Fresh Start Green Smoothie (Vegan, Gluten Free, Grain Free)

Do you ever have those days where you think you're being productive, but at the end of the day you realize all you've done is left yourself a trail of half-finished projects and tasks? Well, that has been my week so far. I signed into Blogger this morning to find 3 drafts of blog posts, none of them finished, none of them published. I've only listened to half my classes this week when I had intended to listen to them all on Monday. I haven't even started my Coursera class this week. Only half of my house has been cleaned. Monday three different times I stepped outside to go for a run and every time it started to rain, no joke. Thank God I've showed up to work the past three days and finally got a run in yesterday. And with any luck, this post will actually, well, be posted (though even the photography for this post is half-assed). I've just had major ADD this week. 

In times like these sometimes all you need is to press the reset button and get a fresh start. Perhaps you're not as absent-minded as I am, but you ate too much junk over the weekend. Maybe you want to start your day off on the right foot or maybe you just want to do something good for your body. This smoothie is a great for all of that.

Now I realize for those of you not used to drinking green smoothies, I might as well be asking you to drink the polyjuice potion from Harry Potter, but trust me. This is tasty stuff and your body will thank you for it and if you need to, just add a touch of honey or agave for a little extra sweetness. 

For the most effectiveness, drink a full glass of water first thing in the morning while you prepare this smoothie. To have a cleansing effect drink this smoothie on an empty stomach (besides the water), it'll act like a toothbrush for your insides. It's full of fiber, greens and will jump start your metabolism. Plus, you'll start your day super-hydrated, which is the best way to start any day!

Fresh Start Green Smoothie

• 1 Apple, chopped
• Half a Cucumber, sliced
• 3-4 Sprigs of Parsley
• Juice from half a Lemon
• Inch of Ginger, peeled and chopped
• As much Kale or Spinach as you like (I used about 1 "branch" of kale, just be sure to remove the stems)
• 1 Teaspoon Ground Flax Seed (or you can use Chia Seeds)
• Approximately 1-2 Cups of Coconut Water depending on how many greens you use (for a smoother texture use more liquid)
• Honey or Agave to taste *Optional*

Throw all the ingredients in the blender. I find the greens break down best when closest to the blades, which in most cases means putting them in first. Blend until your smoothie is well, smooth! Drink and enjoy, knowing that your body is thanking you for it.

How's your week going?

Are you a fan of green smoothies?

Am I the only one who can be a total space cadet at times?