AHHH Green Monsters!
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Wednesday, October 19th, 2011
With Halloween around the corner, I figured I’d take the time to start talking about things like witches, ghosts and monsters. But what I want to talk about is a different kind of monster…what kind of monster, you ask?
Ooh, ahhh…a green monster!
Image: Real Illusion/Shutterstock
Okay, so it’s not a real monster. It’s quite the opposite, actually. I’m not sure why it’s called a “monster,” but basically a green monster is a healthy green colored smoothie–made green from blended spinach or kale. By blending together spinach or kale with milk (of your choice, but soy or almond would be true to the ‘movement’), fruit, and health seeds or powders, this smoothie acts as a natural energizer, nutrient provider, and even skin clearer.
Image: V.J. Matthew/Shutterstock
Most “green monsters” are made with normal smoothie ingredients like frozen bananas and milk, but the addition of spinach or other leafy greens have enormous health benefits with a huge dose of antioxidants, iron, vitamins, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids if you add in something like flax or chia seeds.
Though it looks a little unappetizing, devout Green Monster drinkers swear by them for their delicious taste, quickness to make, and easy intake of your daily fruits and vegetables and other nutrients.
Here’s the most basic Green Monster recipe, from the Green Monster Movement site:
2 cups organic spinach
1-1 ¼ cups milk (any kind)
1 tablespoon flax (optional)
1 banana
Handful of ice
Blend everything together on high speed in your blender for about 1 minute.
Check out the “Movement” for more information, and if you’re feeling brave during this Halloween season, why not try something a little healthier than candy?
-Julia Harbo
Tags: banana, drinks, green monsters, Gut Check, Halloween, health food, healthy, julia harbo, Northern Virginia, Northern Virginia Magazine, NoVA, smoothies, spinach