Many of you have tried making my Glowing Green Smoothie® and are now enjoying it daily! Yay for you!
Some of you have perhaps tried to make it, and ended up with a chunky, grainy mess that really didn’t taste very good. Here’s the one thing we all need: the right blender.
The right blender is critical for a number of reasons I list below.
The blender I wholeheartedly recommend is the Vitamix. By the way, I tried my friend Lenka’s Blendtec and made a Green Smoothies with it last week. NOT the same!!! (To see why I personally prefer the Vitamix over the Blendtec, please see the comment section)
Here is a reason why the Vitamix is the industry standard across raw food restaurants, cafes, and natural restaurants!! Here’s why I think the Vitamix is so critical:
- More nutrition: This is definitely the most important reason. The Vitamix is a 2-horse power blender that has the ability to rupture open the cell walls of the vegetables and fruits and release maximum nutrition from the whole foods. The reason we are blending in the first place is to help “pre-digest” the foods so your body does not have to work hard to absorb the nutrition. With the right blender, there is more nutrition readily available to the body, including 3,850 powerful phytonutrients. EVEN if a blender makes the smoothie fairly smoothie, it does not mean that all the cell walls have been adequately burst open for maximum nutrition (!).
If there is one thing I do not scrimp on, it is my health and making sure I have as much of the best health and beauty nutrition available to my body as possible.
- Better taste: Okay this one is a very close second place. The Glowing Green Smoothie only gives us great results when we stick to it, right? There is no way anyone would want to drink the smoothie every day if it is grainy and chunky. But it is delicious smooth! When I was in Virginia last week I tried making the smoothie with my client’s $100 blender. HORRIBLE! Even I could not drink more than 3 sips of it, and I wanted to barf! It is funny how the texture of something makes such a big difference in how palatable something is, even with the exact same ingredients. To my friends who have been making the Green Smoothie with $60 Oystertag blenders: I promise you that that is not the way I intended it to be or taste!!
With the Vitamix the Green Smoothie is incredibly delicious, and you will WANT to drink it every day. You can’t overestimate the value in that.
- Easy to clean up and saves time: It take about 60 seconds to chop the organic produce and throw it in the Vitamix and blend it to smoothness. When I made that “barf” Green Smoothie 🙂 last week it took so much time to blend it, because I had to cut everything into tiny pieces and add them in one at a time. It took like 15 minutes! PLUS the longer the produce is blending in there, the more the chance it is getting heated up and we are killing enzymes- which defeats the purpose of what we are doing! Then I had to clean it up, and it had all these pieces and a blade I had to screw off separately. With the Vitamix you throw some water and soap in after you are done, turn it on, and it cleans itself in 15 seconds.
I don’t have time to spend an extra half an hour with a slow blender to make the smoothie or clean up. I’m sure you don’t either. Who does? Time is precious!
The Vitamix is an investment, but it is an investment in your health and something that will last you a very long time. Think of how easily you splurge on new makeup or good shampoo and consider them “essentials” rather than luxuries.
What if I told you the Vitamix too was an essential, for the reasons I list above, as the one piece of kitchen equipment that will help make your skin and hair better than all the Sephora crap- oops I meant stuff 🙂 – you buy every month?
PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR A DIRECT LINK TO THE VITAMIX SITE. If you don’t like ordering over the Internet, you can call Janet Gladish and order directly from her at her direct line of 440-782- 2316.
The discount code if you do it that way is: 06-004995.
Love,
Kimberly
Hi Kim,
I was reading about the magazine and the coments and I was just finishing reading one of the comments about asking you for information about the best blender to buy and VOILA comes your article!
You are so fast! See you tonight at yoga class!
BTW I prepared the lime bars and they came out great! Even picky-cup cake lover-dear Jeffrey likes them!
Bye,
Hi Kimberly! I always love and look forward to your posts – thanks for doing what you do! I had to weigh in here to say that I have a Blendtec, and my friend has a Vitamix, and we routinely go back and forth with green smoothie recipes. I’ve tried them at her house and she’s tried them at mine. While there may be minor differences between the two brands, they are both incredible high-powered blending machines capable of liquifying green and making those superfoods super-digestible. It’s awesome that you’re able to offer a coupon on the Vitamix – it’s a great brand! But I wanted to stand by Blendtec here too because it provides optimal health benefits as well, and after all, that’s the most important thing! Peace to you – ljr
Everyone has their own opinion. I do not promote anything unless I absolutely believe in it 1000%.
I do not like how the Blendtec does not have the push down “pole” that the Vitamix has, and therefore you have to wait longer for the mixture to blend smoothly on its own, which is more potential heating up time that could kill enzymes.
I also prefer the overall shape and design of the Vitamix, and find it easier to work with for things like nut milks and other raw dishes.
If someone has neither, I would wholeheartedly recommend the Vitamix over the Blendtec for functionality, 1000% of the time.
I just bought a Blendtec and find it does the job perfectly fine. With the Vitamix, I didn’t like the idea of using the pole to push the food down and it didn’t fit under my cupboards where space is limited. With the Blendtec you don’t need to push the food down. It does it nicely on its own. More inmportantly with both blenders is the noise!! We wear earmuffs when blending or over time our ears would be damaged!
The vita-mix has been an integral part of our new lifestyle of drinking daily green smoothies daily. We purchased a refurbished VM for $379 making 3 payments on our CC on the VM site. What a great machine!!! My Co-Worker has had hers for 10 yrs and still going strong!!
What’s important to us is to get the most out of our organic produce! Since we pay good money for it! Nothing goes to waste.
Cheers to your health Kimberly!
Right on girl!! 🙂
Hi Kimberly!
Thanks so much for this post. I’ve been thinking about investing in a vitamix for a while. Do you recommend a specific model? Or is any model sufficient?
Thanks!
I think they are all great. I have the 5000.
Could not agree more! I used to have a blender, and it was always such a pain to disassemble and clean in there. The first time I used my Vitamix (like a lot of people I debated spending that much for ages)I could not believe how different it was. I find I actually save money and have less waste, because in the past I would have all these good intentions and buy out the produce section, but then most of it would go bad because I didn’t actually want more green salad or all that fruit. But now I just dump stuff in Oscar (yes, my blender has a name) and am able to devour tons of greens and everything else. I’m convinced it’s the only thing besides a knife you need–really need in the kitchen (of course all the other stuff is nice to have, but when it’s summer and there are farmer’s markets, seriously, it’s pretty much all I use).
Wow, that is TWO of you that have said they named their blender!! Hilarious. 🙂
LOLOLOL our old blender does exactly that! its grainy and chunky and not smooth… thats a reason why we go back to cooked foods which we regret later but sometimes we chug it down for days at a time, convincing ourselves that this is the raw way to go! hahaha …. we need a vitamix!
The timing of this post is too funny for me. I literally just picked mine up off the porch from UPS and watched the DVD. I. Am. In. Love.
Hi Kim! do you think all vitamix-er’s are good, or just the 5200? I am wanting to buy a 4500 to save a little money. My sister has a 5200 and it is ~amazing~ (it can blend an ipod- there’s a video on youtube). I havent seen the 4500 in action yet though, so let me know your thoughts.
Thanks! 🙂
I have the 5000 and I think it is awesome. I think there are slight improvements like an easier lid, etc. but I think you would be very happy with the 4500.
My Vitamix is my most priced possession! I am in love with it and even named it! 🙂
Oh hilarious!! What did you name it?? 🙂
Lafayette! 🙂 I’m a little crazy about the show True Blood, it came from there! It’s red too..like blood! LOL!
Kim is right, best investment I ever made and I use it probably 4-5 times a week. It’s worth it, even if you have to save up.
Yes! Thanks Leslie. AND they even have financing programs over a few months!
Hi Kimberly,
I’ve been reading your blog for a few months now and I’ve come to learn a lot about the vegan diet. It’s helped me transform my diet into a more animal free (not completely), eco friendly lifestyle. Thank you.
Just had one question about this article. Why is the Blendtec not the same as the same or better than the Vitamix?
Thanks again.
Hi Peter! I wrote this below but will re-comment:
I do not like how the Blendtec does not have the push down “pole” that the Vitamix has, and therefore you have to wait longer for the mixture to blend smoothly on its own, which is more potential heating up time that could kill enzymes. I LOVE that pole when I am making thicker smoothies with avocado or coconut, or nut pates.
I also prefer the overall shape and design of the Vitamix, and find it easier to work with for things like nut milks and other raw dishes. When a blender is too “fat” the mixture can “spattle” around too much when you are tweaking recipes and adding ingredients on the fly. Do you like my technical terms? 🙂 The Vitamix is slim and longer, and slightly thicker at the top than the bottom. I like the longer shape a lot.
If someone has neither, I would wholeheartedly recommend the Vitamix over the Blendtec for functionality, 1000% of the time. Again- you’ll notice that every raw food restaurant and cafe (including the ones I have volunteered/ worked at), natural restaurant, etc. has the Vitamix. It is the industry standard for a reason!!
Hi Kim, I’ve been using a Hamilton Beach blender to make green smoothies for several months now. You’re completely right that you have to chop everything up in small pieces and still you wait for it to blend completely for a few minutes, and even then its not always completely smooth! I’m considering doing the payment plan for a Vitamix blender or finding a used one in good condition. I also have another question for you. It’s about genetically modified foods. I try to buy a lot of organic food but because its not always available where I live or too expensive, I still buy conventional produce too. However, I’d like to avoid all genetically modified food. I heard somewhere that most conventionally grown food isn’t gmo. I know most corn and soy crops are gmo if not certified organic and I’ve read on your blog that seedless lemons and watermelons are too. Is there a way to tell what is gmo if its not organic? Are all ‘seedless’ foods like grapes and watermelons gmo? Thanks Kim.
How funny, just this week I ran into some technical problems with my “transitional” blender and was thinking “it’s time to just bite the bullet and get a Vita.” Then you posted this, plus the coupon. I think the universe is talking to me quite loudly. Thanks for sharing this info and snagging a sweet discount for your readers 🙂
I think I was almost waiting for this post. I love making green smoothies! I am currently using a very sad, old blender (I feel sorry for it) because I haven’t yet had the finances to afford a VitaMix. Young college student doing the best he can!
I have two questions for you, and hopefully you can give me some of your wisdom on them.
When I was listening to David Wolfe during a seminar or some meeting that he was hosting, he was saying that blending creates electromagnetic fields, but the benefits from a green smoothie or raw food will far outweigh the risks of the EMF’s, and that it would be far better than consuming prepackaged junk food. Logically I know this–however whenever I blend I get that nagging voice telling me about those nasty EMF’s. Are they transferred in the food? Unfortunately I don’t have the laboratory to test that!
Also, when using raw spinach (or even kale, I think), should we be worried about the oxalates? I know that they diminish during cooking, but so do valuable vitamins, like vitamin A. Does blending and breaking down the cell wall help “remove” oxalates, in a way? Or at least break them down similar to cooking? It’s a question that has been plaguing me as well.
Thank you so much Kimberly!
I bought a Vitamix in mid February after seeing a demonstration at Whole Foods. I hesitated at the price, but am so happy I made the investment. My family uses it at least a few times a day. Definitely worth the investment!
🙁 I’m sad now!! As a student I just cannot afford a £400 blender!! But I’ve been drinking Green Smoothies every single day for 3 months, made with a blender that my boyfriend generously gave to me!! I love the Green Smoothies even if they do not get as smooth as with the Vitamix!!
Btw, remember that I mentioned that I had put on weight when I started drinking the smoothies?! I went back to my normal weight and I am feeling full of energy and looking great! 😉 I also gave up dairy completely! It was much easier than I thought!
I would like thank you for sharing all this information!! 😉
Take care,
Susana
xxx
Is this blender also good if I want to make lighter things like a fresh chopped salsa or is it too indusrtial?
Hi Kim,
Thanks so much for responding to my post and for blogging about the best blenders out there. I was afraid you were going to tell us it has to be the Vitamix and it’s only because of how much it costs. I think I’ll have to search for a used one and when I have it, I think I’ll give it a nickname too.
Thank you for being so generous with all of your knowledge regarding nutrition. It’s something I don’t want to skimp on anymore either. Ciao for now.
I love my Vitamix~it is well worth the investment. I have been using it 2-3x a week and it is soooo easy to use. I can not believe how easy it is to use. Love the taste of my green smoothies! thanks kim!
Can’t wait until I can afford to invest in a vitamix! 🙂 I see many more successful green smoothies in my future.
oh u know i’ve always used my magic bullet! lol, my parents have a vitamix i wonder if it still works, I’d love to see the difference…but i love my green smoothie from my magic bullet lol
I was still deciding between the Vitamix and the Blendtec. You’ve just made the choice for me 🙂
You won’t be sorry. Trust me. 🙂 I love how the Vitamix also just has “on and off” and “high to variable.” Such a sleek, easy design!!
The Green Smoothie calls for apples. Somewhere in the dregs of my brain I remember that green apples are supposed to be better than red ones. I can only find organic red ones nearby. So, is green better or the red organic ones?
BTW: Any thoughts on Candida?
Well green apples are more sour and better for people with sugar issues. Go for the organic ones.
I have lots of thoughts on Candida! 🙂
Joel; Fuhrman in his book Super Immunity says green is better than red. Less sugar and it contains an inportant substance that red does not.
thanks! 🙂
lets write them until the admit it, or stop doing it! i am writing them now!
🙂
Kim,
THANK YOU SO MUCH! I just have to say – I’ve been reading your blog for a while now and you are an inspiration. You even make me reconsider being a lawyer since I can’t see how a career such as that would be encouraging the kind of lifestle you have – which is what I’d like for myself.
Oh, and I’m SUPER excited because I just picked up a Vita. can’t wait to get home. 🙂
I drink green smoothies every day sometimes 3 or 4 times a day. I appreciate Vitamix but I have a Blendtex.
k, guess I’m just weird… Hubby & I have been making green smoothies w/ a cheap-o blender for 5 months. Finally got our Vitamix a couple of days ago. But the smoothie texture is gross! TOO smooth! (tho’ haven’t tried the Glowing Green Smoothie yet, have to find it on your site)
HI Vicki!
Use the recipe for the Ultimate Green Smoothie. If it is TOO smoothie, then blend less. The great thing about the Vitamix is that you can control the texture!! xx Kimberly
I just ordered the Vita-Mix! I feel like it’s a holiday, I’m so excited. Thanks for the free shipping code, that made it feel a bit better on the wallet! 🙂
I’m looking forward to smooth-ies versus the clump-ies that I’ve been having!!! Save my chewing for other foods!
Will you do a post on home-made kombucha, if you do make your own? Thanks! Can’t wait for your book!!!! 🙂
Meredith
Hi Kimberly,
I just love the positive life of being natural and healthy from your blog.
I live in Indonesia and since I become 25 this year, I really want to change my lifestyle into more natural and healthy.
And your blog inspired me to be better 🙂
[url=http://bloghonk.com
Hi Kimberly!
I use the Professional Ninja and LOVE my smoothies (with an addition of 1 tablespoon of coconut oil)! You mentioned the coconut oil in another smoothie recipe. Is it ok for the GGS?
Hi Kim,
Your blog is amazing – keep up the good work! I ordered your book a couple of weeks ago so hopefully it should be delivered soon. Can’t wait!
Thanks!
I understand that this is a good blender but a student like me can never afford it. Any other alternatives?
G’day Kim,
My wife and I just tried the GGF smoothie yesterday and also today. I think its great! Today I added the Parsley and it was even better!
My wife is vego/vegan so i’m eating alot of this stuff but I work away on a Mine site and do shift work that creates an unbalanced eating regime. Do you have any reccomendations on meals that will keep the body less shocked by changing eating habbits?
Also, any fruits/vegies that are high in protien?
Cheers Kim,
Chris
Hi Kimberly,
I have been drinking the GGS for almost a year now.. It has done amazing things to my health. I live where the snow flies for 5 months out of the year. I have a garden and grow my own parsley, kale and spinach. It is easy for me to get fresh organic spinach but not the kale and parsley. Would I loose the nutritional value if I blend up the kale and parsley with some water and freeze in individual servings? And thaw as needed. I could make enough to last 3-4 months.
Thanks much for your awesome website!
Ellen
Hi Ellen,
That is just amazing! I am so happy to hear you are growing your own vegetables. 🙂 Freezing sounds like a great option for you, and veggies hold up pretty well in the freezer.
xx
Hi Kimberly, I work 12 hours a day, 6 days a week and don’t have the time or energy to make a smoothie. Are there any ready made smoothies in packet form that you would recommend. Thanks.
It takes me about 2 minutes total to make a large smoothie with my Vitamix. If you don’t have 2 minutes a day you have bigger problems than what you put in your body.
You’re an asshole; 2 minutes maybe all it takes for you to blend it but not to prepare…and some people actually may not have the time to make a smoothie or may just have too much of a hectic schedule to try to fit it in.
The healthiest smoothies have alot more organic greens- kale, chard, spinach- than fruit. Most ready made smoothie mixes don’t have that. I recomment that you drink a phytochemical/probiotic filled green powder like Vibrant health if you don’t have time to make a healthy green smoothie. I just pot a scoopful in a cup, cover with with cold water and drink it fast through a big straw without breathing. It’s a great product. It doesn’t taste bad – just grassy. Then I take a gulp of juice or something.
I’m a college student and I can barely make ends meet so how can I afford a vitamix? is there a better alternative?
I want a Vitamix for Christmas!! I’m gonna start saving! 🙂
You guys need to see the new Blendtec, I’m sorry but a push stick is
Like a cave man using a club, instead of a gun.
It’s really your preference manual vs electronic logic board controls.
Each to his own I just had to make a comment!
Agree Ernie, not to like the blendtec because it doesn’t come with a push stick is a little ignorant
Hey Kimberly!I just came across your site and its so awesome:)
Just a quick question- I live in India where vitamix is currently not sold or retailed anywhere 🙁 neither is blendtec…
is there any modification that you could suggest to make the smoothie less chunkier?
perhaps I should use apple juice instead of a diced apple? or if you could let me know of some other blender/juicer brands that you think may work?
I understand that this is a good blender but a student like me can never afford it. Any other alternatives?
We just purchased a blender from “Living Well/ Montel” more cost effective, works great and they allow for 4 payment plan wich make it easier to purchase as a student. Maybe Kimberly can look into allowing for a payment plan for her loyal fans… Good Luck with your decision
What about an Oster blender, we can’t afford another and my gramma bought that one
Could you please point me toward any studies that show any blender that can break the cell walls of the veg’s or fruits. Thank you
Nutribullet go to their site NutriBullet.com or I would check with Bed Bath Beyond. Since they sell every product from infomercials.
Still waiting?!
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Thought this might be of interest to everyone – pretty sure the Vitamix breaks down the spinach the way the article is suggesting it has to be, to get the benefits stated : http://m.theaustralian.com.au/news/health-science/spinach-extract-reduces-food-cravings-and-may-prevent-obesity/story-e6frg8y6-1226851241743
This is so damn informative. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks so much Moni! Sending you lots of love! Xo