Melanie and I have been experimenting with different kinds of smoothies lately to vary our usual post-run drink. The only healthy one we’ve found (either via Active.com or Runner’s World) that we both like is listed below.
Incredible Green Spinach Smoothie
(Printable PDF version)
1 serving – blend the following and drink immediately
½ cup almond milk
1 cup fresh spinach
1 kiwi, sliced
½ frozen banana, sliced
With smoothies you really have to watch the calorie count. It is easy to pack in a ton of them in one glass. On top of that, your body processes liquid meals quicker and sugar (which smoothies usually have due to lots of fruit) increases your appetite so you may be hungry again sooner.
This smoothie attempts to correct some of those problems. It is lower in calories and the good fat from the almonds will help satiate hunger a little better. The real benefit is the combo of spinach, which is one of the best plant sources for iron, and kiwi, which aids in iron absorption because of its high vitamin C content.
I’d love to hear what some of you non-smoothie people think of it. We have gotten so used to things like broccoli in ours that I don’t know if we have the right palettes to judge this one. To us, it tastes sweet and refreshing.
Since I saw your spinach smoothie rec, I have tried my own and have to say that the spinach doesn’t make it taste bad. I haven’t followed your recipe completely yet, but can vouch that the spinach is a good add.
I usually use spinach, 1/2 scoop of that Vanilla protein powder, honey, and a banana. (along with ice and water)