I usually make smoothies with berries, bananas, yogurt, and coconut water, but realize there is too much sugar and carbohydrates for it to be a truly healthy meal replacement. This morning I tried making my first green smoothie and it was a huge success. It was even man approved by my new husband! We have been married for three weeks, not only did he get to marry my happy, positive self, he has gotten the benefits of being the tester for all my kitchen experiments! For our wedding we received a Vitamix, yay! It is a life-changing high power industrial blender that makes creating in the kitchen so much easier and quieter for that matter.

For the Green Pineapple Machine smoothie, you will need:

1 banana-preferably frozen and ripe for sweetness

3/4 Cup Frozen Pineapple Chunks

1 1/2 Cups Washed raw Spinach

1 1/2 Cups Washed raw, de-stemmed Kale

1/3 Cup Greek Yogurt (I use 2% or Whole Fat Fage) for a protein, probiotic boost

1 1/2 Cups cold Coconut Water

Blend all ingredients until completely smooth. If the Pineapple and banana did not make it slushy enough, add a cup of ice.

Make sure to blend the ice until smooth or else your smoothie will be chunky and let’s face it, it’s called a smoothie for a reason.

Pour into a tall glass and enjoy- preferably with a cute straw!