Peanut Butter Green Monster Smoothie

I know what you're thinking; "Peanut butter in my green monster smoothie? Gross". Right? That's what you're thinking, I know it, I can read your mind.  Or perhaps you've already discovered that this combination is actually quite delicious.  I mean really, peanut butter tastes good with everything, don't you think?  Let's face it, while the Paleo diet ("lifestyle") might be popular, I just don't understand how anyone could live without peanuts/peanut butter (that is, unless you're allergic).  Mixing peanut butter and spinach is actually quite nice when it comes to smoothies because, while the spinach definitely makes this smoothie green, you really can't taste it at all.  In fact, if the smoothie wasn't green I bet you would never even know there was spinach in this delicious concoction.  But the peanut butter? That you can taste.

Peanut Butter Green Monster Smoothie

Source

Serves 1

Ingredients

1 medium banana

1/2 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk

2 Tbsp. powdered peanut butter (such as PB2)

1 scoop vanilla Whey protein powder

1 cup fresh spinach (loosely packed)

1-cup crushed ice

** NOTE: If you are following a low FODMAPs diet, this recipe is free of FODMAPs (just be sure to use a protein powder that does not contain inulin/chicory root).

Directions

1.  Add all ingredients to a blender. Blend until smooth.  Enjoy!

I promise, this combination is a winner.  And while summer may be quickly fading away, I think smoothies can definitely be a fall and winter treat too (just like soup can be a summer treat, even though it's hot).

Estimated Nutrition Facts for 1 serving (entire recipe)

Source: CalorieCount.com

Nutrition Highlights:  Excellent source of fiber, protein, vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium and iron

I think this is the perfect smoothie for a) breakfast or b) post workout.  All that protein is great for your first meal before starting a busy day, and/or for repairing muscles after a tough workout.

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QUESTION:  Have you ever used spinach in a smoothie? What about kale? You could certainly use kale in this recipe instead of spinach, but first read my tip for using kale in smoothies.

Any fun plans for this Labor Day? I'm heading over to our local Labor Day Arts Festival.  I typically bring $50 and buy something for the house, if I find anything neat (fifty dollars barely gets me anything, but if I bring more I might spend it because there are always so many wonderful pieces of art at this event.)  It's so fun!  I'm no artist, but for one day a year I really get into art.  It's amazing.  Have a great day everyone.

Thanks for reading!  

The Candid Rd