When I am in a groove I start just about every day with this smoothie, or some variation thereof. It jump starts my energy and I feel more virtuous knowing that I have already consumed a good amount of veggies before 10am. Oh, and it tastes good! Feel free to play around a bit with the flavors and change the apple for an orange or toss in a cucumber skin and all of you have one.

Apple Kale Ginger Smoothie

Ingredients:

1+ cups cold water, or as needed
1 Tablespoon coconut oil
1 medium green apple, quartered (you may leave the core intact)
1 quarter of a medium lemon, peel and all (more if you like it more tart)
1 medium leaf of kale
1/4-1/2 inch piece of ginger
1 medium stalk of celery, rough chopped
A few sprigs of parsley or cilantro
1/2 cup ice cubes
1 Tablespoon flax or chia seeds
a drizzle of honey or a few dates (optional)

Makes 1 large serving

Directions:

Add all ingredients to the blender and process on high until smooth, about 1 minute. Taste and adjust sweetness with a little honey if desired. Thin with a little more water if needed.

Tips & Notes~

Dates make a wonderful sweetener- they add extra iron and fiber.

Substitute spinach for the kale.

To make this a more substantial meal you can use almond, dairy or light coconut milk in place of the water.