Popeye and your mom have been preaching the same message for years, and it’s a good one.

Eat more spinach.

72.8% of Americans eat 2 or less vegetables per day, according to the CDC.

Veggies are packed with disease fighting nutrients so don’t hold back. The more the merrier.

If you struggle to increase your daily vegetable intake, green smoothies are your answer. They are a quick, easy, and tasty.

These fruit based smoothies have a handful of greens added. You receive about 3x the amount of nutrients by blending the greens. For example, 1 cup of fresh spinach in a smoothie is the equivalent of about 3 cups of spinach that are eaten normally. By pre-digesting them a bit via the blender, you will have increased absorption. You aren’t simply what you eat. You are what you absorb.

Maximize the nutrient potential of your greens by making the following power smoothie. Popeye and your mom will be proud.

Green Power Smoothie:

• 2 cups fresh leafy greens or 1/2 cup frozen spinach
• 1 banana
• 1 cup of unsweetened coconut milk
• 1/2 cup plain, full-fat, organic yogurt
• 1 cup ice cubes (optional)

Directions: Blend all ingredients until smooth.

Note: Some individuals struggle to digest raw spinach. If that is the case, use romaine lettuce or another leafy green.

Are you expecting this to taste like grass? That was my initial thought before consuming my inaugural green smoothie. But it was surprisingly delicious. For the last 8 years, these have been my go-to snacks or meals when I am pinched for time. So basically, I eat them frequently.

Enjoy!