Though it may seem like hype, the emphasis on all-green-everything in today's modern healthy diet is well founded. Greens like kale and spinach are the most nutrient dense vegetables you can get your hands on.

They are, pound for pound, the most rife with vitamins and essential trace minerals when compared to other foods. Because of this, it behooves you to get creative with greens and eat them raw as much as possible. Smoothies and salads are an excellent, tasteful way to ingest these healthy veggies everyday. Green smoothie benefits are bountiful and can benefit anyone, regardless of current state of health.

The Best Green Smoothie

The best green smoothie for weight loss is one that is at least 70% green vegetables and 30% fruit at the max. This will insure that your drink is nutrient dense and not sugar heavy.

A low-carb green smoothie is what you should strive for because sugar from fruit (though healthy in moderation and when paired with naturally occurring fiber) will elevate your blood sugar, whereas the greens will not. Don't think deprivation. Rather, think nutrient dense green smoothie ingredients like cucumber, celery, green apple and the aforementioned kale and spinach powerhouse greens.

How To Make Green Smoothies

Lean & Green

Ingredients

• 1 handful or two large leaves of kale, chard or spinach 
• About 10 leaves of mint (could use basil or parsley)
• 1/2 cup green grapes
• 1 tested lime (keep the white, pithy part of the peel intact)
• 1 tablespoon of hemp seeds
• About 2 cups of water (adjust to your liking)

Green & Clean Machine

Ingredients

• 1 handful or two large leaves of kale
• 2 celery stalks
• 1/4 of a cucumber
• About 10 leaves of mint
• 1/2 of a green apple
• 1 tablespoon of chia seeds
• About 2 cups of water (adjust to your liking

Avocado Energy

Ingredients

• 1/2 of a pitted avocado
• 1/2 of a large banana
• 1 handful of spinach
• 1 teaspoon of matcha green tea powder (can substitute 1 cup of brewed green tea)
• 1 tested lemon (leave the white, pithy part of the peel intact)
• About 2 cups of water

Green Smoothies Kickstart Your Health

Begin to incorporate these easy green smoothie recipes into your daily routine for improved overall health. You'll notice very quickly that your energy levels & sense of well-being will improve. Weight loss may be a byproduct of this revived, healthier you. That said, don't get fixated on the scale. Your focus should remain on noticing things like:

Chances are highly likely that you'll experience many, if not all, of these excellent after effects of drinking green smoothies. The benefits are abundant, the expense is reasonable (grocery bill), the preparation is simple and fool-proof and there are no negative side effects.

There's truly no reason not to give one or more of these drinks a try! Who knows, you may become a healthy, inspiring influence on your friends, family and peers. Starting with one green smoothie a day can take you down a healthful road of longevity and vitality that will positively impact yourself and your community.

More on the Green Smoothie Diet

The best green smoothie for health is one that is high in alkaline-forming, nutrient dense foods (vegetables and fruit). To keep these green shakes low in sugar and high in nutrition, it’s best to keep the vegetable content high and the fruit content at bay. It’s also crucial to keep them complete with each macronutrient.

Each of these recipes contains a course of fat, carbohydrates and protein (the 3 macronutrients). For example, hemp seeds, chia seeds and avocado are all great sources of plant-based fat & protein. Spinach and kale are also highly nutritious sources of protein, while fruits like green apple and banana complete the puzzle with some healthy carbohydrates.

It should be said again: don't fear the green! Especially when coupled with delicious plant-based flavors like mint or apple, greens can become a food item that you crave for the bountiful benefits they provide you. They will be your new, much better source of natural energy!