"The Green Awakens" Smoothie Recipe

A lot of folks are paying several dollars for wheat grass shots or fancy smoothies at the local smoothie bars. This simple smoothie recipe will fill you with vitamins and energy for pennies on the dollar.  Just throw the following items into your blender and...DONE!

• 2 bananas
• One handful of wheat grass from the garden (or your window sill)***
• 2-3 cups of orange juice
• Ice, as much as you desire

Despite what some might think, this smoothie is delicous and energizing with nothing additional added.  However, you can also start experimenting: unless you're throwing onions in the blender, there is really no way to mess this up.  Try adding fruits and veggies by color theme to customize.  Throw in nutrient-dense vegetables like spinach, kale, and a few skinned kiwis for "Green Day."  Add frozen mixed berries and beets to accelerate the anti-oxidants and create a "Blue Ox."  There's also ways to do this without breaking the budget:

Money-Saving Tips:

• Supplement smoothies with whatever fruits, berries, or veggies are on sale at your local grocery.
• Look for baskets of "sorts" at farm markets, which are the fruits and veggies the grocery store won't sell because of minor imperfections.
• Aldi's often has consistently low prices on produce, as well some organic selections.
• Carve out some of the items on your grocery list that are "food-like products" instead of real food.  Cutting out the junk will make room in your budget for nutrient-dense foods that extend your life and boost your energy.
• The best tip...grow your own!

***You CAN grow your own wheat grass, even in a spare pot on a deck or your window sill. Seeds are cheap, easy to germinate, and grow quickly. You can "cut and come again" with wheat grass and use the same plants for many months as long as they get some sunlight.

It's called "The Green Awakens" because you will feel as heroic as Rey or Finn from "The Force Awakens" after you drink it.

"...unless you're throwing onions in the blender, there is really no way to mess this up"

I did not photoshop the glorious rays of light shining from the wheat grass in my hand here. Maybe it's a sign that we are free to live healthier lives?