Sunshine Gold Smoothie

I am usually not a fan of fruit smoothies.  When people think of smoothies they generally associate them with good health.  This is true in a sense because fruit is healthy, but when smoothies call for multiple servings of fruit in one drink, then your smoothie may not be as healthy as you think.  Fruit is a natural thing, but fruit contains sugar and more calories than most vegetables.  Sugar (even in fruit) will still raise your blood sugar. Plus excessive calories (even in fruit) can still be stored as fat if not burned off.

Smoothies are usually best made with a higher ratio of vegetable than fruit.  I like to use spinach, kale, chard, or celery as the base for smoothies, and use fruit simply to add sweetness.  So, if you have already looked at the ingredients in my Sunshine Gold Smoothie, you may be asking me what is up?

 A little background on this smoothie recipe

I was recently on vacation and stopped at a cute, local coffee shop.  They offered some wonderful menu items that included some of the most amazing juices and smoothies made right in house with local ingredients.  I wanted to try one of everything.

One smoothie recipe really spoke to me because it included two of my favorite ingredients that I use just about everyday: turmeric and ginger.  These are great anti-inflammatory superfoods that everyone can benefit from eating as often as possible.  In my mind, why not have some great tasting fruit as a vehicle to get people to eat more turmeric and ginger?

Feel free to add some greens to this smoothie recipe (I know that I will from time to time).  I did keep the fruit servings low in this recipe to help control blood sugar and calories.  I particularly enjoy this recipe pre- or post-workout for energy or refueling.