Green Power Smoothie

Smoothies are a great way to get several food groups in! Get creative, adding a variety of fruits, vegetables, dairy/dairy alternative, and even grain!

1. Choosing the base
I always choose Greek yogurt as my dairy source, and almond milk to make it the consistency that I need. Can't do dairy? Try almond milk, then add frozen fruit to make it thick/smooth!

2. Pick your protein
 It's important to have protein and a variety of nutrients in order for it to be considered my meal replacement. Some people choose to use protein powders, but you have to be cautious of ingredients. I try choosing things like peanut butter, Chia seeds, and flaxseed. If you are lactose-intolerant or sensitive, whey- or casein- based protein powders may bother you, so these are great alternatives, anyway!

3. Add fruits and veggies
The beauty of adding greens, whether it be spinach, kale, collard, etc., to your smoothie is that the flavors of fruits overpower so you do not taste them, and the iron that is found in the greens is absorbed better with the vitamin C found in the fruit! 

Here are the ingredients you'll need for my most recent smoothie:

• 1 C fresh spinach

• 1/4 C Vanilla Greek yogurt (1% or 0%)

• 1/4 C Unsweetened Vanilla almond milk

• 1 C strawberries

• 1/2 banana

• 1 T ground flax seed

• 1 T Chia seeds