Knock Out Two New Year's Resolutions With One Smoothie

If you don't mind slurping your fruits and vegetables through the same straw, a smoothie recipe that combines a half dozen items from the produce section can jump start your plan to get healthy in 2019. And it can save money at the same time.

You can really throw any fruit or veggie that you want into this smoothie and it will work. It combines greens and fruits, and the more fruit you put in it, the sweeter it will be. It really does taste good, I promise!

Jen's Favorite Smoothie

Romaine lettuce

Kale

Spinach

An apple

A banana

Strawberries

Blueberries

A pear

Juice of one lemon

Ice

Water

Combine all ingredients in a Ninja smoothie maker or blender, and crush until smooth. If it's too thick, add more water, and if it's too thin, add more fruit or ice. For a little extra sweetness, you could add a squirt of agave nectar, Stevia, or honey. This makes enough for 2-3 people.

Eight years ago when I was having some issues with back pain, I went to several doctors who kept giving me injections that didn't work and suggesting surgery, and eventually, I went to a doctor who suggested a different approach. She gave me one last injection in a different spot and that worked like a charm, and she suggested that I adopt an anti-inflammatory diet, incorporating things like this smoothie. I did it, and I haven't had any issues with my back since I adopted the anti-inflammatory approach. And no headaches! That's a nice bonus. I used to get weekly migraines and tension headaches, and those have completely resolved with the change in my diet.

This smoothie pumps enough vitamins into your system to last a day or two, and it's great for an energy boost. And with all of those fruit and vegetable servings and doses of fiber in one sitting, it always makes me feel a little full, so you probably don't want to chase it with a breakfast burrito.

Because you can feed 2-3 people with one batch and the smoothie can help you stay full longer, it may help save grocery money. And it keeps you from having to buy the pre-bottled smoothies at the store, so it's a good cheaper alternative. Those bottled smoothies are usually loaded with preservatives, and these are fresh.

My kids like these smoothies too, even with the full disclosure that they're drinking lettuce and spinach. Score! It tastes so good that they accept the veggies. That's another big New Year's resolution win.

Good luck with your goals this year. We'll keep the ideas coming to help you nail 'em.