂
Elizabeth (The Dallas Celiac) says
I only use frozen bananas and use half spinach/half kale if I’m going to use kale. Kale gives it a lumpier texture.
Julie says
I make my GM’s with spinach, I’ve never tried kale because I’ve heard not so tasty things about it.
My gm’s contain 1/2c unsweetened almond milk, 1 frozen banana, 1 scoop protein powder, 1 tbs nut butter, a crapton or spinach, lots of ice and if I’m feeling crazy I’ll add frozen peaches or mango.
Mama Pea says
I don’t have the perfect recipe for you, but I think you may have overdid it with the greens. I wouldn’t use kale AND the Amazing Meal, maybe just one or the other, or maybe just not the WHOLE packet. Drinking your concoction probably made you green, and not in a good way, but I find that granola can save just about anything.
Cynthia (It All Changes) says
My go to green monster is a frozen banana, huge handful or two of spinach, a handful of other berries, cup of almond milk and about a 1/4 cup of greek yogurt to make it creamy and get some dairy in. So frothy and yummy.
Lily @ Lily's Health Pad says
This is my go-to green moster recipe for days when I am not feeling up to creating a new smoothie creation:
I cup lofat vanilla soymilk
2 tablespoons flax seeds (or 1 tablespoon chia seeds)
3 kale leaves (probably about 2 to three cups kale…the leaves widely vary in size)
1 banana (usually frozen for reasons of convenience; however, I prefer the banana fresh because sometimes frozen bananas taste a bit funky)
10 large frozen strawberries
Blend the soymilk, and flax/chia seeds first. After seeds are chopped, add in the kale. When it is desired consistency, progress to the banana and strawberries.
Usually I make mine the night before, place it in my fridge and then reblend for one minute in the morning.
Megan says
Hi Kath!
Love your blog! I became hooked on green monsters after following Angela’s website for awhile and now my kids love them, too! My best ever combo is almond milk, frozen banana, frozen mangoes, frozen strawberries, two big handfuls of spinach (fresh) and one packet of stevia. Perfect, refreshing, and just sweet enough! Hope you enjoy! By the way-you have the most awesome collection of bowls! I haven’t been following your blog for too long, but everyday I want your bowls. Do you just buy bowls when you see some that you like? Do you buy in pairs? Where have you found the best selections? Have a good day!
Kath says
I buy them 2 at a time (although I haven’t bought any in months). 2 is great for just Matt and me to rotate through.
K
Sheila says
I would say, try putting cocoa powder in it. Chocolate can cover a multitude of sins. And it’s really good with banana. Or just have the kale for lunch. Hee! ( I don’t know how you girls face that green concoction in the a.m. anyway!)
Jewel says
I find the Amazing Meal makes for a thick blobby mass that in our household we don’t seem to enjoy as much. On the other hand, the AG Superfood makes a much better tasting GM for us (either original or chocolate). As far as freezing the bananas….I only toss them in the freezer when they are getting too ripe. If I have some in the freezer I will use that…but if I don’t I do add a quarter cup or so of crushed ice. And personally I save my kale for the chips and use spinach in the GM. I don’t think I could handle the kale in there! You are brave on that one!
Our usual:
1 cup Vanilla Almond Milk
1 TBS ground flax
1/2 naner
a few big handfuls of baby spinach (I alternate between cooked and raw sometimes ‘cuz of the different health benefits of each)
1 scoop Amazing Grass or Amazing Grass Superfood
I guess it is just basic and simple but it works…especially for the kidlets!
I bought those two huge tubs of Amazing Meal from Angela’s sale last month and I have to say that once we go through those tubs I will be sticking just with the plain old Amazing Grass and the Superfoods. Those seem to make better tasting GMs for us.
KatieTX says
Always spinach, frozen banana, maybe some frozen pineapple or peach, little pb. I have some kale right now though and no spinach, so I am debating trying it again. I dislike kale in them. also, I think protein powder messed with the texture too!
gina (fitnessista) says
sorry the smoothie was nast. amazing meal/grass products are nasty though and blended kale is a little stinky — much better for kale chip purposes 🙂
maybe try spinach instead??
almond milk, frozen banana, spinach, pinch sea salt, vanilla, sweetener (agave, stevia) = golden combo 😀
have a wonderful day!
xoxo
ilana says
haha everyone has their recipe
mine is pretty typical
1c frozen spinach
1 banana (not frozen)
half cup frozen blueberries (or other fruit, or i add blueberries+fruit)
1tbsp ground flax
water/juice (i like homemade green iced tea) to fill container/blend
Tania @ Moment Anew says
My absolute fave GM recipe:
http://momentanew.wordpress.com/2009/11/27/veggie-day/
This goes down super easy, is flavourful AND I can get my hubby to drink it too! 🙂
Chelsea (Chelsea's Chew and Run Fun) says
My best green monster involved the following:
-Frozen banana (heat in microwave for 10 sec. beforehand so its not too hard to blend/puree)
-2-3 giant handfuls of baby spinach
-1 cup Almond Breeze Vanilla Milk
-1 tiny glob of almond butter
-1 scoop Brown Rice Vanilla Protein Powder (Vegan)
No ice necessary thanks to the frozen banana. It’s creamy, thick, and amazing!
Ali @ Food, Fitness, Fashion says
My perfect green monster looks like this:
1 banana
1 tsp. PB2
1 tsp. Chocolate PB2
A splash of Almond milk
1 scoop green superfood
ice
perfect!!!
Ali @ Food, Fitness, Fashion says
Oh and spinach (2 handfuls)
marzipan says
I love green smoothies! But they can turn out seriously awful…
I usually blend (disclaimer: I have built up a palate for major amounts of kale):
-half a bunch of kale
-a cup of coconut water (or enough to thin)
-honey chobani (or other fat free/low fat greek yogurt)
-one flax pax (or scoop of flaxseed)
-frozen berries or banana or mango, more for a sweeter taster
also, if you want it a little sweeter, you could add a water-soaked date or two.
delicious!
Belinda says
My friend Kele gave me this green smoothie recipe. I think it is yummy and my children who are 7 and 4 drink it and like it!
1/2 apple, cut into chunks
1 banana, in chunks (not frozen)
1 cup grapes
1 1/2 cups spinach or kale
3/4 cup yogurt (I used plain and added a little honey.)
juice from 1/2 a lime
2 cups crushed iced
Blend!!!!!!
I used 1/2 cup frozen blueberries and a couple of frozen strawberries this morning. I had to add about 1/2 cup of water so it wasn’t so thick too. It was really tasty. If you try it, please let me know so I can tell my friend Kele. Enjoy!
ataraxy says
Belinda,
That recipe is great! I just got a Vitamix yesterday and was so excited to try green smoothies. I’ve already made tortilla soup, peach ice cream, and a caramel and plain frappuccino. Today I bought kale and spinach and grapes (I have the rest of your recipe’s ingredients) and decided to use 1 cup kale and 1/2 cup spinach with Kele’s recipe. It was outstanding! I love veggies anyway, but I needed a quicker way to get them into my daily meal plan, and I was letting too many things go bad in my fridge while waiting for nights when I have time to cook a big meal. This smoothie is going to be the start of something great. 😉
Thanks for sharing this — and please let Kele know the recipe is a big hit! My husband, who HATES kale and doesn’t like spinach much, really likes this. I can tell him to make a smoothie when he pokes his head in the kitchen asking when dinner will be ready. Better yet, I can tell him to make me a smoothie for dinner. 😀
Oh, PS for anyone who doesn’t like kale or thinks it’s too bitter: you have to take out the center rib of the kale. Just fold the kale in half down the middle and slice out the center part, which is the most bitter part. Also, I know the Vitamix doesn’t need it, but I went ahead and chopped the spinach and kale before tossing them in the blender with the other not-chopped ingredients. My smoothie came out completely smooth, which I think is mostly because the Vitamix really does pulverize everything.
-raxy
ataraxy says
Oh, oops – I didn’t use the ice. I like smoothies less watered down.
MelissaNibbles says
I’ve yet to make a green monster that I’ve enjoyed. I’m just not a fan. I feel so left out 🙁
Joelle (The Pancake Girl) says
Oh my, you’re a champ– I don’t think I could drink kale…
Jenna says
sorry the smoothie didn’t turn out as planned!
jenna
Carolyn says
Somebody else tried kale and it was a bust for them. I think it’s best to use relatively flavorless veggies. I’ve tried the usual baby spinach as well as carrots. I like to put in Greek yogurt, milk, frozen fruit, veggies, and sometimes ice, thought it’s not necessary. If I’m not doing berries I’ll put in 1/2 frozen banana and some chocolate peanut butter swirl protein powder. I don’t like putting actual PB or AB in b/c it’s too high in calories for what I need.
Farah says
Hi Kath,
maybe it’s because the kale is bitter. try spinach as your “green” next time….it’s sweeter!
I like the following combo:
3/4 – 1cup vanilla soymilk (or 1/2 almond, 1/2 soy)
1/2 – 1 banana (depends how big teh abana is!)
3 – 4 ice cubes
handful of spinach
2 teaspoons or 1 Tablespoon of RAW almond butter (Trader Joes or Marantha) (Has to be RAW not roasted since the raw kind is slightly sweeter than the roasted)
1/2 packet of pomengranate mango Amazing meal poweder (thuis is optional. I’ve had it with and without and both types of smoothis tatse good!)
Hope you like!
lynn (The Actors Diet) says
i find that baby spinach is the only fresh greens i can use in my smoothie. plus lots of frozen berries!
Julie says
I enjoy kale and spinach in my smoothies and here’s a winning combo I made recently.
http://followingjulie.com/page/2
LC @ Let Them Eat Lentils says
My fav combination! It works perfectly every time:
http://letthemeatlentils.wordpress.com/2009/11/03/rejuvenating-breakfast-smoothie/
Chelsea Crisp says
Have a look at the food blog greenandcrunchy she cooks all vegan/mostly raw and makes alot of green smoothies!!!!
DW says
4 oz. spinach
4-5 Frozen Pinapple chunks
1/2 Frozen Banana
1/2 C. water
Splash of lemon juice
Lauren says
Hey Kath,
I see you alreday have tons of great ideas from other people, but I wanted to let you know that I find Kale in a GM to be absolutely disgusting too! I really really think it’s the texture thing, but I would suggest sticking to baby spinach. I also always use a frozen banana as I think it gives a thicker and creamier texture (think of how the banana fro-yo turns out and how great that would be in a smoothie!) And one last thing, Almond or Soy milk tastes a lot better in these than cow’s milk. It gives a nutty taste and balances all of the falvors quite nicely.
Hope that helps, but truly, the GM’s are all about trial and error. Just keep playing with them until you find the perfect combo!
Good luck hun. 😉
Danielle says
I’m sure that you have more green monster recipes that you can handle but I just thought I’d throw mine in there too 🙂
2 handfuls of spinach
1 c. oat milk (any kind of milk would work, really)
1 banana (frozen or fresh)
1 c. frozen blueberries
–I used to use strawberries until I developed a weird allergy to them about a month ago. I really think they “make” the green monster, along with the banana. You’ve gotta have the banana!
Kathleen Ichord says
I am in agreement, spinach works with just about any fruit. I call mine a spinach smoothie. I have mine about 5 nights a week.
1 scoop protein powder
1 cup unsw. almond milk
1 cup light soy milk
6 cups spinach
1 cup any type fruit
sprinkle of cinnamon
Katy @ These Beautiful Feet says
I actually was thinking of adding kale to my smoothie tomorrow. Do you think kale adds any flavor to the smoothie? I feel like it would add a little something more then spinach.
[email protected] says
I have NEVER used frozen banana – what are the benefits/difference in taste with that?
I always use spinach, vanilla soymilk, ice – eyeball all the amounts – as well as banana, one T peanut butter and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Delish!
Kath – you might like some of Sara Bareilles’ songs from her album, “Little Voice” especially “City” and “Gravity” great piano and mellow tunes 🙂
Angela (Oh She Glows) says
I don’t steam it but microwave it for a few mins in water…it’s b/c I don’t eat dairy/meat so I need all the calcium/iron I can get!
A lot of people can’t get past the texture of kale. It’s not great but I just got used to it. I’d love a Vitamix though.
Laura says
I like using Sambazon frozen smoothie packets. Eliminates the need for ice and works great on the texture. I just use the spinach, milk, smoothie packet, and a banana, and it works great.
http://www.sambazon.com/shop2/p-37-pure-acai.aspx
elliot says
I see you already have a ton of ideas, but I didn’t see anyone mention PEARS, so I thought I would. I had a few pears that were very soft, and I just tossed about a half a pear in with about 1/4 banana, about 1/2 cup any milk, 2 handfuls spinach, and whatever else (sometimes flax meal, sometimes oatmeal, sometimes nut butter, sometimes a bit of lemon or orange juice or a pinch of fresh ginger) until it’s a good flavor and texture. I’ve never used Kale because I like a really smooth texture, and I use my bananas, frozen, fresh, or fridge. Sometimes, ice if it needs to cool down. The pears make it really sweet and I love the smooth creamy texture they create.
One time I made one with spinach and frozen blueberries… not a good idea in my opinion. I could not get past the awful brown sludge color. But blueberries or frozen cherries without spinach is fantastic! And I’ve fallen in love with your SIAB idea with granola.
Sarah says
I haven’t read the other comments but for me, I cannot make green monsters with kale, it’s just too bitter 🙁
My favorite combination is 1 cup soy milk, 1 sliced frozen banana, 3-4 cups of fresh spinach, 1 tbsp wheat germ and 1 tbsp peanut butter.
LadyLara says
My usual combo:
4-5 cups spinach
1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
small handful almonds
1 scoop protein powder
few ice cubes
If I’m not using protein powder I’ll use 1/2 frozen banana and no ice cubes. I’ve kind of gone away from using kale since they don’t always come out great. Maybe I should try them again.
Heather says
I prefer green smoothies with lemon and without milk. The tartness of the lemon balances out the bitterness of any greens I might use. I use about 1 cup of fruit, e.g., berries, pear, mango, or banana; 1 lemon; a few drops of stevia; and 2-3 cups of whatever greens need to be used up, e.g. beet tops, parsley, cilantro, kale, spinach, chard….
KRISTEN'S RAW says
Yay for green smoothies. And, I’m a fan of Amazing Grass – great goodness for the green smoothie. 🙂
I always make mine vegan… today was water, organic pineapple, and organic sunflower sprouts. YUM! I think I’ll go make another!
Cheers,
Kristen
Rachel says
This is my favorite way to drink kale:
– 1/2 cup pineapple juice
– 1/2 cup milk of your choice (I use almond milk)
– 1 banana (if not frozen, may want to add some ice as well)
– handful of kale leaves
That’s it, just blend it up. The pineapple juice is key, really does a good job masking the strong taste of raw kale.