Lean Green Fruit-Free Smoothie

Smoothies are one of my favorite things to make. I've been a fan of smoothies for a while now, but I used to skimp on nourishment to keep them "low cal," which defeats the purpose of a filling, nutritious, protein enriched morning meal - especially considering my Smoothies are almost always a post-workout refuel!

Smoothies are so versatile and fun to switch up what you put in your mug. Get creative, but make sure you're loading it up with the essential nutrients to make your meal a powerhouse. Starting off your day with this formula will help you to create new smoothie recipes to avoid smoothie burn-out :)

Basic Smoothie Formula:

• Base = nut milk, coconut milk and / or coconut water are ideal
• Protein = to ensure you're getting adequate protein throughout the day and especially in the morning, try to add one serving (15 - 25g) of protein powder to your smoothie. I use plant base protein powders and look to make sure there are only 2-5 ingredients that are whole foods (no additives, sugars, or fillers).
• Fiber = these days, most people do not come close to getting their daily fiber requirements. Add in fiber wherever you can, like smoothies! Add 1/2 - 1 tbsp chia seeds, flax seeds, hemp seeds
• Fats = healthy fats help boost your metabolism, support digestive, and break down sugars, carbs, and fats in your body. Don't skimp of healthy fats. Opt for 1 tbsp nut butter, coconut butter, MCT oil, or 1/4 avocado
• Greens = Sneak in some greens for extra fiber and vitamins. I like to use frozen veggies as they blend nicely. Try frozen spinach, frozen (pre-steamed) cauliflower or zucchini, frozen beets, frozen butternut squash
• Fruit = Sometimes I'll add up to 1/4 cup berries to keep my smoothies low sugar
• Superfoods = Cacao powder, Maca powder, Matcha, Spirulina, turmeric are all great superfoods to add to your smoothie

Try this Lean Green Fruit-less Smoothie:

Serving - 1 smoothie

Time - 10 minutes

• 1 cup Nut milk of choice
• 1 serving Vanilla plant based protein powder (I usually use MRM Veggie Elite, Sunwarrior Classic Blend, Aloha Vanilla, or Moon Juice Shop)
• 1/4 cup frozen cauliflower
• 1/4 cup frozen spinach
• 1/2 tbsp flax seeds
• 1/2 tbsp chia seeds
• 1/2 tbsp nut butter
• 1/4 ripe avocado
• 1 tsp Spirulina powder
• 1 tsp Matcha Powder
• Topping: 1 tsp hemp seeds, 1 tsp melted coconut butter, sprinkle of coconut flakes

Directions:

1. Combine milk with frozen ingredients in blender and blend until creamy
2. Add remaining ingredients and blend until creamy 
3. Add to a large bowl or mug and add optional toppings!