We are drawn to foods that are the colors of the rainbow. Smoothies, infused with fruits or greens, a little almond milk or fresh pure water, simply burst with flavors and tastes. Their colors—emerald, rosy pink, golden yellow—are like rays of prismatic light, and bring the colors of sunlight into our lives, any time, any day. First the eyes feast during preparation, then the body and spirit!

Greens are an integral part of green smoothies. The greens help to balance the sweetness from the fruits, and build strength with minerals and amino acids—the building blocks of protein. Victoria Boutenko, author of Green for Life, writes: "Blended green smoothies are a simple and delicious way of accessing the healing properties of greens. Whether you eat a raw food, vegan, vegetarian, or mainstream American diet, regularly drinking green smoothies can significantly improve your health. This miraculous drink is available to every person in every country."

Chia and hemp seeds add healthful Omega-3 EFA's, and protein. We recommend using milder greens and in smaller amounts if you aren't yet a lover of greens, until your tastebuds become used to the unique flavors. Stronger flavored greens, such as kale and collards, can take a little getting used to. Bananas are close to miraculous in how they can make the green taste almost disappear. However, one thing to be expected is the zing of energy that comes from sipping on something green! Blended smoothies are so easy to digest, they are usually perfect for everyone, young and old.

This is a workhorse recipe for us. Victoria says that greens are actually a unique food group, and unlike vegetables, help to digest every type of food through stimulating the secretion of digestive enzymes. We never would have thought that greens could taste this good with fruits!

Ingredients (Makes 4 cups):

2 cups water
2 cups very loosely packed spinach or chard
1 cup cubed pineapple
2-3 bananas
1 tablespoon freshly ground chia seeds (we have a designated coffee grinder for seeds and spices)
2 tablespoons hemp seed nuts—optional

Directions:

Rinse spinach under cool running water to remove any dirt or sand and cut off any tough stems. Discard any leaves that are not fresh. Cut pineapple in half. Cut outer rind from the pineapple half. Remove hard inner core and cut into 1 inch pieces. (Store remaining pineapple, covered, in fridge.)
Put water into blender. Add spinach, and pineapple, and blend until smooth.
Add bananas, chia seeds, hemp seed nuts, and blend until velvety. If overly thick, add a little more water.
Serve immediately.

The lovely pink color will surely brighten your day! The taste is refreshing, and cooling.

Ingredients (Makes 4 cups):

2 cups strawberries
2 bananas
1 1/2 cups water, or your favorite milk

Directions:

Rinse strawberries under cool water.
Remove green tops, or bad spots.
(If using frozen berries, put in a colander or strainer and run under warm water until berries begin to soften.)
Peel bananas.
Add strawberries and bananas to blender.
Add water, or your favorite milk.
Blend until smooth and velvety.
Serve immediately.

Optional Ingredients:

If you don't have strawberries, try any of the following: raspberries, blackberries, cherries, or blueberries. You can make a thick nut milk by pulverizing nuts in blender, adding a little water, and blending until smooth. Or try using yoghurt or kefir for a substantial smoothie.

This smoothie looks like a beam of sunlight materialized in your glass!

Ingredients (Makes 3 cups):

1 cup mango chunks
1 cup pineapple chunks
1 cup water.

Directions:

Cut pineapple in half. Cut outer rind from the pineapple half. Remove hard inner core and cut into 1 inch pieces. (Store remaining pineapple, covered, in fridge.)
Peel pineapple and remove tough inner core. Chop into pieces.  Peel mango, and cut fruit off the pit. (If using frozen, put into a strainer or a colander, and run warm water over the fruit until it has started to soften.)
Put fruit into blender. Add water. Blend until velvety smooth.
Serve immediately. Enjoy!