Green Smoothie by Chef Pattie

“One of my resolutions this year is to be more prolific in writing in both of my blogs to promote wellness and motherhood. I plan to give more emphasis on healthier meals and recipes now since my change of diet 2 years ago. I am not fully vegetarian but am on a 75% plant-based diet.  I have  given up pork completely but still sneak in beef, chicken and seafood maybe twice a week as protein source since I need it for teaching yoga and barre3.

 So I found it apt to start this year's blog with the most basic of all...GREEN SMOOTHIES which I discovered over 2 years ago. I have been smoothie-ing  and juicing then ever since and have never felt better. It may look intimidating to drink something GREEN but take it from me... it is life changing. Not only will it make you feel energized the whole day, it will also improve your skin and regularize your bowel movement. Over-all it will make you feel great inside and out!”

• Chef Pattie Poniente

BASIC GREEN SMOOTHIE

Makes 1 large serving or 2 small servings

2 big handfuls leafy greens: romaine, spinach, pechay, celery leaves or a mix of any of theses leafy veggies

2 bananas or to taste

2 slices pineapple or to taste

1/2  to 1 cup water and or ice

Other additions and variations, optional:

1 small handful of other greens: arugula, watercress, mustard leaves, malunggay,

ampalaya greens, alfalfa sprouts

Lemon or lime, peeled and seeded

1/2 inch piece of ginger, peeled

1 avocado

Buko juice instead of water or ice

Other fruit to try: melon, papaya, apples, peeled and seeded oranges, buko meat maca powder, camu camu, malunggay powder, cacao nibs, spirulina

Add all the ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. If needed, adjust for sweetness by adding more fruit.