Are Smoothies Safe? What are the Common Mistakes to Avoid?

Smoothies are safe and beneficial to one’s health. However, they must be consumed in moderation. Anything that is taken to excess can be detrimental. There are a few mistakes that people make unknowingly when making smoothies. The points below will shed light on the common mistakes and how to avoid them. 

Mistake 1: Not rotating the greens 
 Always rotate your greens. As mentioned in an earlier chapter, this will prevent toxin build-up and also give you a well-rounded smoothie diet. 

Mistake 2: Not checking for allergies 
 Be aware of your own allergies if you have any to vegetables and fruits. For example, some people are highly allergic to celery and can suffer from anaphylactic shock if they consume it. You might want to speak to your doctor about your green smoothie diet. 

Mistake 3: Focusing on Fruits Instead of Veggies 
  When making green smoothies, it is best to focus on the vegetables, rather than the fruits. It goes without saying that fruits are tastier because they are sweeter. Because of this, people usually use more fruits than green vegetables. The problem here is that fruits are high in sugar but are not filling. You will not feel as satiated drinking a smoothie that is mostly fruit juice. 

For example, if you make a green smoothie with: 

 1/2 cup of broccoli 
 1 banana 
 ¾ cup blueberries 
 ½ cup orange juice
  1 cup strawberries 
 1 cup water 

By all appearances, you have a green smoothie. Yes, this is good for your health but it will not leave you feeling full because it is low in fiber but high in natural sugars. That basically means you will get hungry sooner and end up eating more food to feel satiated. At the end of the day, you would have consumed more calories and will gain weight. 

It is best to focus more on vegetables. Ideally, a good smoothie would look like this: Now you have a smoothie that is truly green, nutritious and the slow digesting fiber in the broccoli and spinach will leave you feeling full for longer. 

Mistake 4: Not Keeping Things Natural 

 Only use water and pure fruit juice when making your green smoothies. Using milk, yogurt or store bought fruit juice is a big no-no. There are several ingredients that people use thinking that these are nutritious and benefitting them. These are the most common ingredients added to green smoothies which should be avoided. 

1. Protein powder 
2. Ice cream 
3. Sugar 
4. Cream soda 
5. Honey 
6. Whipped cream 
7. Peanut butter 
8. Chocolate syrups 

 ½ cup broccoli 
 1 cup spinach 
 ½ cup cabbage 
 1 cup apple juice 
 1/2 cup water 

There is one cardinal rule to making smoothies. No artificial ingredients. You should only use green vegetables and a few small servings of raw fruit or natural fruit juice to make the smoothie. The fruits just help to make the drink sweeter and more palatable. No deviation from this rule. Period. 

Mistake 5: Not Using a Good Blender 
While this is not a huge mistake, it is still better to use a good blender rather than one ill-suited for making smoothies.  The blender should have a solid base that is wide for stability. Since you're making smoothies with your blender, it needs to have a high-speed and a 1000+ watt The pitcher that the blender uses needs to be large too. Sometimes you may want to make a smoothie for 2 or more people. At times like these, you will need a bigger blender rather than a small, personal one. Do your research and see what is the best type of juicer for you and is within your budget. 

Mistake 6: Not Using Proper Recipes 
Do not try to concoct your own recipes. There are thousands of recipes available online or in books for you to copy. Using too many veggies in your blend will make it have a muddy appearance and the flavors may not be complementary. Many beginners do not know that certain greens such as arugula and broccoli have a strong taste. You’ll need to know what The pitcher that the blender uses needs to be large too. Sometimes you may want to make a smoothie for 2 or more people. At times like these, you will need a bigger blender rather than a small, personal one. Do your research and see what is the best type of juicer for you and is within your budget. 

Mistake 6: Not Using Proper Recipes 
Do not try to concoct your own recipes. There are thousands of recipes available online or in books for you to copy. Using too many veggies in your blend will make it have a muddy appearance and the flavors may not be complementary. Many beginners do not know that certain greens such as arugula and broccoli have a strong taste. You’ll need to know what 

What are Smoothies and How Do You Make One

It’s funny we haven’t yet covered it and we are halfway through the guide! What exactly is a smoothie?  

A smoothie is a thick beverage blend of different vegetables and fruits. Green smoothies use green vegetables such as spinach, celery cucumbers, green apples, etc. 

The beauty of a smoothie is that you get many different nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants at one go. With the correct recipe, your smoothie will not only be healthy, but it will also be tasty. Many people believe that healthy food and tasty food cannot be reconciled. This is false. You can make a healthy and tasty smoothie. 

 Unlike normal smoothies, you will not be using yogurt or milk to make your smoothie. The key here is to keep things natural. Many of the latest studies also show that milk and dairy products are not as beneficial as they were purported to be in the past. In fact, most are detrimental to one’s health. Since the goal here is to keep things raw and natural, the best way to make a smoothie will be to use chilled vegetables and fruit.  

It has been shown that smoothies taste better when they are cold. It is better to use cold ingredients rather than to make a The beauty of a smoothie is that you get many different nutrients, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants at one go. With the correct recipe, your smoothie will not only be healthy, but it will also be tasty. Many people believe that healthy food and tasty food cannot be reconciled. This is false. You can make a healthy and tasty smoothie. 

Unlike normal smoothies, you will not be using yogurt or milk to make your smoothie. The key here is to keep things natural. Many of the latest studies also show that milk and dairy products are not as beneficial as they were purported to be in the past. In fact, most are detrimental to one’s health. Since the goal here is to keep things raw and natural, the best way to make a smoothie will be to use chilled vegetables and fruit.  

It has been shown that smoothies taste better when they are cold. It is better to use cold ingredients rather than to make a 

Other beneficial greens you might want to look at

 Other beneficial greens you might want to look at:

 

 Parsley 

 

 Chard 

 

 Pak Choi/Bok Choy 

 

Are some greens better than others? 

The most important point to remember is that eating any vegetable is better than eating none. The problem today is that most people are not even getting enough veggies in their diet... and French fries or mashed potatoes are NOT counted. 

 

First and foremost, you need to get sufficient vegetables in your diet. If you do not like eating vegetables, you can make green smoothies. They are just as beneficial. 

 

There is no need to worry if some greens are better than others because your goal will be to rotate the greens that you use in your smoothie. Some people make the exact same smoothie every single time and miss out on the benefits that they can get from the other vegetables. 

 

Choose organic vegetables whenever you can. The hard truth is that most of our foods contain toxins from insecticides, fertilizers. 

By rotating your greens, you will be preventing a toxin buildup from any one vegetable. You should research what different green smoothie recipes there are. You can find many books in your library or at Amazon.com that contain many tasty and delicious green smoothie recipes. 

 

These guides contain recipes created by nutritionists and health experts who have factored daily nutrient requirements, vegetable combinations, taste, etc. when concocting these recipes. You are in safe hands by following their recipes. The best way to stick with a habit is to like doing it. Since the recipes will usually be tasty, you’ll be more likely to stick to drinking smoothies instead of reaching for the sodas. 

 As long as you make smoothies from the vegetable list given above, or from a good recipe book, you will do just fine. This is not rocket science. It’s just smoothies. Blend them and drink 

 You will look and feel like a brand new you. It’s that simple. 

What are the Best Greens You Should Use

Not all green vegetables and fruits are created equal. When making a green smoothie, it’s best to use vegetables that have the most nutrients to pack a punch. I mean, You want to get the best benefits from your smoothies.  

Let’s look at some of the best greens (in no particular order) that you can use to whip up those awesome smoothies. 

Spinach 
Yup! Popeye was right. This truly is a fantastic green that is full of goodness. It is low in calories yet contains protein, iron, vitamins and minerals. Spinach has been shown to lower the risk of cancer, strengthens bones, reduces the risk of asthma and other infections, lowers blood pressure and aids in glucose control for diabetics. 

 Kale 
Similar to spinach, kale is splendid for nourishing the body. In fact, kale contains more nutrients than spinach. It maintains healthy skin, strong bones, improves digestion and prevents the onset of many health problems. 

 Broccoli 
Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable. It is fantastic for combating the effects of a poor diet. Our diets are rich in omega-6 fatty acids and this has thrown the balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids out of whack.  Our foods have become packed with estrogen, resulting in more men suffering from gynecomastia and other issues. Broccoli mitigates the negative effects of estrogen. 

 

It’s also rich in fiber and sulforaphane. This sulfur compound prevents cancers such as lung and colon cancer. Broccoli is definitely a vegetable that you should include in your smoothies often. It does have a strong taste. So, start by using small amounts till you develop an acquired taste for it and are able to drink it without forcing yourself to. 

 

Collards 

 Collards are rich in vitamin K that promotes good bone health. They reduce the risks of developing colorectal, prostate and lung cancer. They also help diabetes sufferers maintain a stable blood glucose level.  

 An additional benefit of collard greens is that they contain choline. Choline helps with learning, memory, muscle movement and also promotes good sleep. Something which many people sorely need. 

 

Cabbage 

 Cabbage is extremely low in calories but is high in fiber, protein, vitamin C and antioxidants. One cup of cabbage contains almost 50% of the average adult’s daily vitamin C requirements. It also contains manganese, potassium, calcium, folate, thiamine and vitamin B6. Antioxidants such as beta-carotene, lutein, etc. can also be found in cabbage. You can reduce the risks of getting cancer, enhance your immunity, prevent cardiovascular disease and improve digestion by consuming cabbage. 

Celery 

 Just like the vegetables mentioned earlier, celery is rich in antioxidants, fiber, vitamins and minerals.  It can prevent cancer and helps to lower one’s blood pressure. One point to note is that some people are severely allergic to celery. Make sure you are not allergic to celery before consuming it. 

 

 Dandelion Greens 

 Rich in vitamin C, iron, vitamin B6 and potassium. Also contains copper, folate, thiamine and phosphorous. Helps to good heart health and stabilize blood pressure levels. 

 

 Wheatgrass 

 An excellent vegetable that is rich in many vitamins and nutrients. Prevents a whole host of health problems and also has healing properties. 

 

 Lettuce 

 Fantastic for helping with weight loss. It is low in calories and reduces appetite. It contains many beneficial vitamins such as potassium, biotin, copper, calcium, pantothenic acid, chromium and magnesium.  

 

Some More Benefits of Green Smoothies

Other benefits: 

 They are easily digested and the body is able to quickly assimilate the essential nutrients.  

 The smoothies are rich in fiber and help maintain a healthy digestive system. 

 They can be delicious once you get used to them. The mix of fruits and vegetables can be tasty. You’re consuming a very tasty ‘medicine’ for your body. 

 If you struggle to eat vegetables, green smoothies are a very convenient replacement. This applies to kids who hate eating vegetables. It is much easier to gulp down a green smoothie instead of gnawing on Brussels sprouts like a hamster at the dinner table. They are just as healthy too. The smoothies, not the hamster. 

 Green smoothies help to maintain a healthy cholesterol level in the body.  

As you can see, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain by drinking green smoothies often. 

Benefits of Green Smoothies

Now we’ve discovered that green smoothies are excellent for one’s health, let’s look at how they actually help you get healthier and stronger. 

Increased energy 

While you may not notice a change overnight, as you consume green smoothies over a period of 2 or 3 weeks, you’ll notice that you have more energy and a better outlook in general. You will have more vitality and zest for life. You won’t be able to explain why... but rest assured that the green smoothies are making a difference. To achieve this, it’s best to consume the smoothies on an empty stomach. Another good time to drink these smoothies is after an exercise session when your body is craving nutrients. 

Aids in weight loss 

As mentioned earlier, Joe Cross lost almost 100 pounds from a juice fast. It may make many people panic when they think of not eating food and merely drinking smoothies. They fear starving or becoming under-nourished. This is a huge fallacy. Our bodies require nutrients from food. That is true. However, there is a severe dearth of good nutrients in the food we consume these days. That is why people never feel satiated and constantly keep eating. 

The food they’re eating is high in processed ingredients, additives, etc. While it may fill the stomach, these are empty calories that lack the nutrients the body needs. As a result, the body craves more food to compensate for the lack of ingredients. So, people eat more, get obese and stay unhealthy. 

Green smoothies are packed with micronutrients that the body craves. You would be surprised to learn that a single glass of green vegetable juice, full of good nutrients that the body craves, is more beneficial than an entire meal at a swanky restaurant.

 The Combat and Prevent Illness 

This is pretty straightforward. Right from young, parents have instructed their children to eat their greens. Everyone knows that vegetables are essential for good health and for strengthening your immune system. Prevention is better than cure. 

They Contain Healing Properties, Prevent Acne and Aid in Detoxification 

Green smoothies contain essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients that encourage quick healing. This is one reason why bodybuilders consume greens products. They usually take supplements in tablet form. Drinking green smoothies is much more beneficial than popping greens supplement tablets. 

Acne sufferers, especially teenagers notice that their acne problems tend to diminish when consuming green juices. Since the greens are rich in vitamin A, sulfur, vitamin k, vitamin c, etc. the body’s immune system is stronger and is able to combat health issues such as acne or even yeast infections effectively. Detoxification is another fantastic benefit of green juices. The food we eat, the water we drink and even the air we breathe is often filled with toxins. Green smoothies will help the body detoxify itself more effectively. 

Why greens?

The first question that will pop into many people’s minds when thinking of starting a juicing or smoothie diet will be, “Why are green smoothies better than other smoothies?”... After all, aren’t all vegetables and fruits beneficial? 

Yes, it’s true that different fruit and vegetables contain a multitude of vitamins and antioxidants. However, greens contain a lot more vitamins and antioxidants than the other vegetables which are called “Phytonutrients”. With a good mix of greens in your smoothies, you will not miss out on any vitamins that your body needs. 

You should note that the drinks are made with raw vegetables and fruits. There are no additives, artificial flavoring, sugar or sweeteners, etc. The smoothies are best consumed in their raw form to derive the optimal benefits from the healthy, wholesome nutrients. 

Now that we’ve discovered that green smoothies are a massive shortcut to excellent health & vitality, let’s look at the benefits that can be accrued from preparing and consuming these smoothie gifts from nature. 

  

There is an interesting story.

The Dalai Lama, when asked what surprised him most about humanity, answered, "Man... Because he sacrifices his health in order to make money. Then he sacrifices money to recuperate his health. And then he is so anxious about the future that he does not enjoy the present; the result being that he does not live in the present or the future; he lives as if he is never going to die, and then dies having never really lived." 


A wise man indeed. The point to note here is that while your career and family may be important, nothing supersedes your health. 

 From what you’ve read so far, it may seem to be all gloom and doom if you’re guilty of having neglected your health for a while. Cast your fears aside. Your health and body constantly seek to improve and get better. You just need to assist them. 


This finally brings us to the main point… Green smoothies. The miracle that even Popeye relied on. Technically, Popeye ate spinach. But you get the drift… Your greens are important for good health. 

 There is a movie titled, “Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead”. You may have watched it, and if you're not, you might wish to check on YouTube to see if it has been uploaded there.  

 The movie is a real-life documentary about, Joe Cross, who was 100 lbs overweight and facing several serious health issues. Joe adopted a plant-based diet and mostly drank raw vegetable and fruit juices. 

 Within a few months, he had shed his excess weight and his health had improved by leaps and bounds. This certainly is a testament to the power of a healthy diet. 

 There are several different types of smoothies which come in a range of different colors. In this guide, we’ll be focusing on green smoothies which are without a doubt, the most powerful type of smoothies at restoring your health and vitality. 

Are you sick and tired of feeling sick and tired? You are? Read on to find out how green smoothies will put you in the pink of health. 

"When diet is wrong, medicine is of no use. When diet is correct, medicine is of no need." - Ancient Ayurvedic Proverb 

Green Smoothie Lifestyle

There is an old proverb that says, “Health is a crown on a good man’s head that no sees but a sick man.” 

 This is very true. We live in a very hectic world today where everyone is focused on building a successful career and raising a happy family. They often place their health on the back burner, thinking that they can exercise and eat right later on. 

 They procrastinate exercise waiting till they’re successful or have time to spare. They opt for quick, unhealthy meals because they have no time to prepare well-balanced meals. 

 They fail to realize that if you don’t make time for exercise, you must make time for illness. They forget that whatever they eat and drink is either fighting disease or feeding it. 

 Today, more than ever, one needs to focus on his or her health and well-being. It is crucial. Our lives are filled with deadlines, 
Green Smoothie Lifestyle meetings, work demands, and stress. The food we eat is high in calories but low in nutrients. 

High carbohydrate meals, oily and fatty foods, processed foods, junk food, etc. wreak havoc on our health and bodies. It happens slowly but surely. Therein lies the problem. People do not feel the impact of their poor choices till health problems occur much later on. By then, it can be too late. 

High cholesterol levels, type 2 diabetes, blood pressure issues and countless other health problems are often a direct result of poor eating and a sedentary lifestyle.