Green Tropical Power Smoothie

Smoothies are a super popular treat right now and are being advertised as healthy choices by many different businesses today.  Some of them are, but most of the smoothies you can pick up at your local smoothie joint are between 600 and 1000 calories, a surprising number of them from unhealthy fats and sugars. ("Frozen yogurt?" Read it as "not much better than ice cream") That said, going out for a smoothie would be a healthier choice than ice cream. Most at least involve fruit. 

Fortunately, it is incredibly easy to make many very healthy versions at home.  I have some fantastic recipes that I will share with you that can be used for either a treat at home or as a recovery drink after excercise. Today I made a lovely bright green smoothie that had a hint of the tropics in it.

 

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Green Tropical Power Smoothie

Ingredients:

1 Banana

1 C. Frozen Mango (approximately.  or use a real one if in season)

1 big handfull Spinach

3 to 4 oz. Plain yogurt (greek preferred)

1/2 to 1 scoop Muscle Milk Vanilla Creme Protien powder

1 TBSP. Chia Seeds

 

The directions are easy. Throw it all in a blender or smoothie maker and let it blend until smooth and one consistancy.  This particular smoothie was for workout recovery.  If I were making it as a normal snack, I would use vanilla greek yogurt instead of the plain yogurt and protein powder (since the purpose of the protein powder is for muscle rebuilding).  The spinach may freak you out a bit.  It did to me at first.  Honestly though, it doesn't really change the taste at all, just makes it bright green, which is very fun with Halloween coming up. Finally, frozen fruit works great for smoothies, especially if you, like me, do not like ice in them.  Just check the ingredients to make sure no sugar is added.  As long as there isn't added sugar, frozen fruits and veggies can be just as good as fresh, since they do not lose nutrients when frozen!

 

I topped my tasty green smoothie with a sprinkle of homemade granola.  Yum!! 

Stay tuned for a new smoothie recipe soon!