I haven’t always been a fan of green smoothies, but I have to tell you, that in the last several years I have learned to love them. Not just for the health benefits but for the taste. They can be really yummy! Of course you have to be careful because you can run up the calories and sugar content pretty quickly. There’s no easier way to get your daily dose of fruits and veggies, or at least get off to a good start.
I first started being interested through a FaceBook group called Simple Green Smoothies founded by Jen Hansard, a mom who has a passion to increase her family’s consumption of plant based foods and living a healthy lifestyle. Her recipes are creative and fun. Check her out. From Jen, I learned how to incorporate more creative fruits and veggies and thus, more vitamins into my diet. I had never thought to use things like sweet potatoes, pears and even beets before, but they truly add variety, taste and color to the whole smoothie experience.
When you add smoothie options to your snack ideas, dessert ideas and meal swap options, you increase your chances of more healthy choices which can be more fun and attractive for you kids and grandkids!
Here is one recipe that I thought was delicious and also unusual and creative! I’m hoping to have her on our podcast…so stay tuned for more great ideas!
This antioxidant-packed Chocolate Cherry Smoothie is a healthy indulgence that will satisfy any sweet tooth. Blend it as an energy-boosting snack or a fun and sippable dessert that will leave you smiling.
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 1
Ingredients
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1 cup spinach
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1 cup almond milk
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1 cup cherries (frozen)
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1 banana
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½ teaspoon cinnamon (ground)
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1-2 tablespoon cacao powder
Instructions
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Blend spinach and almond milk until smooth.
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Add the remaining ingredients and blend again.
Notes
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Use at least one frozen fruit for a refreshingly cold smoothie.
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To lower the natural sugar in this recipe, swap ½ banana for ¼ avocado.
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Swap almond milk with the plant milk of your choice (oat milk also works great!).
Nutrition (estimated)
Calories: 248kcal (12%) Carbohydrates: 55g (18%) Protein: 6g (12%) Fat: 4g (6%) Saturated Fat: 1g (6%) Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g Monounsaturated Fat: 2g Sodium: 351mg (15%) Potassium: 977mg (28%) Fiber: 10g (42%) Sugar: 33g (37%) Vitamin A: 2980IU (60%) Vitamin C: 28mg (34%) Calcium: 370mg (37%) Iron: 2mg (11%)
