Clean Eating: Almond Butter-Banana Smoothie

When I was a kid, my father used to come home from work and snack on a handful of nuts or a spoonful of peanut butter, to hold him over until dinner. The protein and fiber helped curb that hunger just enough. I always loved peanut butter growing up, too. Peanut butter with jelly, ice cream, chocolate, and bananas! PB&B may have been Elvis’ favorite sandwich, but this combination makes a great smoothie too!

Clean Eating

For many years now I have embraced a “clean eating” philosophy. Whole foods, whole grains, healthy fats and proteins. I also have certain foods I have to stay away from due to dietary sensitivities as well as an avoidance of GMO-laden foods. For example, I avoid dairy, gluten, and peanuts these days – I have switched to other nut and seed butters, like almond, cashew, and sunflower seed. This regimen, I believe, is the number one factor in keeping my fibromyalgia symptoms at bay most days.

I love making smoothies. I have them for breakfast probably 5 or 6 days a week, after my morning workout. They are so chock full of nutrients and vitamins and you can hide extra vegetables in there too! The protein powder I use is not gritty. It tastes great, and is loaded with 21 grams of organic protein and 5 grams of fiber. This smoothie has some extra protein from adding almond butter and extra fiber from the chia seeds and cacao nibs. It also contains superfoods, ancient grains, and some fruits and veggies.

Doesn’t this just look scrumptious? I saw an Instagram post from purely elizabeth granola that I was trying to duplicate. It turned out really yummy!

Recipe:

• 1 c. So Vanilla Organic Almondmilk with Cashew
• 1 1/2 scoops Orgain Organic Protein Powder Vanilla Bean
• 1 scoop Orgain Collagen Power
• 1/2 frozen banana
• 1 Tbsp. Navita Organics Organic Cacao powder
• 1 Tbsp. Justin’s Maple Almond Butter (the best!)
• 1/2 c. frozen organic kale

I blended all of this together, sprinkled the top with:

• purely elizabeth Original Ancient Grain Granola
• Cacao Nibs
• Chia Seeds

and then I enjoyed!

I purchase my ingredients at Target or Sprouts. Target has really come a long way in the organic options. Both stores in my area offer me the ability to shop online and pick up at the store or have it delivered, respectively. Many of these brands are also available online at Thrive Market, where you can get organic and non-GMO options delivered to your door.

Note: This isn’t a sponsored post and I purchase all of my products, the above are just links to the  brands I buy and use all of the time and the stores I shop at. Update 8/4/2019: I have since become an Orgain brand ambassador. See the bottom of this post for how you can get a discount on their products.

Benefits:

Depending on what you add to your smoothie, you can:

• Boost your immunity with Vitamin C (add strawberries, kiwi, citrus, even sweet potato)
• Boost your thyroid (add Greek yogurt, almond milk, avocados)
• Improve your digestion (add Greek yogurt, bananas, oats)
• Strengthen your brain (add Greek yogurt, flax seed, wheat germ)
• Stabilize your blood sugar (add fiber, like nut butters, flax)
• Improve eye health (add kale or spinach)
• Stay fuller longer (add extra fiber like chia or flax seeds)
• Get glowing skin (add collagen powder, pumpkin, or mango)
• Fight free radicals with antioxidants (blueberries, strawberries)

I hope you enjoy this recipe! Try it for breakfast, lunch, or an afternoon snack for the kids! So much healthier than chocolate milk or a milkshake.

Also try my Blueberry Smoothie Bowl recipe.

Do you have any favorite smoothie ingredients or recipes you’d like to share?

P.S. I believe in the Orgain protein powder so much, I became an Orgain Ambassador. I will be trying all of the products, and you can too! To get 30% off your first order, follow this link and use my personal discount code: PHOTOBAUGH

Disclosure: This post is not sponsored. I purchase all of my own Orgain products. However, as an Orgain Ambassador I may receive a small commission if you make a purchase with my personal code.