Super Healthy Ginger Pear Smoothie

Fresh ginger combines with sweet pear and melon to make this a great morning recipe.

Ingredients

3 pears, cored,
1/4 cantaloupe, peeled,
1 lemon, peeled,
1-inch fresh ginger, peeled,
2 cups ice cubes

Instructions

1. Place the Top Blades in the Pitcher and add all of the ingredients in the order listed.*
2. Select Speed 1 and flip the switch to START. Slowly increase to Speed 8 and blend until smooth.

Customize Your Drink

Our recipes are fabulous, but maybe you’d like to customize a drink that’s all your own! Don’t be afraid to experiment. Check out our suggestions for creating your own signature nutrient extract juice! (All recommendations based on a 12-ounce beverage.)

Make it Thicker

Try adding one of these ingredients for a creamier drink and to boost the nutrition profile as well:

• 1/4 ripe banana
• 2 tablespoons avocado
  • If you think avocados are only for guacamole, think again!
  • Ideal for greens drinks, avocado adds good-for-you monounsaturated fat with only 50 calories for 2 tablespoons.
  • Florida avocados (the larger, smooth skinned ones) have slightly fewer calories and fat compared to the smaller California varieties.
• 1/4 tablespoon chia seeds
  • In white and black varieties, chia seeds are a nutrient powerhouse. Rich in protein, these tiny seeds deliver potassium, magnesium, calcium, and manganese.
  • Chia seeds are also one of the best plant sources of omega-3 fats and can contribute to your daily fiber needs in a big way. Their ability to absorb liquid is what thickens the drink, but don’t use more than the recommended amount — your drink will turn into a gel!

  Add chia seeds in with other ingredients before blending, or make a chia gel that you can keep on hand in the fridge and use as needed.

  How to Make a Chia Gel

  Combine 4 tablespoons chia seeds with 2 cups water or other liquid, such as coconut water. Voila – after 10-15 minutes you’ll have a gel! Use a tablespoon or two of gel to thicken drinks to your desired consistency. Cover and refrigerate for up to one week.

Make it Thinner

The thickness of a blended drink will depend on a few factors, such as whether or not ice is used, and whether the fruit is fresh or frozen. If your smoothie isn’t sip-able, you can add one of these healthful ingredients to thin it down just a bit.

• 2 tablespoons green tea or chamomile tea
• 2 tablespoons of coconut water
• Add a small amount of a high-moisture food, such as celery, lettuce, cucumber, lemon or lime
• Add some water—important to re-hydrate!
• Unsweetened almond milk to add richness—great with tropical fruits!

Nutrition Facts

1 serving: Calories 194; Fat 0g; Cholesterol 0mg; Sodium 15mg; Carbohydrate 52g; Fiber 10g; Protein 2g