Fruit and Vegetable Smoothie Blends

If fresh morning smoothies or juices are a staple in your diet, this recipe is perfect for you. Even if you don’t own a juicer, you can still incorporate all of the vegetables included in this week's box into your morning smoothies. In this post we’re sharing fruit and vegetable smoothie combos to get you out of your comfort zone.

What’s the Difference Between Smoothies and Juices?

Smoothies are prepared in a blender, while juices require a juicer. Smoothies incorporate the whole fruit and vegetable, including the fiber, while juices extract the liquid from fruits and vegetables, leaving most of the fiber and pulp behind to be discarded. Both can fit in a balanced diet, but consuming smoothies more often means more fiber in our diet - a nutrient most of us are lacking.

The Importance of Fiber

Fruits and vegetables contain insoluble and soluble fiber. Both are important for health. Think of insoluble fiber (found in berries, the skin of apples, and celery, for example) as roughage for our intestines. It helps keep us regular and prevents constipation. Soluble fiber (found in carrots, avocado, and pears, for example) helps slow digestion, keeps blood sugar balanced, can help reduce cholesterol, and supports our healthy gut bacteria. Eating a variety of whole fruits and vegetables (raw or cooked) everyday ensures we’re consuming enough of both.

Add Vegetables to Your Smoothies!

Celery, carrots, and beets are common ingredients in fresh juices, but they can also be blended into smoothies. Read on for a few simple smoothie combos that incorporate these nutritious, antioxidant-rich vegetables.

Each recipe makes a 12 ounce smoothie.

Celery Pear Smoothie

In a high-powered blender, combine the following:

2 stalks celery

1 pear

½ banana, frozen

1 tablespoon lemon juice

¼ cup milk or non-dairy alternative

A thin slice of ginger root, optional

For an optional nutrition boost, add any of the following: protein powder/collagen, hemp hearts, chia seeds, ground flaxseed, nuts/nut butter, avocado

Blend until very smooth and serve.