As much as I enjoy talking about healthy eating, I often feel like I fail at actually maintaining a nutritious diet. That was especially true this past year. Frustrated, I made a few changes to my eating habits and daily routine, and now I feel I’m finally headed in the right direction.
I began this before the 66 Day Challenge. One of the first things I committed to was drinking a healthy smoothie more regularly. I bought a cheap blender because I didn’t like my old one. Surprisingly, it has held up perfectly. I’ve used it constantly over the past few months — if it could speak, it might complain.
I started with a banana-strawberry smoothie, then tried a peach smoothie, a peach-strawberry slushy, and gradually discovered green smoothies. I didn’t fall in love with them right away, but they made me feel so much better that it was worth persisting.
Eventually I landed on what I now call my favorite green smoothie and decided to have one every day for a week.
What Happens When You Drink a Green Smoothie Every Day For A Week
Contrary to my more dramatic expectations, I did not lose 10 pounds in the first 24 hours, nor did my skin immediately start glowing. What actually happened during that first week was noticeably simpler and, in many ways, better.
1
I felt more alive and had more energy. After a green smoothie I felt awake, alert, and experienced an energy boost similar to how I feel after a cardio session.
2
I needed less sleep. I noticed I could function well with about six hours of sleep and wake up feeling less exhausted. That doesn’t mean six hours is ideal long-term — I’m working on getting to bed earlier and sleeping more — but I did feel more rested in the short term.
3
I started craving green smoothies in the afternoon. Afternoon cravings used to mean chocolate or pizza. During the challenge I began wanting a green smoothie instead, which helped replace less healthy habits like late coffee or sugary snacks.
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4
I started craving salads. The shift toward more greens made me choose salads more often and feel satisfied with lighter, healthier meals.
5
I could work better than after having coffee. Coffee often makes me feel jittery and scattered. The green smoothie, by contrast, left my thoughts clearer and more focused, helping me work more efficiently without anxiety.
6
I learned how to make green smoothies I actually like. My preferences: less banana, less liquid, and frozen fruit that’s not overly sweet (berries, apple, kiwi). I’m not a fan of nut butter in smoothies, and a teaspoon of ginger is a nice optional addition.
7
I daydreamed about them. Instead of fantasizing about cupcakes at meetings, I found myself thinking about green smoothies. It became a pleasant, motivating habit.
I’m not sure whether this happened…
My skin didn’t undergo dramatic changes — I never had major skin issues to begin with — but it did seem more hydrated and I looked less tired. I didn’t track weight during this challenge, and I didn’t notice changes in how my clothes fit, which makes sense since my overall diet hadn’t changed beyond adding the smoothie.
The best part about this little challenge is what happened after.
Two weeks after the challenge ended, I’m still having a green smoothie daily. There’s no pressure or drama — the smoothie has simply become part of my routine. I usually have it in the afternoon rather than first thing in the morning, since I still prefer a warm breakfast.
This habit helped me finally get more fruits and vegetables into my diet after a year of struggling. There were days last year when I ate virtually no fresh produce at all. Adding a single daily smoothie changed that pattern and made a tangible, positive difference.
Join The Smoothie Challenge
If you want to try a one-week green smoothie (or any smoothie) challenge to increase your fruit and vegetable intake and feel better, consider giving it a go. Preparing ahead and keeping a few simple recipes on hand makes sticking to the challenge much easier.