The Paleo List Answers:ARE GREEN SMOOTHIES PALEO?

The idea of grabbing a bottle full of vitamins and nutrients in delicious juice form from the grocery store shelves is tempting, and after tasting various green smoothie flavors, we can agree with Robb Wolf when he says they taste like “heaven in a bottle.” But, flavor alone isn’t enough for this lifestyle. Are green smoothies Paleo?

What are Green Smoothies?

Green smoothies are generally just regular fruit smoothies with some sort of leafy green as an ingredient, such as spinach or kale. Bottles are incredibly high in sugar (fructose), and might even contain GMO-sourced ingredients. The standard homemade recipe is about 2 cups of greens, 1-2 cups of additional vegetables (carrots, celery), about 2-3 cups of fruit, 2 cups of liquid (water, coconut milk, etc.), and maybe a few additions like avocado, garlic, ginger, turmeric, or a nut butter. (For 2 smoothies.) Some people add chia seeds, ground flaxseed, protein powder, or whatever else they may have on hand.

Are Green Smoothies Paleo?

Well, yes – if you make them at home, you can make Paleo green smoothies, but the varieties available in the grocery store is generally so far removed from the source that it offers little nutrition and lots of sugar. Some people, including Robb Wolf, don’t support drinking your calories, primarily because you’re slightly processing the fruits and vegetables when you blend them at high speeds. They’re being broken down to their lowest common denominator: sugar. Just like regular high-in-carb fruits, they’re not recommended if you’re try to get slim, but they can be a healthy part of a balanced diet.

If you still enjoy the occasional smoothie, as long as it has only Paleo ingredients, it is Paleo. Check out easy beginner’s green smoothie recipes, and make sure only Paleo ingredients hit the blender blades. Just remember that you should continue to consume starch-heavy and sugar-heavy fruits in moderation, and remember that even almond and coconut milk are somewhat processed. Opt for berries for fruit flavor, avocados for creaminess, local greens for vitamins, and maybe water for the liquid.

Are you struggling with which foods are Paleo?  Do you need help planning some Paleo meals?  Check out this great Paleo cookbook: