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A question for all you Smoothie experts

Posted by artist01 @artist01, May 25, 2021

As a newbie Smoothie maker, can I add acidic fruits such as oranges or pineapple to a smoothie that contains dairy products, or will it curdle the mixture? Also, can I add frozen spinach (or even other veggies) to a fruit smoothie, to get more vitamins? Being deprived of so much in my diet right now, smoothies seem to be working for me!

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Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | May 25, 2021

Yes, we regularly add oranges, grapefruit & pineapple to smoothies. I am not such a huge fan of veggies in them, but my kids do it all the time - I limit mine to carrots & beets (I keep lightly cooked ones in the freezer & toss in.)
I use one scoop of Garden of Life Vanilla organic Protein + Greens per smoothie for a boost - I have settled on this because it doesn't have any objectionable (to me) flavor or smell, is widely available on line and in grocery, Target, etc
We make a blenderful at a time (2 days for 2 of us) and fill & cover glasses for the fridge - when we travel we pre-chill or pre-freeze in recycled Glucerna bottles and toss in the cooler for a "car snack".
Cup of Greek yogurt, 3-4 cups fruit & veggies of choice (incl banana for sweetness), cup of unsweetened fruit or veg juice (cherry, coconut, cranberry, grape, even V-8 or oatmilk) and 3-4 scoops of protein powder. I keep a bag of frozen mixed fruit in the freezer for if I run out of fresh.
Sometimes I spoon some into custard cups and partly freeze - my grands think they're eating ice cream - but they're non-dairy so I use coconut-milk yogurt.
Sue

REPLY
5 replies
Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | May 25, 2021
In reply to @sueinmn "Yes, we regularly add oranges, grapefruit & pineapple to smoothies. I am not such a huge..." + (show)
@sueinmn

Yes, we regularly add oranges, grapefruit & pineapple to smoothies. I am not such a huge fan of veggies in them, but my kids do it all the time - I limit mine to carrots & beets (I keep lightly cooked ones in the freezer & toss in.)
I use one scoop of Garden of Life Vanilla organic Protein + Greens per smoothie for a boost - I have settled on this because it doesn't have any objectionable (to me) flavor or smell, is widely available on line and in grocery, Target, etc
We make a blenderful at a time (2 days for 2 of us) and fill & cover glasses for the fridge - when we travel we pre-chill or pre-freeze in recycled Glucerna bottles and toss in the cooler for a "car snack".
Cup of Greek yogurt, 3-4 cups fruit & veggies of choice (incl banana for sweetness), cup of unsweetened fruit or veg juice (cherry, coconut, cranberry, grape, even V-8 or oatmilk) and 3-4 scoops of protein powder. I keep a bag of frozen mixed fruit in the freezer for if I run out of fresh.
Sometimes I spoon some into custard cups and partly freeze - my grands think they're eating ice cream - but they're non-dairy so I use coconut-milk yogurt.
Sue

Jump to this post

I also like to add protein powders. I use frozen spinach, frozen cooked cauliflower because I can't stand their texture and their taste is questionable at best. You can add in nuts or nut butter. Google is filled with more suggestions that you will be able to try in a life time. I'd go for Mediterranium type smoothies because they are well rounded.

REPLY
imallears | @imallears | May 25, 2021

@artist01
Use a handful of fresh baby spinach along with all the great suggestions here and you won't taste it and it does not make it green. Virtually anything goes into a smoothie. If it doesn't taste right the first time...dump it back in the blender and tweak it...the amount of liquids depends on how thick you like them. Its fun to experiment..

FL Mary

REPLY
1 reply
Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | May 25, 2021
In reply to @imallears "@artist01 Use a handful of fresh baby spinach along with all the great suggestions here and..." + (show)
@imallears

@artist01
Use a handful of fresh baby spinach along with all the great suggestions here and you won't taste it and it does not make it green. Virtually anything goes into a smoothie. If it doesn't taste right the first time...dump it back in the blender and tweak it...the amount of liquids depends on how thick you like them. Its fun to experiment..

FL Mary

Jump to this post

Ice cubes can make it thicker too

REPLY
Mentor
John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | May 25, 2021

I did a lot of experimenting with smoothies and juicing when I was doing research for my neuropathy and PMR on ways to reduce inflammation. I stopped making them for breakfast a few years ago because I just hate the prep and cleanup 😁 but I have seriously been thinking about starting it back up. Of course I know have to buy another blender because I gave mine to my daughter. I started with the all green type smoothie and found out I don't like nasty tasting kale and arugula. Fresh organic spinach is not bad mixed with a few different fruits and I learned to love adding partially cooked beets like Sue. I had tried some from the Wahls Protocol book which were not bad and a lot healthier than the ones I first made. Here are some recipes you might want to try.

Detoxifying beet smoothie - https://www.naturalpaleofamily.com/detoxifying-beet-smoothie/
5 Irresistibly Delicious Paleo Smoothies Even Non-Dieters Will Love - https://www.thehealthy.com/food/recipes/paleo-smoothies/

REPLY
1 reply
ess77 - Elizabeth | @ess77 | May 25, 2021
In reply to @sueinmn "Yes, we regularly add oranges, grapefruit & pineapple to smoothies. I am not such a huge..." + (show)
@sueinmn

Yes, we regularly add oranges, grapefruit & pineapple to smoothies. I am not such a huge fan of veggies in them, but my kids do it all the time - I limit mine to carrots & beets (I keep lightly cooked ones in the freezer & toss in.)
I use one scoop of Garden of Life Vanilla organic Protein + Greens per smoothie for a boost - I have settled on this because it doesn't have any objectionable (to me) flavor or smell, is widely available on line and in grocery, Target, etc
We make a blenderful at a time (2 days for 2 of us) and fill & cover glasses for the fridge - when we travel we pre-chill or pre-freeze in recycled Glucerna bottles and toss in the cooler for a "car snack".
Cup of Greek yogurt, 3-4 cups fruit & veggies of choice (incl banana for sweetness), cup of unsweetened fruit or veg juice (cherry, coconut, cranberry, grape, even V-8 or oatmilk) and 3-4 scoops of protein powder. I keep a bag of frozen mixed fruit in the freezer for if I run out of fresh.
Sometimes I spoon some into custard cups and partly freeze - my grands think they're eating ice cream - but they're non-dairy so I use coconut-milk yogurt.
Sue

Jump to this post

Love all your ideas! sound like my concoctions, Sue. I also use coconut milk or almond milk as the liguid. I neve add ice cubes, as I found it made them weaker. I like it smooth enough to spoon sometimes. I also always add a vanilla organic protein, w/o sugar or any other additives. Never seen one with greens, but I'll get that today and try it.Like the fruits best. Need the greens, especially spinach, but I have to be careful due to gastro issues. Smoothies I can handle so well and help so much get the nutrients I need.

I cut up and freeze fresh fruit year round. Keep a couple bags of frozen fruit in the freezer in case I run out, like you. That's my ice substitute, makes it icey ad cold and delicious and no watering down. You really can use just about anything you want. I often add some nuts, especially almonds and walnuts.

Hmmmm....this sounds really good. Time to go make one right now. I think your idea of keeping one in fridge for backup and to take with you is great. I'll try that today!

Blessings to all, elizabeth

REPLY
Mentor
Chris Trout, Volunteer Mentor | @artscaping | May 25, 2021
In reply to @johnbishop "I did a lot of experimenting with smoothies and juicing when I was doing research for..." + (show)
@johnbishop

I did a lot of experimenting with smoothies and juicing when I was doing research for my neuropathy and PMR on ways to reduce inflammation. I stopped making them for breakfast a few years ago because I just hate the prep and cleanup 😁 but I have seriously been thinking about starting it back up. Of course I know have to buy another blender because I gave mine to my daughter. I started with the all green type smoothie and found out I don't like nasty tasting kale and arugula. Fresh organic spinach is not bad mixed with a few different fruits and I learned to love adding partially cooked beets like Sue. I had tried some from the Wahls Protocol book which were not bad and a lot healthier than the ones I first made. Here are some recipes you might want to try.

Detoxifying beet smoothie - https://www.naturalpaleofamily.com/detoxifying-beet-smoothie/
5 Irresistibly Delicious Paleo Smoothies Even Non-Dieters Will Love - https://www.thehealthy.com/food/recipes/paleo-smoothies/

Jump to this post

That is exactly why I don’t do smoothies. Instead I do overnight oatmeal with fresh fruit. Easier to clean up. I must admit I don’t care for kale but I eat it in my Superfood Salad. You can even mix that with yoghurt for a different option. Thanks for the beet smoothie recipe. I love beets but think I am the only person in this house who does.
Chris

REPLY
Mentor
Chris Trout, Volunteer Mentor | @artscaping | May 25, 2021
In reply to @sueinmn "Yes, we regularly add oranges, grapefruit & pineapple to smoothies. I am not such a huge..." + (show)
@sueinmn

Yes, we regularly add oranges, grapefruit & pineapple to smoothies. I am not such a huge fan of veggies in them, but my kids do it all the time - I limit mine to carrots & beets (I keep lightly cooked ones in the freezer & toss in.)
I use one scoop of Garden of Life Vanilla organic Protein + Greens per smoothie for a boost - I have settled on this because it doesn't have any objectionable (to me) flavor or smell, is widely available on line and in grocery, Target, etc
We make a blenderful at a time (2 days for 2 of us) and fill & cover glasses for the fridge - when we travel we pre-chill or pre-freeze in recycled Glucerna bottles and toss in the cooler for a "car snack".
Cup of Greek yogurt, 3-4 cups fruit & veggies of choice (incl banana for sweetness), cup of unsweetened fruit or veg juice (cherry, coconut, cranberry, grape, even V-8 or oatmilk) and 3-4 scoops of protein powder. I keep a bag of frozen mixed fruit in the freezer for if I run out of fresh.
Sometimes I spoon some into custard cups and partly freeze - my grands think they're eating ice cream - but they're non-dairy so I use coconut-milk yogurt.
Sue

Jump to this post

You, my friend are just amazingly creative. I may try to mimic your directions. Heading to Galveston Bay next week to visit the grandchildren for the first time. They both have birthdays....2 and 4. Anything else you know about that area that I shouldn’t miss?

REPLY
1 reply
Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | May 25, 2021
In reply to @artscaping "You, my friend are just amazingly creative. I may try to mimic your directions. Heading to..." + (show)
@artscaping

You, my friend are just amazingly creative. I may try to mimic your directions. Heading to Galveston Bay next week to visit the grandchildren for the first time. They both have birthdays....2 and 4. Anything else you know about that area that I shouldn’t miss?

Jump to this post

Find the local farmers' market & take the kids - we always let them pick a fruit or veg to try. Local carrots there are huge & sweet, and there should be fresh papaya.
Have a wonderful visit! Waiting for my boys to get over croup so we can plant our flowers.
Sue

REPLY
Mentor
Chris Trout, Volunteer Mentor | @artscaping | May 25, 2021

Thanks Sue.....what a great idea. I am so excited to be with them.

REPLY
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