Cleanse, Clarify and Energize: Mango Sunrise Smoothie

Let’s get our Saturday started off right with a Mango Sunrise Smoothie! I came up with this recipe on a morning I was planning to go to a gym class but had very little energy. I had celebrated a friend’s birthday the night before at a big dinner and woke up feeling a little tired and weighed down. I wanted to come up with a green smoothie recipe that incorporated apple cider vinegar and ginger (because they are cleansing and energizing) and chia seeds (for stamina and hydration at the gym).

I really didn’t think this smoothie would taste as delicious as it did but I’m happy to report that it might just be my new favorite morning smoothie! It’s thick, creamy, sweet and the taste of ginger and vinegar are quite subtle. I immediately felt rejuvenated, energized and had a great workout!

Mango Sunrise Smoothie

makes 2 servings

What you’ll need:

1 mango, peeled and pitted
1 banana
1 handful blueberries
2 cups spinach
1 inch piece of ginger, peeled*
2 tbs apple cider vinegar
2 tbs chia seeds (soaked in 1/2 cup non-dairy milk for 10 minutes)
1/4- 1/2 cup additional non-dairy milk
4 ice cubes

*I use a Vitamix so my blender was able to fully break down the ginger. If you don’t have a high power blender I recommend using a tablespoon of ginger juice ( you can make this in a garlic press) or omitting.

Directions:

Make sure to soak chia seeds in non-dairy milk for at least 10 minutes prior to making smoothies. They will absorb the liquid and become a gel-like mixture. Blend all ingredients until smooth, adding more non-dairy milk as needed. Enjoy right away!

And yes, I did enjoy mine in a margarita glass with a slice of lime!

If you’re new to apple cider vinegar you might find the taste to be a little strong. Instead of decreasing the amount of vinegar, try turning this green smoothie into a green smoothie bowl! I topped it with Coconut Sweet Cream (recipe here), blueberries, sunflower seeds and raw cacao nibs. Such a great way to start the day!