In the world of shiny new food trends, the humble green smoothie has taken a backseat to bright açaí bowls and fresh celery juice. Now don’t get me wrong, juicing can be healthy and smoothie bowls are a great way to add more vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients to your diet. However, as a nutrition science major and a certified health coach, I understand how even small tweaks in our food intake can make a world of a difference. Most juices and açaí bowls out there are a blood-sugar crash waiting to happen, which will lead to sugar cravings, irritability, and a drop in our energy.
Today, we’re not only talking about how to make a healthy green smoothie, but I’m also sharing my tips on how to make this meal practical and add it to your daily routine. Keep reading to learn how to make, prep, and store this healthy green smoothie. And by the way, this recipe is part of our Plant-Based RE:SET, a new 5 day meal plan coming to your inbox on January 21st! Packed with delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner recipes, this is a week’s worth of meals that’ll leave you feeling lighter, brighter, and energized. Sign up here! Okay, let’s dive in.
Are Green Smoothies Healthy?
Not all green smoothies are created equal. In order to have a truly healthy breakfast, we need to think about balancing our blood sugar and filling ourselves up with nutrient-dense foods. Kelly Leveque frames it best, with her trademarked Fab Four Formula, which includes the perfect ratio of protein, healthy fat, fiber, and vibrant greens. If your smoothie contains all these ingredients, you’ve set yourself for success. This Almond Butter Green Smoothie Recipe checks all of those boxes and is a perfect way to start your day.
What Healthy Green Smoothies Are Easy to Make?
Most breakfast smoothies are really simple to make, just gather the ingredients and blend! But on some days, we don’t have the extra 5-10 minutes in the morning to grab the ingredients, blend and clean up afterward. Not to worry! I’ve got a tip for you that’s going to make this healthy breakfast a breeze. Plan ahead, make your smoothies in advance and store them until you’re ready to blend.
“If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.”
Benjamin Franklin
How to Store Your Healthy Green Smoothie
The best way to consume a healthy green smoothie is right after blending. But sometimes we don’t have that extra five minutes in the morning to gather all the ingredients and blend everything together. Not to mention the mess we have to clean up afterward… That’s why I came up with the blend and freeze method that makes drinking a healthy green smoothie for breakfast realistic for even the busiest mornings!
All you need is a large ice cube tray. Gather up all your ingredients, blend them, and then pour into ice trays to freeze overnight. When you wake up in the morning, just pop the smoothie ice cubes into the blender, blend, and enjoy! Don’t forget to rinse the blender right after and you’ve just made a healthy green smoothie in under two minutes!
Are Green Smoothies Better For You Than Juices?
The main difference between juices and smoothies is that smoothies are full of fiber from fruits and vegetables, while juices are stripped of their fiber. Fiber is an essential part of a healthy diet and most of us aren’t getting enough. According to The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, women should aim to consume 25 grams of fiber per day. Fiber helps by supporting our microbiome, stabilizing our blood sugar and fiber can even help lower cholesterol levels.
Healthy Green Smoothie Substitutions
This is a plant-based and dairy-free recipe that is very easy to adjust if needed. If you are on a low-FODMAP diet, or bloat easily, make sure to pre-steam the cauliflower before blending. Are you drinking this healthy green smoothie after a workout? Add a protein powder to boost recovery and help your body build lean muscle. Do you have a nut allergy? Check out these nut-butter alternatives that are made from a variety of ingredients including golden peas and granola.
Ready to get started? Keep reading for the ingredients and start blending your way to good health!
Almond Butter Green Smoothie
Description
This vibrant smoothie is a perfect, blood sugar-balancing way to start your day.
Ingredients
- 1/2 frozen banana
- 1 cup of frozen cauliflower
- 1 cup of spinach
- 2 tablespoons nut butter of choice
- 2 cups oat milk (or almond milk)
- Squeeze of honey (optional)
Instructions
- Blend on high and drink up!
Wow most informative recipe just yet – I have been needing a new green smoothie!! Thanks for all the info
Please add the nutritional break down for this awesome smoothie recipe. I track my daily food intake and it’ll definitely help me keep a more accurate log. Thanks!