Continuing the theme of my post-vacation shape up, I went home and drank my veggies for lunch in the form of a Green Monster Spinach Smoothie!
Green Monster Spinach Smoothies are one of my top secret diet weapons, because although they’re packed with baby spinach, which make my skin, hair, nails, and overall self feel totally great, they do not taste healthy at all. I repeat, they do not taste healthy at all.
PLUS!
- Spinach is fat free, cholesterol free, low in calories, and very low in sodium
- Spinach is an excellent source of vitamin A, C, K, iron, fiber, folate, and lutein
- Leutin is an antioxidant that promotes good eye health, and may help prevent cancer of the liver, ovaries, colon and prostate, and even dementia.
- Dole lab tests found spinach juice has twice the chlorophyl, eight times the calcium, six times the magnesium, 10 times the potassium, 15 times the vitamin C and 43 times the vitamin A of wheatgrass juice!
Are you convinced yet? Well channel your inner Popeye and get to blending already!
First add 1 sliced frozen banana, and 1 Tablespoon peanut butter in a blender. Tip: PEEL and SLICE your bananas before you freeze them.
Next add bulking agents for staying power, like protein-packed vanilla Greek yogurt, and creamy unsweetened vanilla almond milk. You could use any kind of milk you want – cow’s, rice, soy, etc.
PS I started calling cow’s milk, well, cow’s milk, after I stopped drinking it last year in favor of almond milk and it freaks. Ben. out. So hysterical.
Fill the blender the rest of the way up with baby spinach. I think I fit about 4 cups in there today!
Start the blender on “high blend” until everything’s mixed up, then switch it over to “liquify” to get the Green Monster velvety smooth.
Pure green gold!
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Green Monster Spinach Smoothie
Description
Green Monster Spinach Smoothie is packed with good-for-you ingredients — it's my favorite way to start the day!Â
Ingredients
- 1 frozen sliced banana
- 1 Tablespoon peanut butter
- 1/2 cup 0% Vanilla Chobani Greek yogurt
- 1 cup Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Breeze (or other kind of milk)
- 4 cups baby spinach (or more, or less)
Directions
- Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
This recipe is courtesy of Iowa Girl Eats, http://iowagirleats.com.
I almost feel guilty enjoying one of these babies, as it tastes like a sweet, indulgent ice cream shake. It’s perfect for breakfast, lunch or even a snack.
Try throwing in different kinds of greens, protein powder, and any frozen fruit or berry combo under the sun. The sky’s the limit with this ultra-healthy, not-healthy-tasting Green Monster Spinach Smoothie!
*Sources: Dole, WH Foods, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
Emilie @ Emilie's Enjoyables 01.05.2012
This looks delicious, I will definitely by trying this soon!
Ris 01.05.2012
This sounds amazing! I will definitely be making one of these guys very soon!!
Jordan 01.05.2012
I have these for breakfast every day! My combo is flax seeds, protein powder, spinach, mixed frozen berries and milk.
CycloneMom 01.05.2012
Any good substitutions for the yogurt? I am off all dairy while nursing my baby. I could try soy yogurt, I guess, but I know the Greek yogurt provides more protein.
Iowa Girl Eats 01.05.2012
I’ve made them without yogurt lots of times, adding protein powder and chia seeds instead. It’s just as thick!
Ann 01.05.2012
Try amande brand yogurt. It is made with cultured almond milk. http://amandeyogurt.com/ :)
CycloneMom 01.05.2012
That looks delish, but looks like the closest place that carries it is 45 min away. Will have to try without. :)
northwoods mom 01.05.2012
I am in the market for a new blender/food processor. Any body have a recommendation?
Carlye 01.09.2012
I just got a Ninja Kitchen System! I love it so much! It is a blender, food processor, ice cream maker and dough mixer in one!
northwoods mom 01.05.2012
Recently discovered adding spinach to my morning smoothie, it is awesome. Other things that I add to your already great recipe: organic rolled oats and substitute almond butter (love the Barney Butter brand) for the peanut butter, and some ground flax, chia seeds and wheat germ that I have all mixed in the frige for salads etc…..WOW
Stacey 01.05.2012
I’ve loved these since I first saw them on your blog about 2 years ago – they are aaawesome! I love lemon yogurt with blueberries with it. Kinda looks odd with the blueberries ie: grey :) But it tastes awesome and so good for me!
Jennie M. 01.05.2012
I use this one with spinach, bananas, and green grapes: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/groovy-green-smoothie/
It is a little chunky with the apple, so I’ve omitted that ingredient as of late.
sara 01.05.2012
My new fave combo is banana, pineapple, yokids organic strawberry yogurt, spinach and ice. Awesome!
colleens 01.05.2012
I made my first one this morning and it was fabulous! I added two strawberries since I had them and it turned out amazing.
Iowa Girl Eats 01.05.2012
Wohoo! So glad you liked it!
Em 01.05.2012
Oh wow! I have never added peanut butter.
Sounds like breakfast for today! Thanks!
Micah 01.05.2012
I have been wanting to make these for a long time. It’s a good way to get fruits and vegetables in. My only question — can I make it the night before? Will it keep in the fridge? Or is it best to make it right before I plan to consume it?
Iowa Girl Eats 01.05.2012
I’ve frozen it overnight with great results, but never left it in the fridge. I think it’d probably be best to freeze it, or make it right before drinking!
Katie 01.05.2012
I prep mine the night before with 1/4 cup dry rolled oats, 1 cup vanilla almond breeze, 1 Tbs chia seeds, a dash of cinnamon and vanilla and a bananna. The next morning I add the spinach and blend.
Oh, and all of this goes into a small mouth mason jar. The blade part of my blender fits on this so i just tip it upside down, blend then remove the blade and drink right from the jar :)
Iowa Girl Eats 01.05.2012
I have been wanting to try that trick!! I will for sure do it next time!
Ally's Sweet & Savory Eats 01.05.2012
I’ve always wanted to try one…you’ve given me the guts to now try!
Krissy @ Shiawase Life 01.05.2012
Love Green smoothies, but I just cannot get into them when it’s cold out!!!
Erin 01.05.2012
I keep seeing this recipe and I am still skeptical but I think I need to try it!
Lani 01.05.2012
I just wanted to tell you that I saw this yesterday, made it this morning…and had to jump on to tell you how delicious this is! I am drinking it as i type…it’s insane! It tasted just like a desert shake…and I got about 2 cups of spinach in mine! Thank you so much for the great idea!
Theresa 01.05.2012
Sipping on mine right now! Thanks, Kristin!
Almond butter tastes terrific in these. For some added natural sweetness drop in some frozen dark cherries, shredded carrots, and frozen berries.
Dream Mom 01.04.2012
I have a smoothie every other day for breakfast. Most often, it’s 1 cup water, 1/2 cup organic berries, 1 frozen organic banana and 4 cups organic spinach. Love them!
Hannah 01.04.2012
I tried your green monster smoothie over a month ago and I’ve had one for breakfast everyday since! My family doesn’t believe me when I tell them that it’s actually amazing.