Cinnamon Roll Smoothie

I love smoothies…they are simple, quick to make, and can easily be packed with fruits and veggies!  They are also perfect for taking on the go!  This morning we were looking for something a little sweet.  I guess we are trying to wean ourselves off the holiday eating cycle.  This Cinnamon Roll Smoothie was the perfect transition smoothie!

• Servings: 1
• Time: 5 mins
• Difficulty: super easy
• Print

 Ingredients:  

• 1 frozen banana
• 1 3/4 cup milk
• 4 ice cubes
• 2 Tablespoons of Quick Cooking Oats
• 1 Tablespoon brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla

Directions:

1. Add all ingredients to the blender.
2. Blend until very smooth.
3. Add a straw and Enjoy!

Post-Run Smoothie

After I run, I am not in the mood to eat a big meal, but I know it is super important to start recovering my muscles pronto!  So I have been hunting for some delicious, easy smoothies – with TONS of health benefits! 

The Chocolate Covered Strawberry Smoothie is packed full of the good stuff!  The best part is that it is only 3 ingredients, so it is quick and easy to whip one up after a run!

Tofu is a good source of protein and contains all eight essential amino acids. It is also an excellent source of iron and calcium and the minerals manganese, selenium and phosphorous. In addition, tofu is a good source of magnesium, copper, zinc and vitamin B1.

Strawberries are an excellent source of vitamins C and K as well as providing a good dose of fiber, folic acid, manganese and potassium. They also contain significant amounts of phytonutrients and flavanoids which makes strawberries bright red. They have been used throughout history in a medicinal context to help with digestive ailments, teeth whitening and skin irritations. Their fiber and fructose content may help regulate blood sugar levels by slowing digestion and the fiber is thought to have a satiating effect. Leaves can be eaten raw, cooked or used to make tea.  The vibrant red color of strawberries is due to large amounts of anthocyanidin, which also means they contain powerful antioxidants and are thought to protect against inflammation, cancer and heart disease.

Soy milk, which is made from soaking, grinding and boiling soy beans with water, is a very nutritious drink. Soy is naturally high in essential fatty acids, proteins, fiber, vitamins and minerals. These nutrients provide energy and keep your body functioning at its optimum level.

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Smoothie

• Servings: 1
• Time: 5 mins
• Difficulty: super easy
• Print

Ingredients: 

• 1 cup tofu
• 1 cup strawberries 
• 2 cups chocolate milk

Directions:

1. Add all ingredients to the blender. 
2. Blend until very smooth. 
3. Add a straw and Enjoy!

My Favorite “Green” Smoothie

I am not quite ready to go for the real green smoothies with all those green veggies and such, but I do love a yummy fruit smoothie.  I recently realized, by chance, that I can add a whole TON of fresh baby spinach to just about any smoothie without changing the flavor!  How awesome is that!?  I get to add all sorts of nutritional value to my smoothies, without many calories!

Baby Spinach is very high in vitamins K, C, and A.  It also has high calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium content too.  So, I think I can get over the green color if I am gaining all that awesomeness!

My favorite “green” smoothie is my Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie.  I slice and freeze my bananas ahead of time so I don’t have to add ice to get the “frosty” texture (which then waters down the smoothie later).  I toss one frozen banana, one cup of vanilla almond milk, two tablespoons of powdered peanut butter (see more about this below), and two large handfuls of baby spinach in the blender.  Yummo!

So, what’s the deal with the powdered Peanut Butter?  I was turned on to this little gem by one of my dear friends.  You can find it in the whole foods section and it comes in regular and chocolate flavor.  It has less than half the fat content of regular peanut butter and it is super convenient for smoothies. 

One smoothie is only 4 WW Plus Points, and keeps me full all morning!