I’ve heard a lot of positive feedback on people’s energy levels in the morning when they switch to a smoothie. They feel less of the need for the caffeine when they’ve had lemon water and a healthy, high protein breakfast like a smoothie.
This smoothie has a banana base, which makes it soooo creamy! I don’t always use bananas as the base of my green smoothies because they have a bit more sugar and slightly higher glycemic load than berries. I still love bananas, but I use them less often and more for a change rather than every day.
Instead of spinach, I added kale. Kale does have a bit more of a “green” taste than spinach, but since the banana is so creamy and sweet it really offsets it. Another addition to this recipe is almond butter. I find the almond butter helps keep me satiated for longer and also really adds flavour. All that being said, my favourite addition to this recipe is the raw cacao nibs, for the chocolate-y flavour they add!
Cacao nibs are an unprocessed form of cacao with no added sugar. They’re a GREAT source of antioxidants, and provide really good mineral content as well. Seems to me like I’ll have to do an “In Mandy’s Pantry” on cacao on its own. I actually add the cacao nibs at the end because I like the crunch it adds to the smoothie, but you could definitely throw them in the blender as well.
If you’re new to smoothies, you might want to add the full banana, so it’s not too “green” tasting; but, if you’re a smoothie veteran, this recipe will be perfect!
Chocolate-Banana Green Smoothie Recipe
Serves: 1
Prep time:
- ½ banana (frozen is best)
- 2 cups leafy greens, like spinach or kale
- 1 TBSP almond butter
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 TBSP ground flax seeds
- ½ scoop of Vanilla or Chocolate protein powder (You could add a full scoop, but I didn’t as I had so many other things in it)
- 1 TBSP raw cacao nibs or ½ TBSP raw cacao powder
- Blend all ingredients except the raw cacao nibs in blender
- Add the raw cacao nibs at the end
Follow Us On Instagram
