This Tropical Green Smoothie with Avocado and Spinach is packed with delicious and nutritious ingredients like powerhouse spinach, sweet mango and nutty coconut milk😋

Here's what you'll need to make this Tropical Green Smoothie with Avocado and Spinach:

Spinach
Avocado
Mango
Silk Coconut milk - go for the unsweetened version
Lime
Cilantro
Ginger

Do I have to use coconut milk for this green smoothie?

You totally don't have to use a coconut milk, like Silk's Unsweetened Coconut Milk for this green smoothie recipe. And just to be clear: I'm talking about an in-a-carton coconut milk that'd you find with the other "milk alternatives" in the grocery store; NOT the can of coconut milk used more for cooking savoury dishes. For this recipe, you can use your milk of choice. I love that the hint of coconut really gives the green smoothie itself a true tropical feeling🌴

Are green smoothies actually good for you?

Green smoothies can be good for you, definitely. Here's the catch: the portion matters. If you have an avocado-yogurt-fruit filled "green" smoothie, the total calories can easily get away on you. In fact, a 16oz "healthy smoothie" at BoosterJuice will knock you back more calories than a full meal (and not keep you satisfied very long.) So yes, keep the green smoothie and it's good for you, but keep it to ~½ cup serving and don't put juice in it.

Is it okay to drink a green smoothie everyday?

Yes, it is okay to drink a smoothie everyday if you keep the portion to about ½ cup. The mistake most people make is that they jam a smoothie full of good-for-you-stuff (like yogurt, fruit, avocado, etc) BUT they have a huge portion. And they put it up with juice, which is just empty calories (unless you're say, a marathon runner and need these calories.) For a lot of us, we don't need the calories that come from the huge portion and the juice. If you want to try and green smoothie everyday, cut out the juice and keep the portion to ½ cup.

What greens are best for smoothies?

The best greens for smoothies are: spinach, kale and baby kale, and romaine lettuce. These are my favourites as they blend well, give a major boost of nutrition, aren't bitter, and contain a lot of water (like most fruits and vegetables) so you get the hydration in your smoothie. Other greens like collard greens, arugula, and swiss chard are more bitter and therefore aren't the best greens for smoothies.

Do green smoothies make you lose weight?

Short answer: no. But here's the deal: no one food will "make you lose weight". Your appetite and your body's weight is mostly controlled by your brain. By losing weight (without professional support, including the option of medication), your appetite will increase so that you will likely gain back the weight you lost (and more.) If you find you can't stop thinking about food and you know "what to eat" but just can't do it: get support from a healthcare provider that specializes in evidenced-based weight management. Ask your trusted healthcare professional for help or start here.

I hope you love this Tropical Green Smoothie recipe as much as we do🙋‍♀️

~April

Try these healthy and gluten-free recipes on for size too:

📖 Recipe