SPONSOR GENERATED POST

Veg Out: 10 Smart Smoothie Recipes That Pack In Your Daily Greens

Who says fruit always needs to be at the forefront of your smoothie selection? In partnership with Green Giant, we compiled this rainbow of unconventional veggie smoothie recipes — a brilliant way to eat (and drink) better. Pick from a kaleidoscope of colors and flavors.

Loading Slideshow...
  • Click through the slideshow for all 10 recipes!

  • Pea Perfection

    This pea, strawberry, pineapple and banana smoothie contains just 190 calories and 1/2g of fat per serving. <a href="http://www.livebetteramerica.com/recipes/pea-perfection-smoothies/4e78071e-d586-402f-b903-953d5ab350e4?nicam5=PARTNERSHIPS&nichn5=AOL&niseg5=TDCORE_LBA&esrc=16549">Get the recipe</a>

  • Super Strawberry

    This flavorful, energy-boosting drink combines broccoli, avocado, strawberries and yogurt for 250 calories per serving. <a href="http://www.livebetteramerica.com/recipes/super-strawberry-smoothies/ebe16ce6-4f58-4611-8f61-1923439da6b6?nicam5=PARTNERSHIPS&nichn5=AOL&niseg5=TDCORE_LBA&esrc=16549">Get the recipe</a>

  • Broccoli Power Punch

    Mango and pineapple add a tropical flavor to this refreshing breakfast or any-time snack. <a href="http://www.livebetteramerica.com/recipes/broccoli-power-punch-smoothies/756a9eb5-7209-45f9-8cfb-b89aa0994aed?nicam5=PARTNERSHIPS&nichn5=AOL&niseg5=TDCORE_LBA&esrc=16549">Get the recipe</a>

  • Obviously Orange

    At just 140 calories per serving and 1/2g of fat, it’s crazy how delicious these mango, carrot juice and broccoli smoothies taste! <a href="http://www.livebetteramerica.com/recipes/obviously-orange-smoothies/dc2893f4-fba7-4120-a26b-aac36a6b528a?nicam5=PARTNERSHIPS&nichn5=AOL&niseg5=TDCORE_LBA&esrc=16549">Get the recipe</a>

  • Luscious Lemon Drop

    These taste like lemon drops in a glass, thanks to lemon sherbet that adds the perfect amount of sweet and tart flavor. <a href="http://www.livebetteramerica.com/recipes/luscious-lemon-drop-smoothies/38007215-609a-4203-b0fd-fdc93808c23a?nicam5=PARTNERSHIPS&nichn5=AOL&niseg5=TDCORE_LBA&esrc=16549">Get the recipe</a>

  • Spa Refreshers

    Take your taste buds to the spa with this light and refreshing drink, made with cucumber and lime yogurt for only 100 calories per serving. <a href="http://www.livebetteramerica.com/recipes/spa-refreshers/d47cc2ee-a31b-4854-a238-cc220ad95a4f?nicam5=PARTNERSHIPS&nichn5=AOL&niseg5=TDCORE_LBA&esrc=16549">Get the recipe</a>

  • Sweet Sensation Spinach

    If you keep frozen fruits and vegetables on hand, you'll always be prepared to make this refreshing drink, which packs amazing flavor with peaches, spinach, pineapples and lime. Ready in just 8 minutes! <a href="http://www.livebetteramerica.com/recipes/sweet-sensation-spinach-smoothies/e0b742b4-87fe-4491-8ac7-69352e5b0dd7?nicam5=PARTNERSHIPS&nichn5=AOL&niseg5=TDCORE_LBA&esrc=16549">Get the recipe</a>

  • Beginner Green Spinach

    Sweetened with strawberries and orange juice, this green smoothie is a great way to start your day, with 170 calories per serving. <a href="http://www.livebetteramerica.com/recipes/beginner-green-spinach-smoothies/747ae1cf-cc8f-45cf-bdae-70835cf82694?nicam5=PARTNERSHIPS&nichn5=AOL&niseg5=TDCORE_LBA&esrc=16549">Get the recipe</a>

  • Super Athlete Spinach

    After a run or a workout, this hearty smoothie will refresh and restore, with its combination of spinach, Greek yogurt, avocado and berries. <a href="http://www.livebetteramerica.com/recipes/super-athlete-spinach-smoothies/f863aed7-4481-4b24-88de-2d5623e424c5?nicam5=PARTNERSHIPS&nichn5=AOL&niseg5=TDCORE_LBA&esrc=16549">Get the recipe</a>

  • Triple Treat Antioxidant

    Three berry flavors combine with broccoli to make these delicious bright pink smoothies at 150 calories a pop! <a href="http://www.livebetteramerica.com/recipes/triple-treat-antioxidant-smoothies/8d71ec99-a4af-4e48-9933-a5022bdeee9c?nicam5=PARTNERSHIPS&nichn5=AOL&niseg5=TDCORE_LBA&esrc=16549">Get the recipe</a>

Know of any genius veggie smoothie twists we missed? Share your recipes and other creative ways you've incorporated veggies into your diet with Live Better America readers below!

 
  • Comments
  • 24
  • Pending Comments
  • 0
  • View FAQ
Post Comment Preview Comment
To reply to a Comment: Click "Reply" at the bottom of the comment; after being approved your comment will appear directly underneath the comment you replied to.
View All
Favorites
Recency  | 
Popularity
This user has chosen to opt out of the Badges program
08:20 AM on 03/12/2013
Is making smoothies expensive? I'm reading the ingredients and it seems like something only the quite wealthy would be able to do on a regular basis.
photo
Issaquah79
Look mom no head!
09:24 PM on 03/12/2013
Buy less starbucks, get a cheaper cell phone, don't eat out so much, stop buying convenience food. Fresh fruits and vegetables are not that expensive and they are worth the investment unlike most crap people buy. If you don't invest in your health you will pay later via medical bills.
This user has chosen to opt out of the Badges program
09:38 AM on 03/13/2013
I go to Starbucks about once a month (I like their raspberry Italian sodas and morning buns as a special treat), have a TracFone, and have been a vegetarian for about 40 years so "convenience food" is rarely on the menu. I am very healthy, but wonder if juicing is really better than eating food as grown in nature. It was the berries and other often out-of-season fruits I was writing about concerning the cost. Do you use frozen berries and other frozen fruits?
photo
HUFFPOST SUPER USER
Moarku
Proud supporter of YOUR Third Amendment rights!
02:43 PM on 03/13/2013
It doesn't have to be. I get frozen kale and mixed berries from Whole Foods (you can get berries anywhere, but so far they're the only ones I've found who carry the kale). I never did a specific calculation, but I think each smoothie ends up costing about $1. I have one every morning and rarely feel the need for anything else.
photo
HUFFPOST SUPER USER
Mark Cobb
Common Sense Lives Here
08:00 AM on 03/12/2013
I make one I call the B.A.C.K...beets, apple, carrot, kale. I can feel it work in my body immediately!
photo
HUFFPOST SUPER USER
FREEBABY66
04:55 AM on 03/12/2013
The smoothie ideas are wonderful but it would have been nice to have recipes revealing the portions of each ingredient.
02:44 AM on 03/12/2013
Since June of last year I have started my day with a smoothie; coconut milk with fresh kale (3 different types from my garden) a single collard leaf, a handful of spinach, fresh mint leaves, Yarrow Brand vegetarian protein powder, a small chunk of fresh ginger, ground cinnamon, a few strawberries, a handful of fresh blueberries, one banana, the juice from either a fresh orange or a fresh lemon, a few cubes of ice, thrown into the Vita Mix and I am set until lunch. Easy to digest, a lot of nutrients, lots of energy and I do not feel hungry for a good couple of hours.
10:23 PM on 03/11/2013
All are good but not everyday. Twice week is enough. Eat a well balance mini meal.
HUFFPOST SUPER USER
theshadowdo
who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men?
07:31 PM on 03/11/2013
From an ayurvedic standpoint this is not a good combination. Vegetables and fruits should be eaten separately. I juice fruits in the morning, vegetables through the afternoon and eat my protein with vegetables at night. If you've ever had stomach problems, micro nutrients (ie jucing) following the principals of "Fit for Life' will make you feel great.
photo
HUFFPOST SUPER USER
Tribalenvy
10:19 PM on 03/11/2013
I do not know much of what you write, but it certainly 'feels' right to me.

If I might tap your wisdom a bit ...

All fruits in a juice worries me from a glycemic standpoint. It seems one's body sugar could really jump from this, even with lower glycemic index fruits. I am not diabetic, but I do worry about spiking my insulin levels too much. Any thoughts on this?

I do really like the idea of vegetables juiced, but add just a bit of fruit for taste. Is that more or less ok?

I'm planning on juicing far more here shortly, but I'd like to do it as healthy as possible. I still have much to learn, but the way in which you eat (or drink if you will) just seems like it makes alot of sense.

I want to lose a little fat and put on more muscle, sure, but the primary reason I want to juice regularly is that I just want more energy. Not bursts, but sustained energy.
HUFFPOST SUPER USER
theshadowdo
who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men?
12:45 AM on 03/12/2013
Thank you for your faith in my knowledge. I can't speak to your issue because I don't know you or your body type or your levels,  Refined sugar is a no, no. we know that. Ironically, carrot, beet, celery is quite sweet tasting (you wouldn't think so). Spinach is the highest alkaline vegetable - also tastes sweet. I would urge you to see your doctor and find out what he or she thinks is the best way to proceed. Your doctor can prescribe a blood test that can reveal your blood sugar levels, cholesterol, etc.  I read, "Fit for Life" which made quite a bit of sense to me. I also watched, "Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead" and tried his program of juicing and never felt better in my life. Almost everything one can put in one's mouth (aside from protean) is metabolized like sugar - even fruits and vegetables contain sugar - it's the kind of sugar that matters, There is also the issue of exercising every day that is so important. Good luck.
photo
HUFFPOST SUPER USER
FREEBABY66
04:55 AM on 03/12/2013
Ancient "wisdom" isn't always best.
HUFFPOST SUPER USER
theshadowdo
who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men?
11:17 AM on 03/12/2013
obviously not for you
photo
HUFFPOST SUPER USER
Lakas
Bullet with Butterfly Wings
05:47 PM on 03/11/2013
I add chia seeds and flax oil/seeds. I buy my greens at the farmers market and then freeze some of them for juicing because it's easier if they're frozen, specially the kale. Some of these recipes are nice suggestions but I don't like buying the Green Giant products, I only buy at farmers markets.
01:06 PM on 03/11/2013
Smoothies mash fiber into mush and dump sugar/carbs into a - then- vulnerable gut. Eat whole fruit.
11:24 AM on 03/11/2013
Don't do smoothies or juice so much, as we love the taste and texture of the whole foods, but my wife and I make an amazing omelet comprised of ground flaxseeds, almonds, walnuts, garlic, onions, hot red pepper, red, green, and yellow bell pepper, celery, mushroom, and spinach. We sauté everything briefly then fold half of it into a two-egg omelet then top it with pepper jack cheese, guacamole, and salsa. The other half we top off with salsa and eat on the side. Then we add a slice of whole wheat toast with guacamole instead of butter. We call it a snutty (for seeds and nuts) veggie medley omelet. Nutritious and delicious!!!
09:33 AM on 03/11/2013
Kale, spinach, parsley, carrot, and apple is a nice combo. Don't know about "smoothies". I just put it in a juicer and drink. So good for you!
This user has chosen to opt out of the Badges program
photo
12:00 PM on 03/11/2013
A little flax or fish oil for your Omega 3s. Flax and Chia meal would add a nice texture too.

I am disheartened that most of the recipes shown tout very low fat content. Our bodies absolutely need healthy fats to function properly. Fats are anti-inflammatory, immune boosting. energy enhancing and brain nourishing. Why delete these from your diet?
09:21 AM on 03/12/2013
I need a source of Omega 3 becasue I am allergic to fish.This is the second time I heard someone mention Chia within 24 hours. I don't know what it is, but I'm going to look into it now. :) 
07:44 PM on 03/11/2013
I suggest you try adding a beet, or substituting a beet or two for the apple. It makes the juice even sweeter, more nutritious, and gives the juice a beautiful pink color.

Featured Video