Find your center with this calming and refreshing Green Zen Smoothie. This unique blend uses cooled green tea as its base, combined with nourishing greens and a hint of ginger to create a drink that energizes and soothes in equal measure. Itโs the perfect way to start your day with mindful focus or to find a moment of peace in a busy afternoon.
๐ TIME
Prep time: 5 min (+ cooling time for tea)
Cook time: 0 min
Total: 5 min (+ cooling)
๐จ๐ฉ๐ง๐ฆ Servings: 1
๐ INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup brewed green tea, cooled completely
- ยฝ banana (fresh or frozen for creaminess)
- ยฝ apple or pear, chopped (optional, for extra fiber and sweetness)
- A large handful of fresh spinach or kale
- ยฝ tsp fresh grated ginger
- Juice of ยฝ lemon
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
- A few ice cubes (optional, for a chilled version)
๐ฉ๐ณ PREPARATION
- Prepare the green tea: Brew one cup of your favorite green tea and allow it to cool completely in the refrigerator. This is the secret to a refreshing, non-bitter smoothie.
- Combine the ingredients: Add the cooled green tea, banana, optional apple or pear, spinach or kale, grated ginger, and lemon juice to your blender.
- Blend until smooth: Add the optional sweetener and ice cubes, then blend on high speed until the mixture is perfectly smooth and vibrant.
- Serve and enjoy: Pour into a glass, over more ice if desired, and enjoy this clean, energizing drink right away.
๐ก Vitalicious Tip:
Brew a larger batch of green tea and keep it chilled in the fridge. This way, you can whip up this beautifully zen smoothie in just a couple of minutes whenever you need it.
๐ NUTRITIONAL BENEFITS
- A Calm Energy Boost: Green tea provides gentle, natural caffeine and L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes focus and relaxation without the jitters associated with coffee.
- Antioxidant Protection: The catechins found in green tea are powerful antioxidants that help protect your body from inflammation and support overall cellular health.
- Natural Detox Support: The combination of lemon and leafy greens helps to gently support your bodyโs natural detoxification processes, leaving you feeling light and renewed.
๐ธ VARIATION / OPTION
For a deeper green flavor and an extra antioxidant punch, you can use 1 teaspoon of matcha powder instead of brewed green tea. Simply blend it with 1 cup of cool water and the rest of the ingredients.
๐ SERVING SUGGESTION
Pour this beautifully light green smoothie into a tall, minimalist glass. Garnish with a thin slice of lemon or a fresh mint sprig for a touch of elegance. This simple presentation creates a perfect Mama Vitalicious moment of peaceful, mindful nourishment. ๐ต
Explore more simple and feel-good recipes in our Vita-Roots section!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use tea bags or loose leaf green tea?
Yes! Both work perfectly. Just brew your green tea and allow it to cool completely before blending to avoid bitterness.
Can I sweeten it naturally?
Absolutely! Add a teaspoon of honey, maple syrup, or a Medjool date if you prefer extra sweetness.
What are the main health benefits?
Calm Energy Boost: Green tea provides natural caffeine and L-theanine, promoting focus and relaxation without jitters.
Antioxidant Protection: Catechins in green tea help protect cells and fight inflammation.
Detox Support: Lemon and leafy greens support gentle detoxification and provide essential vitamins.
Is this smoothie suitable for kids?
Yes! The mild sweetness of banana and apple makes it kid-friendly. Reduce or omit ginger for younger children if preferred.
Can I add extra nutrients?
Yes! Add a teaspoon of chia seeds, hemp hearts, or a small scoop of protein powder to make it more filling while keeping it nutrient-rich.
