Have you ever met someone whose energy was so positive that you felt instantly energized just by spending a few minutes with her? That’s how we feel about Monica Spoelstra Metz. A certified nutrition counselor and lifestyle coach, Monica is all about helping people lead healthier, happier, more balanced lives. She also happens to be a master at concocting smoothies that are so delicious you can forget they’re also ridiculously healthy, like the Secretly Green Smoothie below. We can’t wait to work this one into our breakfast rotation!

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Before I started making smoothies part of my daily routine, I used to begin my day with a large coffee and a scone. Not a terrible thing to indulge in once in awhile, but certainly not the best foundation for a healthy and energy-filled day.

Smoothies have played a key role in helping me maintain a healthy weight, boost my immune system, stabilize my blood sugar and energy levels, and flood my body with nutrients and antioxidants. My basic smoothie recipe always includes a combination of fruit, vegetables, and healthy fats, and I try to rotate the ingredients regularly so my family can benefit from a wide range of nutrients throughout the week.

I named this particular concoction my “Secretly Green Smoothie” because no one—namely kindergarteners and other picky eaters—would ever suspect there are veggies in it. This is especially helpful if you’re preparing food for a smoothie newbie, or when you’re simply tired of your daily banana-and-spinach combo.

Celery’s a bit of a nutritional sleeper; you may think of it as part of the supporting cast in a tuna salad or soup base, but it’s actually an excellent source of Vitamin K (supports healthy blood coagulation and bones), as well as phytonutrients that reduce and prevent inflammation in the digestive tract and blood vessels. Zucchini, another mild vegetable, actually packs a significant nutritional punch; it’s a great source of fiber and Vitamin C, and also provides manganese, potassium, folate, and Vitamins B6 and B12.

The strawberries and orange provide natural sweetness, fiber, and a mega-dose of natural Vitamin C, which can be absorbed much more efficiently by the body than a supplement can. I add almond milk and chia seeds for some healthy omega 3 fatty acids, and a bit of raw beet for additional antioxidants and color.

Blend one of these ruby rockstars up for breakfast, and you’ll definitely keep the hunger pangs at bay all morning.

If you’re pressed for time in the morning, here’s a tip: The night before, prep and chop the celery, zucchini, beet, and orange, and store in a glass container with an airtight lid.

SECRETLY GREEN SMOOTHIE

Serves 2

8 ounces filtered water
8 ounces almond milk – homemade or store bought
3 stalks celery (organic if possible) – trim rough ends and chop
1 zucchini, chopped – if using conventional, peel zucchini
1/4 medium-size red beet, peeled and chopped
1 orange, peeled, seeded and chopped
1 1/2 cups frozen strawberries (organic if possible)
2 tablespoons whole chia seeds (available at most natural food stores)
2 tablespoons ground flax seeds

**A note from Sadie:  For my kids, I added some pitted dates to make it sweeter.  I also recommend fresh strawberries (and more of them!) when they are in season with ice to make it cold.

Place ingredients in a high-speed blender such as a Vitamix, adding the frozen fruit last. Blend until creamy and smooth, and serve. Salud! 

Monica Spoelstra Metz is a certified nutrition counselor and lifestyle coach. She helps people get serious about their health and figure out what to eat so they can have more energy, look and feel younger, and lose the extra weight that has been bumming them out for years. Find out more at monicametz.com.