Detox Holiday Indulgences with Smoothies

By Lisa Payne

I don’t know about you, but even without any social plans on my calendar in December, I sure was able to indulge in all the usual holiday treats and beverages. Maybe even more so because there weren’t the usual people around to share the cookies and sweets with. And I’ve never been known to let things go to waste. Except to my own waist.

I know, we can all get sick of smoothies. Or maybe you love them and never get sick of them! Either way, it’s a great time to kick off the New Year with some whole food goodness. Added bonus: it’s the perfect way to sneak fruits and vegetables into your kids growing bodies.

The green smoothie is a favorite in our house. We first had it at Costco years ago when sampling a smoothie made with the VitaMix. I was shocked when my pickiest child loved it and went back for at least fifths. The second smoothie makes me feel like I’m having pie, so this one is never hard to get down. And the third is pure love and happiness in a glass. Do you remember Orange Julius? It tastes like that to me.

I hope you enjoy these as much as we do! All of these smoothies serve 2-3 people, and work best in a high speed blender such as the VitaMix. I also add the ingredients to the blender in the order listed in the recipe.

Green Smoothie

2 cups fresh spinach; 1 apple, sliced; Zest from half a lime; 1 fresh or frozen banana; 1 cup ice; 1 cup apple juice; 1 cup water (add more water or apple juice for desired consistency and sweetness)

Blend all ingredients until smooth.

Orange Dreamsicle Smoothie

1/2 cup frozen mango chunks; 1 orange, peeled; 1 tsp. vanilla extract; 1 cup 2% Greek yogurt; 2/3 cup ice; 1/2 cup fresh orange juice (add more for desired sweetness and consistency)

Blend all ingredients until smooth.

Cherry Pie Smoothie

1 cup fresh spinach or kale; 1 1/2 cups frozen pitted cherries; 2 Tbsp. chia seeds; 1/3 cup uncooked oatmeal - optional, makes it thicker; 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1-2 Tbsp. agave or sweetener of choice; 2 cups water; 2 cups milk or nondairy milk

Blend all ingredients until smooth. Then add 1 cup ice at the end and blend a few seconds.