Refreshing Gut Healing Green Smoothie

Here’s my go-to green smoothie recipe that’s perfect for anyone looking to give their gut health a boost. It’s packed with good-for-you ingredients like leafy greens, ginger, and natural probiotics, all blended into a creamy, satisfying drink.

I make this smoothie almost every morning as part of my breakfast routine, and it’s become my favorite way to start the day. If you’re new to green smoothies, don’t worry – this one’s gentle on the stomach and tastes surprisingly good!

What Kind of Spinach Should I Use?

Fresh baby spinach is your best bet for smoothies, though regular spinach leaves work great too. Baby spinach has a milder flavor and softer texture, making it perfect for blending into a creamy smoothie without any bitter taste. If you’re using regular spinach leaves, just make sure to remove any tough stems first. While you can use frozen spinach in a pinch, fresh leaves will give you the brightest flavor and most nutrients – just be sure to give them a good wash before tossing them in your blender. If you buy a big bag of fresh spinach, you can actually freeze the extra leaves yourself in portions, which is super handy for future smoothies.

Options for Substitutions

This smoothie recipe is super adaptable and you can switch things up based on what you have in your kitchen:

• Spinach: You can swap spinach with kale, swiss chard, or even romaine lettuce. If using kale, remove the tough stems first to avoid a bitter taste.
• Milk: Any milk works great here – oat milk, soy milk, cashew milk, or even water if you’re in a pinch. Coconut water can add a nice tropical twist.
• Avocado: This is key for the creamy texture, but you can use 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or 1/2 cup soaked cashews instead. The texture might be slightly different but still good!
• Banana: Besides the suggested orange, you can use 1/2 cup mango or 1 pear. Each will change the taste a bit but still keep it sweet and smooth.
• Peppermint essence: Feel free to skip this or try other flavors like almond extract or a dash of cinnamon. Fresh mint leaves work too – start with 4-5 leaves.
• Chia seeds: You can use flax seeds, hemp seeds, or pumpkin seeds instead. Just remember to grind flax seeds first if you use those.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Blending

The biggest mistake when making green smoothies is throwing all ingredients in at once, which can lead to poor blending and chunks of spinach in your drink – instead, start by blending your liquid and spinach first until completely smooth, then add the remaining ingredients. Another common error is using warm ingredients, which can make your smoothie taste off and reduce its refreshing quality – make sure your milk is cold and your banana is frozen for the best temperature and texture. To prevent your smoothie from oxidizing and turning brown (especially with the avocado), add a squeeze of lemon juice and drink it immediately after blending, or if you must store it, transfer to an airtight container filled to the top to minimize air exposure. For the smoothest result, add your ice cubes last and blend just until they’re crushed – over-blending can make your smoothie too thin and watery.

What to Serve With Green Smoothies?

Green smoothies are perfect for breakfast or as a quick snack, and they pair really well with some simple add-ons to make them more filling. A piece of whole grain toast with almond butter makes this smoothie feel more like a complete breakfast, while giving you some extra protein and healthy fats. If you’re having this as an afternoon pick-me-up, try serving it with a small handful of mixed nuts or a couple of dates for natural energy. Some people like to turn their smoothie into a proper breakfast bowl by pouring it into a wide dish and topping it with granola, fresh berries, or coconut flakes for extra crunch and flavor.

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: This green smoothie is best enjoyed right after blending when all the ingredients are perfectly combined and the texture is at its peak. If you need to save it for later, pour it into an airtight container or mason jar, filling it as close to the top as possible to minimize air exposure.

Chill: You can keep your smoothie in the fridge for up to 24 hours, but remember that separation is normal! Just give it a good shake or quick stir before drinking. The avocado might cause some browning, but it’s still perfectly fine to drink.

Prep Ahead: Want to save time in the morning? Prep smoothie bags by combining all ingredients except the milk, avocado, and ice in freezer bags. When you’re ready, just grab a bag, add the fresh ingredients, and blend! These prep bags will stay good in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Preparation Time	5-10 minutes
Cooking Time	0 minutes
Total Time	5-10 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 400-450
• Protein: 7-10 g
• Fat: 20-25 g
• Carbohydrates: 50-55 g

Ingredients

• 2 generous handfuls of fresh spinach
• 1 cup preferred milk (such as almond, coconut, or regular milk)
• 1 whole avocado
• 1 banana (or alternatively, 1/2 orange)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint essence
• 8 ice cubes
• Optional: a couple of drizzles of honey for a touch of sweetness
• Optional: 2 teaspoons chia seeds for extra nutrients

Step 1: Gather and Combine Ingredients

Before starting, gather all the ingredients you wish to blend.

This could include fruits, vegetables, liquids, or any spices and flavorings you have chosen.

Place all the ingredients into a blender to prepare for blending.

Step 2: Blend Ingredients Until Smooth

Secure the lid on the blender to avoid any spillage.

Begin blending the ingredients on a medium speed, gradually increasing to high speed until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined.

This process helps break down any chunks and creates a creamy consistency.

Step 3: Adjust Consistency as Needed

After blending, check the consistency of the mixture.

If it’s too thick for your liking, add a small amount of liquid (such as water, milk, or juice) gradually to reach your desired consistency.

Blend the mixture again briefly after adding more liquid.

Repeat this process until the mixture is just right.