I own a Vitamix. I have for a couple of years now. And yet…I really haven’t ever jumped on the smoothie bandwagon. Mostly because I’d rather eat my breakfast, rather than drink it.
And I don’t always think smoothies are that filling. So often (and maybe it’s just for show), a lot of Insta-Story smoothie makers show their polished off smoothie with the caption (or voice over) saying: “And still hungry.” And that’s been my problem with smoothies. When not balanced with the nutrients, I find myself hungry soon after polishing one off.
But that was not the case yesterday when, for breakfast after my 6 mile speed work run, followed by a 1 hour spin class, I whipped up a GREEN smoothie (of all things, I went for the green smoothie) to have for breakfast.
I have done green smoothies in the past and disliked most of them. They tasted too much like…grass.
But not this one. And this has the added benefit of being free of added sugars and containing amazing healthy fats, as well as being full of protein and fiber that will, in fact, leave you feeling fuller longer. And the flavor…it’s like eating a bowl of Mint Chip Ice cream (well…if you do the add-ons, as I do).
Sharing the recipe with you below, adapted from one I found online at Sweetleaf.com!
Recipe: Minty Green Protein Smoothie (Gluten Free; Dairy Free)
Serves 2
Ingredients:
- 1 avocado
- 2 cup spinach, fresh
- 1 package vegan protein powder (I used Plant Fusion Natural Flavor)
- 1 cup coconut milk, unsweetened
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
- 2 cup ice
- Optional (but HIGHLY recommended): cacao nibs, low-sugar granola, chocolate spread (such as Smudge, Nutella, etc)
Directions:
Place avocado, spinach, protein powder and milk in a blender and blend until smooth. Add the vanilla and peppermint extracts, and ice, and blend until thick. Pour into glass or bowl and top with preferred toppings.
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For the record, I topped mine off with Love Grown Foods Cocoa Goodness Oat Clusters and 1 tablespoon of Freedom Foods Smudge, both of which are available at Kroger.
So, I think I’ll take back what I’ve been saying about smoothies not being filling or tasting good (especially when green). Can’t wait to make this one again.
Do you have any filling, healthy smoothie recipes? Share with me!! Comment below.
The Celiathlete 