GREEN Smoothies: There’s Nothing to Fear

Green is good.

Unless you live under a rock you probably can’t help but notice all the positive buzz about smoothies lately, especially green ones. It seems as if everyone and their grandmother is drinking them, right? I’ll admit that I had been a bit skeptical of what appears to be newest food phase or craze. But a friend invited me to attend a nutritional seminar led by licensed nutritionist and Ridgewood resident Lisa Powers, and I finally got it.

Let me set the scene for you, I arrive at Lisa’s chicly furnished home for the 2-hour seminar. I’m greeted at the door by a woman with glowing hair and glowing skin. I want to look like her, I’m thinking. Lisa explains that her goal is to give families the tools to make healthy food choices that promote health and well being while creating a positive relationship with food. Her resume is impressive: a B.S. in Clinical Dietetics, a Masters in Exercise Physiology and a Masters in Social Work, plus her own Personal Training business in New York City for 20 years. I realize quickly that Lisa’s wealth of knowledge about the benefits of superfoods, all things coconut, and green smoothies is remarkable and convincing. Plus, she glows and I want to look like her.

Lisa’s seminar teaches our group of six moms how to prepare 3 different smoothies, the first: a sweet, kid-pleaser, the second: a slightly earthier version, and third: the real deal — a green smoothie with just veggies (hardcore ones like kale and collard greens), plus filtered water and fresh lemon juice. Amazingly, the last one was by far my favorite. It tasted fresh and clean and truly delicious.

We talked about the health benefits of green smoothies for women:

High in Calcium to help prevent osteoporosis
High in Magnesium to help prevent heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, depression
High in Omega Fatty Acids an natural anti-inflammatory. Helps prevent hot flashes, migraines, joint pain.
High in Fiber to help maintain healthy digestion, stroke.

I sort of get why everyone’s drinking them now! The good news is that I took the things I learned from Lisa, and the recipes that she provided, and have had mostly success with making the smoothies for my family at home. 2 out of 3 daughters are converts, and they actually ask for the green drinks now. The fourth-grader and my husband are a work-in-progress but I’m making headway. It’s also worth noting that while Lisa has a state-of-the-art Vitamix to whip up her healthy brew, I have a pedestrian 5-year old blender and it works just fine.

If you’re interested in gaining some insight from Lisa Powers, you can contact her at chipower18@gmail.com or 201-421-5161.

Don’t miss our Food editor Emily’s recipe for a delicious smoothie.