The Ultimate Green Smoothie
Angela | July 19, 2012How do you survive and still eat fairly healthfully while you live in a house with a non-kitchen? Well, you eat lots of things that don’t require much preparation: Fruit with a handful of nuts, raw veggies with hummus, peanut butter sandwiches, and simple smoothies.
Fact is, it’s going to be a long time before I can really cook in our current project house. If I have a kitchen by Christmas, I’ll be completely shocked. Thrilled, but shocked. So, when we’re in Seattle working on it, I have to adjust my eating behaviors to match the situation, which is not at all ideal. Or, in other words, when life hands you raw veggies, make green smoothies.
This particular smoothie was inspired by Drew Manning, AKA Fit2Fat2Fit, the personal trainer that went from ripped to 70 pounds overweight back to ripped in a one year period. I cannot even fathom doing that to oneself – and it’s amazing the impact he is having on his followers to inspire healthy lifestyle changes. If you haven’t read the story, it’s definitely worth reading!
I changed his original smoothie to meet personal preference and added a bit more nutrition with the addition of a greens powder. Since I am not getting as much variety in my diet as I usually do, this greens powder is really a nice insurance policy. The way I figure it, if you’re going to go green, you may as well go all the way green!
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Ingredients
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Note: At present, I am unsure where my camera is located thanks to the chaos of a remodel. Above is a reasonable facsimile of what this smoothie looks like. Might I add in closing that this may be the last green smoothie you ever need – it is just that good!
Have a great weekend all!
I neeeeeeed to start making green smoothies. sigh, especially when I have so many yummy greens around, in the garden and from the farm stands!
This one looks easy. I even put a ripe cut up banana in the freezer the other day when I first read your post. hehee
Hi Debbie,
Now that you have your Pulse, you have no excuse! Chop, chop!
I was skeptical but I finallly made it to Wholefoods last night to get the Amazing Grass and made this smoothie for lunch for the hubby and I and we both love it!!! YUM! Thank u much!!
Hi Hejira,
That is awesome to hear, thank you for your note! It is surprisingly tasty, huh?
Angela
well last night we made a half smoothie, half ice cream banana, peanut butter, half&half, water concoction. I made it for DH, but I had a scoop. It was YUMMMY! I’ll definitely try it again. Problem is, bananas are usually eaten before they are over-ripe! hahaa
This smoothie is INCREDIBLE. I have the Mega Food Organic Greens for Women and have tried mixing it in smoothies. Unfortunately, MY blends were unsuccessful. I found myself forcing the smoothie down because the greens were over-powering. Your ultimate green smoothie is just that – the ULTIMATE. I drink it every morning and my only substitute is that I use Silk unsweetened vanilla almond milk (only 30 calories in a cup) as opposed to coconut milk. First, I did not realize how important it was to blend the spinach and milk first before adding the remaining ingredients. That definitely makes a big difference. I also just learned that there is powdered peanut butter — PB2. It has only 45 calories and 1.5 grams of fat in 2 TBS. It is all natural with no additives (only roasted peanuts, salt and sugar (only 1 g). They make a regular flavor and a COCOA one. I cannot wait to give it a try. Everywhere I have looked, it has received high reviews. I learned of it from a marathon runner. But, apparently Dr. Oz has talked about it.
Hi Heather,
Glad you like it! Vanilla almond milk is definitely a great substitution – I do usually alternate between almond and coconut milks.
I have heard of PB2. I used to buy a similar product at Trader Joe’s, but they stopped carrying it. Since it is a powder, I used to bake with it, but will be curious how you like it in a smoothie…
Thanks for your note!
I gave PB2 a try in my green smoothie this morning. Unbelievably delicious. I could not tell that it was a powder. Same great peanut butter taste. Also tried mixing some of the cococoa PB2 in plain greek yogurt. Another great treat! The massive calorie and fat savings is worth giving it a try.
That is great to know!! I will pick some up and give it a try – thanks for reporting back!
New to all this where do I buy the amazing grass
And the pb2. Also have never bought protein powder
Any favorites out there. Appreciate any help just wants get healthy.
Hi Denise,
You can buy all these items on Amazon (which is where I do). But, you can also get Amazing Grass at Whole Foods. As far as protein powder, look for something with minimal ingredients and sugar. Most everything at a “normal” grocery store in terms of protein powder will have too much sugar (so it will taste good). Right now I am using SunWarrior protein powder (from Amazon), but if you have never tried protein powder before I would suggest a little trial and error to find one you like!
I wonder if switching to vita water or coco water would greatly reduce the colorie count. There are so many new “coconut waters” out there, that using that insted of a coconut milk type drink would help to reduce calories. However, if you are using this as a meal replacement, the calorie count is fine.
Hi Amanda,
It definitely would, and you could use only 1 tbs PB instead of two. You’re absolutely right that this is really a meal replacement.
I reaffirm my earlier comment – use PB2 (powdered peanut butter) in this to SIGNIFICANTLY reduce the fat and calories. Pure pulverized peanuts. Also, watch the calories in some coconut waters. Some have added sweeteners that up the sugars and calorie count.
Great point, Heather, thank you for reiterating. The PB2 is a great option. And you’re right, you need unsweetened coconut water (which is sweet enough as it is). Zico makes a nice one…