So What Exactly IS a Green Drink?

There is nothing better than starting your day with a glass of green juice or a green smoothie! For those unfamiliar with green drinks, let's review the difference:

Green juice: A combination of pounds of greens and other vegetables like celery that are juiced together. Because they are juiced, the fiber from the greens is filtered out, resulting in a very smooth liquid. Advocates feel that juicing is an excellent way to obtain daily nutrients. Juicers are typically required for making green juice.

Green smoothies: A combination of fruits and vegetables that are blended instead of juiced. The fiber from the fruits and vegetables is kept intact. A high speed blender is preferred for making smoothies.

Following are some of my favorite green smoothie recipes! Enjoy -- and let me know what you think :)

Dr. Oz Green Drink
(as seen on Oprah)
Serves 1-2

Ingredients:
1 cup spinach
4 celery stalks
1 cucumber
1 large apple (cored and peeled)
1 juiced lemon
1 juiced lime
1/2 inch piece of fresh ginger (peeled)
Small handful of parsley
Water (for blending)
Ice cubes (optional)

Directions:
Mix all ingredients in a blender except ice cubes. Blend until smooth. It may be necessary to blend on high two or three times. Serve in two tall glasses with ice cubes (if desired).

Apple Lime Smoothie
Serves 1-2

Ingredients:
5 medium bananas
2 apples (cored and peeled)
2 leaves kale
1 cup of spinach
2 medium juiced limes
1/4 cup water
Ice cubes to taste (optional)

Directions:
Place all ingredients in blender except ice cubes. Blend. Add ice cubes. Blend again. Serve in tall glasses.