As a father of two young boys and CEO of Silk Therapeutics, things can be busy both at home and around the office. I’m always looking for ways to be healthy when it comes to my food choices, yet I often find it’s difficult to identify foods that are satisfying, and aren’t time consuming when it comes to preparation. One item I have grown to love are smoothies, my go-to in hectic times, which can be more often than not.

Whether you’re looking for a meal on-the-go, or a little indulgence, a smoothie is an easy way to switch things up, and also, it’s a great time-saver. What we eat plays a major part in our skin’s health and appearance, so a balanced diet will leave your skin looking and feeling its best.

I’ve created my own smoothie based on some of my favorite ingredients. Each was chosen for a specific reason; there are a combination of healthy fats, antioxidants and proteins to both fill you up and give your skin the nutrients it needs. These nutrient rich foods also aid the skin, providing an antioxidant-rich boost. When making your drink, I recommend using non-processed and low-sugar ingredients whenever possible. When your food is exposed to chemicals, they can filter into your system after being ingested.

Although I am not a nutritionist, I wanted to share one of my favorite green smoothie recipes. It’s a concoction of my own and a favorite among family and friends. Before trying for yourself, I advise for you to check with your doctor to first to determine if this smoothie fits into your diet and/or determine a balance of ingredients that work for your own body and needs.

This smoothie recipe only takes a few minutes to make and yields two large servings (about 12oz each). Try it for yourself and let us know what you think.

Greg’s Green Smoothie

½ Cup Orange juice – vitamin C (look for all-natural)

¾ Cup Coconut Water – hydration and supports digestion

½ Cup Soy Milk – calcium

½ Avocado – monounsaturated fat

½ Banana – potassium

1 Handful Spinach – protein and fiber

1 Handful Frozen Pineapple – may help ease inflammation

6 Ice Cubes

Put all the ingredients in a blender and puree until there’s a smooth texture. Add more ice cubes for a thicker consistency. This makes two large servings and, yes, your kids will drink it, too!