Green Sunshine Smoothie

I'm really digging this living-with-your-significant-other-thing.  For one, I have someone to test recipe experiments on.  As I've mentioned in a previous post, our apartment is hot, so that means smoothies for breakfast in the dead of winter are totally appropriate.  While I'm permanently stuck on banana smoothies, the "other" likes his drinks more fruity (versus creamy), so I have been experimenting with different recipes incorporating citrus, berries, and other non-banana ingredients.  I made this combo this AM and had to admit that it was pretty darn delicious, almost delicious enough to convince me to cheat on my daily banana blend...almost.

Green Sunshine Smoothie - Vegan, Gluten Feee, Refind Sugar Free, Soy Free Option

1/2 cup orange juice

1/2 cup soy milk (or any non dairy milk)

1 ripe banana

1 handful baby spinach

1 TBSP coconut butter (optional but I think it takes the smoothie to the next level)

1-2 pitted dates (optional depending on how sweet you want your smoothie)

Blend, sip, and feel like you are on a beach soaking up sunshine (sigh).  

(This is obviously not a picture of the smoothie, or a current picture.  But this drink will make you feel like you are in a tropical oasis, as pictured above.) 

Carrot Cake Smoothie

There's not much that can beat a good homemade smoothie.  Unlike juice bar smoothies that are usually packed with strange ingredients and added sugars, homemade smoothies are 100% customizable and can be the perfect healthy indulgence. 

Most days I have a smoothie for breakfast.  They are quick to make and an easy way to get fruit, veggies, protein, and healthy fats in a portable form.  I eat my smoothies with a spoon, which makes the health drink feel indulgent, almost like a bowl of ice cream.

My favorite blend of the moment combines the natural sweetness of carrots and bananas with the richness of almond butter and warmth of cinnamon for an absolutely delicious fall morning treat.  Maca gives you a little boost of energy and the protein means this smoothie will keep you full for hours.  Seriously, this drink is the bomb!  And so so so easy to make - just a few seconds in a blender and you are done.

Carrot Cake Protein Smoothie

Ingredients:
-1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
-1/4 cup carrot juice
-1 banana
-1 tsp maca
-1 TBSP almond butter
-dash of cinnamon
-1 scoop plain or vanilla protein powder (I have been using Perfect Fit Vanilla protein)
-Stevia to taste (I like Truvia and have found that 1/2 an individual packet works for me.  Omit or adjust depending on your preference.  I'm sure maple syrup would also taste great)

Directions:
Add all ingredients to your blender and pulse until well combined.  Enjoy!