Not Your Ordinary Banana Smoothie

May 14, 2013

 

My neighborhood smoothie bar serves up a Banana Split Smoothie that I could sip on just about everyday. And it turns out my husband and my son feel the same way.  I recently decided to make a version of this banana smoothie at home. In my version, I use a generous serving of frozen bananas which contain tryptophan, which is converted into serotonin, and help boost your mood. A creamy almond milk and a nutty almond butter lend a pleasant consistency and a protein boost. I also like to toss in a a handful of iron-rich spinach, and a sprinkle of a good cocoa powder (which is a guilty pleasure, but fortunately linked to a few health benefits too!). It’s a new household favorite.

PS - Don't be intimidated by the addition of the tender baby spinach in this smoothie. It simply fades into the background, providing only a nutrient-rich boost (but no spinach taste).

Not Your Ordinary Banana Smoothie

Serving Size: 1 (290 calories per serving)

Ingredients

2 bananas, frozen
1 cup almond milk
1 tablespoon almond butter or organic peanut butter
1/2 tablespoon good cocoa
1 handful baby spinach

 

Better-for-you ingredients

Learn more about the better-for-you ingredients in this recipe:

  • Bananas – Health beauties love the high fiber content of bananas. They are also rich in natural sugars (glucose, sucrose and fructose) which provide a healthy energy boost. Learn more here.

 

Directions

Place ingredients into a good powerful blender until smooth and creamy. Thin with water or thicken with ice if desired. Enjoy!

 
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