Editor’s Note: This post was originally published August 2016 and has recently been updated and revised for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
As a health and fitness enthusiast, you have likely heard of or experienced the green smoothie and juicing trend first-hand. Many researchers and followers claim that adding a green smoothie or juice to your diet can transform your health and your body. Whether you buy into it, there is simply no denying that this trend is booming—and frankly, it’s quite delicious. So, the truth is, you don’t have to be fully on board to give it a try or even share some recipes with your clients, especially if they are asking you about it.
So, what’s the difference? Green smoothies vs. green juice
Whether you are a fan of smoothie- or juice-based green goodness, both options are packed full of the nutrients your body secretly craves. So, what’s the difference? Below you will find an infographic from Simple Green Smoothies that breaks it down to a science.
As you can see, both juicing and blending provide vital options for consuming your daily fruits and vegetables—all in one glass.
Without further ado, here are our favorite healthy green smoothie recipes for beginners and juice lovers alike:
Pineapple mojito green smoothie
A great way to introduce the body—and of course, the tastebuds—to the green smoothie community is to dive in to your smoothie challenge with a delicious one. That’s right, green doesn’t always have to mean “earthy” flavors. We have tracked down a pineapple mojito green smoothie from Simple Green Smoothies—one of the best recipe blogs if you or your client are looking for even more green recipes. Here’s what you need, pulled directly from the blog:
- 2 cups kale
- 2 cups coconut water
- 3 cups pineapple
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
- Juice from 1 freshly squeezed lime
Blend the kale and coconut water together, until smooth and add all remaining ingredients. Blend all the ingredients again until smooth and enjoy!
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Fountain of youth smoothie
Green juices and smoothies are often celebrated for their ability to boost immunity, reduce and prevent diseases and even improve our appearance, as they can benefit the hair, skin, nails and more. So, it isn’t any wonder this smoothie is labeled as the “fountain of youth” by Raw Family—aka the “green smoothie headquarters.” Here’s what you need, pulled directly from the blog:
- 1/2 bunch chard
- 1 mango
- 1 banana
- 1 1/2 cups pineapple
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
Place the mango, banana, pineapple and your chia seeds into a blender of your choice. Remove the stems of the chard and place the greens on top. Next, add in the 1 cup of water and blend until smooth. Finally, enjoy!
Collard greens smoothie with mango and lime
Collard greens are famous for their bitter, earthy flavors—often similar to kale. But, let’s not forget the green’s unique health benefits. So even if your client is not a fan of this vegetable, it’s easily masked by the sweet and sour flavors of mango, lime and grapes. Thanks to the experts at Real Simple, you and your clients can make one today. Here’s what you need, pulled directly from the website:
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 cups stemmed and chopped collard greens (or spinach)
- 1 1/2 cups frozen mango
- 1 cup green grapes
Place the lime juice, 1/2 cup of water, collard greens, mango and grapes into a blender of your choice and blend until smooth for approximately 1 minute. If the consistency isn’t quite there, add a little bit of water. Finally, enjoy!
Mint chocolate chip green smoothie
Of course we had to save dessert for last. The best part? This mint chocolate chip green smoothie can be enjoyed, totally guilt free. But don’t thank us, thank Fitness Magazine for the recipe. The magazine recently featured it from McKel Hill, owner and food blogger at Nutrition Stripped. Here’s what you need, pulled directly from the website:
- 2 cups organic spinach
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 cup filtered water
- 1/2 avocado
- 1 scoop of chocolate protein powder [of choice, but we recommend: Garden of Life’s Raw chocolate protein]
- 1/4 cup fresh mint or 1 drop of mint extract to desired taste
- 1 tablespoon dark chocolate chips or cacao nibs
- Stevia to taste
- Ice (optional)
Blend all of the required ingredients into a blender of your choice until thick and smooth. And, finally, enjoy.
