Summer means smoothie season!

This easy 7 ingredient smoothie is versatile and so delicious – it’s a great way to start off your day right and get those healthy greens in. There’s no added sugar, it’s high in fiber, and the kale, banana, and dates count as 3 servings of fruits and vegetables! Pair with a Tend bar for a truly 💯  breakfast, snack, or afternoon boost.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Frozen banana: We recommend batch freezing bananas at peak ripeness so you have plenty on hand for smoothies. Using frozen fruits keeps smoothies cold and refreshing, and replaces the need to use ice. Bananas are also a great source of B6, Vitamin C, and potassium.

Kale: Don’t be afraid of this superfood veggie! Rich in folate, vitamin A, Vitamin K, Vitamin C, Iron, Copper, Manganese and fiber, kale is notorious for being hard to stomach, but in this recipe, the bitter taste is covered over by the sweet and citrusy flavor notes. We love using organic Dino or Lacinato kale from our local farmer’s market. Pre-wash and de-stem kale leaves to save time.

Dates: The sweetness of this smoothie comes from dates, which are considered a fresh fruit! High in soluble fiber, magnesium, and Vitamin B6, with a low glycemic index, dates not only add an amazing caramel flavor, but a nutritional punch. Use Joolie’s medjool dates for the best, juiciest dates ever.

Lemon juice: Citrus is packed with Vitamin C, an antioxidant that protects cells from free radical damage. Lemon juice can also aid digestion and get your system moving.

Water: Feel free to use regular filtered water or coconut water. There’s nothing like water to stay hydrated.

Basil: A surprise ingredient that adds a bright pop of flavor – also rich in Vitamin K!

Ground flaxseed: We love ground flaxseeds because they are high in magnesium, fiber and omega 3 fatty acids. Ground flax is easier to digest and absorb than the whole seed. Constipation is a common complaint for pregnant women – this smoothie can help.

Other Add-ins:
The versatility of this smoothie means you could add in plenty of other nutrient-boosting ingredients like goji berries, ginger, hemp seeds, or chia seeds.

Our favorite green smoothie recipe
A high fiber, nutrient dense green smoothie recipe perfect for fertility, pregnancy, and beyond. 




Prep time: 5 minutes
1 serving 16 oz, or 2 smaller 8 oz servings


Ingredients
1 frozen banana
3 destemmed, dino kale leaves (approx 2 cups)
2 medjool dates
1 small lemon, juiced (½ large lemon)
12 oz water (1.5 cups)
4 large basil leaves
1 tablespoon ground flaxseed



Instructions
Combine all ingredients in a high powered blender. Start blending at low speed and gradually work up to high speed. Blend until smooth, and serve cold.


Nutrients
This smoothie boosts more than 100% DV of these nutrients:
Vitamin C
Vitamin A
Vitamin K (almost 500%!)
Copper

And more than 20% DV of the following:
Folate - 31%
B6 - 54%
Fiber - 38%
Magnesium - 29%
Manganese - 58%

This recipe was adapted from Green for Life by Victoria Boutenko