TROPICAL GREEN SMOOTHIE

Makes one 16-ounce or two 8-ounce smoothies

Juice bars seem to be as common as banks and pharmacies in LA these days. Gia is currently obsessed with a mixture of almond butter, granola, dates, almond milk, and a splash of vanilla. For Earth Day, celebrate what Mother Nature has wrought with an appropriately green drink that not only tastes delicious but is also loaded with nutrients. It’s a great way to start the day and makes an excellent pick-me-up in the late afternoon or for an after-school snack. Use baby spinach whenever possible—it’s softer and more tender than the larger leaves.

1 cup baby spinach

1 banana

¾ cup frozen mango

¾ cup frozen pineapple

¾ cup coconut water, plus more if needed

½ cup kale, chopped

Combine all the ingredients in a blender and blend on high until smooth, about 1 minute. If the smoothie is too thick, gradually add more coconut water, about 1 tablespoon at a time. Pour into a mason jar or glass and serve immediately.