Mean Green-ish Smoothie

Ok ok  I know…I know. I’m the worst blogger ever – I take week long hiatus’s all the time! But I always have good excuses….for example – two weeks ago N and I were out of town and last week I had an insane deadline for work! This week is more calm work-wise – but we’re getting ready to move to our new place so now I have the distraction/excuse of that to use! But I am making a conscious effort to post recipes that I make…because even though I’m not posting I’m still cooking!

Today’s recipe is almost too silly to post as a recipe – because it’s just a green smoothie – but I’m not going to lie – it’s pretty freaking delicious! And everyone has been all over this green smoothie kick for a while – I’m very late to the game – but that doesn’t mean I still can’t post it, right?!  Green smoothies are pretty great b/c they taste great but have the added bonus of sneaking in healthy vegetables. I am calling this a Mean Green-ish Smoothie b/c it doesn’t look as shockingly green as most smoothies do b/c of the added blueberries. But…there’s still spinach in there!

Here’s what you’ll need: bananas (I found these frozen chunks at whole foods), spinach, almond milk (unsweetened), flax seeds, and frozen blueberries. If you want it to be more sweet you can add a tablespoon of honey, agave nectar, or a packet of Truvia. Also – you can use any leafy green veggie that you have – spinach I’ve found blends well – but kale tastes great too.

And read carefully b/c this is where it gets crazy (sarcasm) – throw all the ingredients into the blender and blend away – pour into a cup and enjoy! This recipe makes 2 cups worth – a good pre or post workout drink with added nutrients from the spinach and the great vitamins from the banana and blueberries. I have to admit – I like to have them before the gym – especially if I am going to the gym after work. I am starving after work usually and this keeps my hunger at bay to let me go to the gym for a little bit.

New obsession — Flax seeds! I had bought a package at the grocery – knowing that they were healthy because I know that my grandma uses them – but I didn’t know what the benefits were exactly. So when I looked it up on webMD I was blown away with all the health benefits! They taste like sesame seeds really – and are easy to throw into smoothies. I am going to keep looking for ways to use flax seeds b/c I am obsessed! You can read more here if you’re interested: http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/benefits-of-flaxseed

I’m excited about this b/c after being “off” for the past month – I am happy to report that I am back on track with eating healthy and working out. It’s such a struggle for me. But – it happens and I’m going to be positive about this!

To be even more healthy you can add  protein powder – but I kept this one pretty simple. There are so many ways to enjoy smoothies…I’m a little obsessed with them right now so I’ll be posting more soon! Drink up!

Mean Green-ish Smoothie
Serves 2

Ingredients:
2 bananas (preferebly frozen to make your smoothie cold)
1/2 c. frozen blueberries
1.5 cup almond milk (unsweetened)
1 cup (unpacked) spinach
1.5 T. flax seeds
optional: vanilla protein powder, honey, agave nectar, truvia, ice, greek yogurt

Directions: Chop up banana into smaller pieces – put all ingredients into the blender and blend away until smooth. Pout into glasses and drink up!