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Have you been behaving now that the new year is in full swing?
Err.... you probably should be the one asking me that question. After all I'm the one who went on a quest for those perfect Lemon and White Chocolate Sugar Cookies, right? Each batch required a sample or two to determine if they were "the end of the quest".
It really takes a while to get back on a healthy eating track after the holidays, doesn't it? And it seems, the longer you go, the harder it is to get motivated.
One thing that always seems to help get my nose pointed in a healthier direction is green smoothies.
Green smoothies? Oh yes, they're healthy, satisfying, easy to make and honestly, super delicious. You'd never know in a million years, that there's a whopping 2 cups of super nutritious spinach in each serving!
When we feel like we've indulged just a bit too much (like almost always happens after the holidays) we'll just jump on the green smoothie wagon and it helps a lot. We'll replace one meal a day with a big glass of these vibrantly-hued, chocked-full-of-great-nutrients drinks and we don't feel like we're missing out on anything.
There are a zillion different combinations that can be used in these drinkable meals. This time I used lots of fresh green spinach, avocado, fresh pineapple, a ripe, sweet banana, a small knob of ginger, a little sun-shiny fresh orange juice and a splash of lime juice.
I throw it all in my blender (I don't have one of those fancy-schmancy ones) with a big cup of ice, give it a whiz and within minutes we're sipping a delicious Banana Pineapple Green Smoothie - these keep us full and satisfied past lunch time!
Oh heck, I probably didn't need to tell most of you any of this stuff. You're probably super-duper well behaved and as soon as the first day of 2015 rolled around, you put all the over indulging up on a shelf till next year.
But just in case... just in case there might be one or two who need a bit of help, this Pineapple Banana Smoothie is a delicious way to get you started...
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- 4 cups fresh organic baby spinach, lightly packed
- 1 cup diced fresh pineapple
- 1 medium banana
- ½ medium ripe avocado
- ½ cup fresh orange juice
- ½ cup greek yogurt
- 1 approximately 1-inch piece peeled fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon honey more to taste*
- 1 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 cups crushed ice or 3 cups if you're using larger ice cubes**
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Combine all ingredients (except ice) in a blender container. Mix on medium speed for about 1 minute until blended.
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Add ice and blend on high for another 30 seconds or until smooth.
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Pour into 2 tall glasses and serve.
* The riper the banana, the less honey you'll need. It's funny, there are the same amount of calories in a green banana, as they're are in a super ripe, super sweet one. I like to take my over ripe bananas, cut them in chunks and freeze them on a small sheet pan or dinner plate. Once they're frozen, I pop them in a zippered plastic bag to store. Then when I want a smoothie, I just throw a few in the blender frozen and I don't have to worry about always having fresh bananas.
** If I'm making this for myself, I go ahead and make the full recipe, even though it serves 2-3. But I only add ice to the portion that I'm serving right away. I store the rest in a covered jar or container in the refrigerator. When I'm ready to serve the remainder, I pour it back into the blender and add the ice. It will keep for several days and it tastes, after you add the ice, like you just made it! The color does not change, even though there is banana and avocado in the smoothie. The orange and lime juice keep it all really fresh tasting.
Jacked Beanstalk says
This flavor combination just doesn't work for me. Maybe with lots of honey it would be better but I don't add any sort of refined sugar to my diet - even if it's refined by bees instead of humans.
Betty Lutz says
I just made this. Didn't have spinach so used snap peas. Only had a very small orange so squeezed the heck out of it and added a bit of orange essance water. I was shocked my husband wanted seconds! He said it will be great in hot weather with an umbrella.
Yasmeen | Wandering Spice says
Yes please! This fits in beautifully with the influx of summer produce we're getting... sort of like a green pina colada 🙂
easyfoodsmith says
Lovely smoothie and i would love to try it to experience all those flavors happening in there. Stunning clicks btw 🙂
Anne@FromMySweetHeart says
Chris....this looks simply luscious! Lots of different flavors and so good for us!!! : )
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks Anne!
sue|theviewfromgreatisland says
So cheerful, healthy, and ... green!!
TheKitchenLioness says
Chris, love the color of your super-healthy looking smoothie - the list of ingredients certainly sounds like this is a nutrient packed recipe. And your presentation is picture perfect, no more excuse not to give a healthy smoothie a try! Thanks for another amazing recipe!
Andrea @ Cooking with Mamma C says
Believe it or not, I drink a smoothie for breakfast six days a week. I usually don't make them green, though, because I tend to get turned off if the color is weird. Yours looks appealing, though! I might have to give this a try! I love the tip about making a larger batch and adding the ice only when you're ready to drink.
Stacy | Wicked Good Kitchen says
What a delicious looking green smoothie, Chris! I love the combination of flavors with the pineapple and banana. I prefer spinach in my green smoothies and look forward to trying your recipe very soon. Thank you for sharing!
Betsy says
That looks delicious! I'm having trouble getting back on a healthy menu, too! Seems my sweet tooth and stretched stomach from the holidays wants to stick around! haha...ugh!
Ginny Hartzler says
It looks like spring! You make everything look like a party!
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef says
After John's big heart attack last Sunday, we're eating way more healthy. That smoothie looks really tasty.
Angie@Angie's Recipes says
So creamy and so good!
Mary says
Oh this looks right up my alley!! what a delicious smoothie, wonderful ingredients - especially the avocado:)) A great start to the year!
Sophia @ NYfoodgasm says
This sounds super satisfying LOOOOVE it! I have to make myself one!