October Unprocessed is one of those projects that looks simple from the outside but demands a surprising amount of time and coordination behind the scenes. While a large share of that effort goes into organizing and publishing guest posts, there are countless small tasks that add up — scheduling, editing, formatting, and managing the many little details that keep the challenge moving. Ironically, I spend more hours at my computer during October than at almost any other time of year.
Every year I try to keep the challenge interesting for myself, too. After repeating the routine for several years, eating mostly unprocessed foods becomes second nature, and it’s easier to find creative ways to stay engaged. This year I set a secondary goal: use the Vitamix every single day of the month. I didn’t quite make it every day, but I came close — and I discovered how helpful a few simple smoothies can be for a busy workday.
I made a lot of smoothies this month. They are fast to prepare and even faster to drink, which made them ideal for fueling long stretches of work at the desk. What surprised me most was how much the smoothies improved my afternoons. After a morning of meetings and writing, a nutrient-dense smoothie helped me focus more clearly and stay productive. The immediate energy and a lighter, sustained feeling were noticeable — not just pleasant, but genuinely helpful to my workflow.
Beyond their performance benefits, these smoothies tasted great. The single ingredient that elevated them from good to memorable was fresh ginger. A small half-inch cube of peeled ginger adds a bright, spicy-sweet lift that ties the other flavors together. It’s subtle but transformative: the ginger gives the drink a warming edge and balances sweetness from fruit and carrots, creating a more complex and satisfying flavor profile.
The recipe below — the Purple Power Smoothie — is one I returned to repeatedly. It blends vegetables and fruit for color, vitamins, and fiber, while chia seeds add a touch of texture and extra nutrition. If you prefer a different green, kale will work fine; note that kale can change the color to a brownish hue, but not the flavor. Use water or any milk or milk alternative to adjust creaminess. This smoothie makes about two 16-ounce servings and takes under five minutes from start to finish.
Purple Power Smoothie
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup carrots, cut into chunks
- 2 cups baby spinach, loosely packed
- 1 apple, stem and seeds removed
- 1 banana
- 3/4 cup frozen blueberries
- 1/2 cup frozen mango chunks (or any other frozen fruit)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1/2″ cube fresh ginger root, peeled
- 4–5 ice cubes
- 3/4 cup water or milk / milk alternative
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to the blender. Placing the carrots on the bottom helps the blender chop them first, though this is optional.
- Blend until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides if needed. Blend longer for a silkier texture.
- Pour into glasses and enjoy immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
Kale is a fine substitute for spinach, but it may change the color of the smoothie from purple to more of a brownish tone. It will still taste good. To vary sweetness or creaminess, swap water for almond, oat, or dairy milk, or add a spoonful of yogurt. For a colder, thicker smoothie, increase the frozen fruit and reduce the ice.
Nutrition
Calories: 213 kcal, Carbohydrates: 48 g, Protein: 3 g, Fat: 2 g, Sodium: 66 mg, Potassium: 766 mg, Fiber: 9 g, Sugar: 30 g, Vitamin A: 11,395 IU, Vitamin C: 41 mg, Calcium: 89 mg, Iron: 1.8 mg
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