Alissa’s Green Smoothie Packs a Full Day of Fruits & Veggies
The University of Wisconsin-Extension invited the Rural Health Initiative to be a guest speaker at the CAFO meeting on Monday, February 5, 2018 in New London. Outreach Health Coordinators Dawn and Alissa talked with some familiar faces, met some new ones, and had the opportunity to share our latest educational campaign—Eat the Rainbow, aimed at encouraging farmers to increase their consumption of fruits and vegetables per day by at least one serving.
During registration, Outreach Health Coordinators shared information about the Rural Health Initiative’s Kitchen Wellness signature services and distributed samples of Green Smoothie, one of Alissa’s favorite healthy smoothies. See below for recipe.
A raise of hands, a short bit later, allowed Alissa to gauge the number of attendees who successfully eat the recommended seven or more servings of fruit and veggies each day. Turns out it’s less common than you’d like to think.
One hand in the crowd, to be exact, raised high in the air.
The featured Green Smoothie to the rescue! This hand-picked, delicious smoothie recipe, which can be made at home in minutes, makes it easy to hit your daily goal of fruits and vegetables. Specifically, this recipe provides seven.
Yes, seven fruits and vegetables…and all in a one-stop shop.
Alissa knows the value and convenience of healthy smoothies.
“Smoothies are nearly a daily occurence in our house, for all of us. Without them, I wouldn’t be able to get all my servings in.”
With very little preparation, incorporating a smoothie into your daily routine can be incredibly easy. The fruit and veggies in smoothies boosts your fiber intake. And, to increase your protein, simply toss in greek yogurt, peanut butter, and/or nuts.
“Be adventurous. Play around with the taste(s) you like. You don’t really need a recipe, but, if you’re not quite sure where to start, give this one try.”
Alissa’s Green Smoothie Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 banana
- ½ cucumber
- ½ cup carrots
- 1 cup raw spinach
- ½ cup blueberries
- ½ cup pineapple
- 1 orange, peeled
- Few ice cubes
Directions
- Blend all ingredients together to desired consistency.
- Pour into your favorite cup.
- Top with fruit (optional).
And, don’t forget to give yourself a pat on the back for getting in your fruits and veggies!