Yummy Green Smoothies

I've been meaning to share our families favorite green smoothie recipes for a while.  I was introduced to green smoothies by my friend Amber who loves them and was doing a smoothie challenge at the time.  I was intrigued but knew with certainty that I was not a person who could replace a meal with a smoothie for two reasons. 

 #1 I absolutely LOVE eating  food and I don't enjoy drinking my meals. 

#2 I would be hungry within a few hours. 

That being said I liked the idea of packing in some extra veggies and fruits into my children's diet and my own.   I started using them instead of a snack once a day over the summer months and over the school year we use them if  we are running to an activity but haven't had supper yet.  Our smoothie recipes make 4 smaller sized cups, like water glasses, and that's enough for us.  The girls love the smoothies and even my nephew, who cringes at the sight of vegetables asked me to share the recipes with his mom.  WIN!

Spinach, Carrot, Banana & Berry Smoothie
1 carrot
1 Banana
1 C spinach
1 C berries
1/2 C oats (optional)
1tsp flaxseed/wheat germ (optional)
1/2 Greek yogurt (optional)
1 1/2- 2 C coconut milk

Dinosaur Smoothie
2 C of spinach
3/4 vanilla Greek yogurt
1 C mango
1 banana
2 C pineapple Juice
1 C water
1 tsp flaxseed/wheat germ (optional)
1 tsp coconut oil (optional)

 

Mango/Berry Smoothie
1 C spinach
1 C mango
1 C berries/we often like to just use blueberries it's our favorite combo
1/2 Greek yogurt (optional)
1 tsp flaxseed/wheat germ (optional)
1 tsp coconut oil (optional)
1 1/2 - 2 C coconut milk

 

I usually go into a large production on the smoothie bags by buying everything I need at Costco and then making several (20) Ziploc bags to freeze at a time.  I label them with the name of the smoothie and it usually lasts us  a month or so in the summer, and for at least 2 to 3 months during the school year. 

 

In an attempt to keep myself from seeking sugar during the 2:30 p.m. slump at work, I've actually invested in a Magic Bullet.  I make single serving packs, spinach, 1/2 berries, 1/2 banana, to keep in the freezer at work!  It gets me through the afternoon and I don't come home at 5:30 wanting to eat the whole pantry while prepping supper. 

What are your favorite, healthier, snacks?