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The Evolution of a Smoothie

March 20, 2012 by Lindsay 55 Comments

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Hi Friends!

Happy Tuesday! If you’re a long-time reader of my blog, you’re probably quite aware of how much I love smoothies. I LOVE them. Always have. I love the endless combinations, I love how quick and easy they are and most recently, I love how healthy you can make them.

Confession: In December of 2010, I posted about making my first green monster. Then I promptly forgot about them and reverted back to my normal fruit-filled smoothies.

smoothie12

If you looked at my smoothies from last summer, they would look something like this:

smoothie14

Packed with fruit, fruit juice and ice…and that’s about it.

—————————————-

Sometime during the summer of 2011, I decided I needed to get a little more serious about boosting the nutritional value of my smoothies. But I’m a creature of habit, so I wanted to ease into it!

In August, I added chia seeds to my smoothie for the first time and ate it out of a bowl because I loved how thick they made it!

smoothie10

In the fall of 2011, I was running a lot (for me) and I was having trouble finding things my stomach could handle eating after running. In October, I tried adding oatmeal to my smoothies for some post-run fuel.  It worked out perfectly for me.

smoothie8

In December and January, I gradually started adding spinach to my smoothies again. It started with a very small handful….and that handful gradually increased in size over the following weeks. At the same time, I made the switch from using flavored Greek yogurts in my smoothies to plain, non-fat Greek yogurt. I started by switching to half flavored-half plain, and then eventually phased out the flavored kind all together.

Pretty soon I was buying giant tubs of spinach & plain Greek yogurt at Costco to fuel my smoothie habit 🙂

smoothie3

Using these methods, I was even able to get the hubby hooked on green monsters. And yes, I call them green monsters. Even though mine are not totally green, and still have fruit in them….the fact that there is a green vegetable in my smoothies is a MAJOR accomplishment for me!

We’re now in March of 2012. I’ve decided that peaches are my favorite fruit for hiding the spinach taste. If I use just peaches instead of a berry-peach combo, and some extra spinach,  the smoothies get particularly green!

smoothie6
Most days though, I’m happy with my combination of a few frozen peaches and berries, a giant handful of spinach, several scoops of plain greek yogurt, some ice cubes, a splash of OJ and some chia seeds.

smoothie9

I know a lot of people add protein powder to their smoothies. I’ve tried a few brands but I’m SUPER picky about the taste of protein powders. I hate the chalky taste that most have, and I really hate the flavors, even chocolate and vanilla. But, if any of you use a really good kind that has no taste, I’d be all over that…. so let me know!!

So tell me: Are you a smoothie drinker? What do you do to make yours healthier? Leave the link to your favorite recipe if you have one!

Today’s Workout- Quick Med Ball Abs!

mar191

 

–Lindsay–

PS. I participated in a UK-US Food blogger swap and my goodies finally came in the mail the other day!!! Check out what I got from across the pond:

IMG 2409

Loved these!

IMG 2408

All sorts of fun bars!
So far I’ve tried the cocoa mint one and loved it!

Big thanks to Nicky at Kabocha Fashionista for hooking me up 🙂

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Filed Under: Breakfast, Snack

About Lindsay

Lindsay Livingston is a Registered Dietitian and new mom from Columbus, Ohio. On her blog, she shares simple, healthy recipes, nutrition tips, workouts and snapshots of her life. Follow her on Twitter @LeanGrnBeanBlog and Instagram @TheLeanGreenBean and be sure to subscribe via RSS or email so you never miss a post!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Maria says

    March 20, 2012 at 12:16 AM

    I find that adding a frozen banana really helps disguise the taste of spinach and protein powders and my new favorite addition is frozen pineapple from TJ’s – yum! The ONLY protein powder that I really like is Dr. Mercola’s Pro-Optimal Whey in Strawberry, but it’s insanely expensive, so I’ve making do with some cheaper vanilla kind (ick).

    Reply
  2. Linz @ Itz Linz says

    March 20, 2012 at 12:23 AM

    I always add spinach to smoothies! I really like dóTERRAs vanilla protein powder… It is not chalky whatsoever! I also like to add wheat germ and ground flaxseeds for some extra nutrients 🙂

    Reply
    • Maria @ Pappa Don't Preach says

      March 20, 2012 at 9:04 AM

      I recently tried Terra’s whey in chocolate and am SO addicted! It’s delicious!!!

      Reply
  3. Julianna @ Julianna Bananna says

    March 20, 2012 at 1:06 AM

    i love putting spinach in my smoothies! usually mine never turn out green – just a brownish sort of color, but i still call them green monsters too 🙂

    currently my favorite smoothie is frozen mixed berries (blackberries, raspberries, blueberries), spinach, vanilla protein powder, and almond milk. i am really picky about my protein powders and the one i put in smoothies is the whole foods brand whey powder. i don’t use it in anything else but smoothies and the texture hasn’t bothered me. another favorite powder is jay robb vanilla whey – but that stuff is super expensive so i always just get the cheaper WF kind.

    Reply
  4. Samantha says

    March 20, 2012 at 6:46 AM

    I use the GNC Pro Performance Unflavored Whey Protein. You cannot taste it when mixed in with all the other stuff in the smoothie. Which, my recipe is almost identical to yours!

    Reply
  5. Sarah @ The Smart Kitchen says

    March 20, 2012 at 6:46 AM

    Those Nak’d Bars must be the UK equivalent to a Larabar because I was definitely hooked up with a bunch of their products, too!

    As for the smoothie situation…I STILL haven’t done it. I mean, I had a bit of a smoothie phase in college, but promptly abandoned the notion that drinking my meals can be a good idea.

    And yet, I went over to the overnight oats camp….and it IS spring now….

    Reply
  6. Kristen @ notsodomesticated says

    March 20, 2012 at 6:50 AM

    I agree with one of the commenters above … I like adding half of a frozen banana to my smoothies. It adds great flavor and texture!

    Reply
  7. Heidi @BananaBuzzbomb says

    March 20, 2012 at 7:21 AM

    I’ve tried so many variations of smoothies but I tend to revert back to banana, strawberry, spinach. I’ve been adding in protein powder, maca, and chlorella too. As for protein powder, I like Jarrow Unflavored Hemp Protein. Here’s a link http://www.iherb.com/Jarrow-Formulas-Hemp-Protein-Powder-Unflavored-16-oz-454-g/15275?at=0 I’ve never had any issues and it blends in very well. =)

    Reply
  8. Kierston says

    March 20, 2012 at 7:29 AM

    I love smoothies. The ingredients I typically add are spinach, GY, Chocolate Revolution Whey Protein Powder, 1/2 banana, Flax Seeds and Ice to make it extra cold! One thing I really dislike in smoothies —> Blueberries. Although I love Blueberries in everything else! 🙂

    Reply
  9. Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin says

    March 20, 2012 at 7:54 AM

    Thanks for all the great ideas in this post! I almost always add banana to my smoothies, but now I’m curious to try out peaches. I can’t wait to try that this summer when they’re in season again! Other than banana, I also use Greek yogurt, milk, spinach, flaxseed, soy nut butter and sometimes berries in mine!

    Reply
  10. Janice- The Fitness Cheerleader says

    March 20, 2012 at 8:18 AM

    I don’t mind the taste of protein powder in my smoothies because the strong taste of banana over-powers it. Here’s my “recipe”: http://fitnesscheerleader.com/nutrition/recipes/food-friday-green-monster-smoothie/

    Reply
  11. Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says

    March 20, 2012 at 8:34 AM

    I put ANYTHING in my smoothies. 🙂

    Spinach and protein powders are a must. They almost always have some “creamy” component, which I find hides the any protein chalkiness. My favorites: bananas, avocados, butternut squash, or sweet potatoes. Flavorings can be berries, herbs, stevia, cherries, cocoa powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom… whatever I have on hand!

    Reply
  12. Cara says

    March 20, 2012 at 8:52 AM

    I was never a smoothie drinker till I came up with this! http://www.carascravings.com/2012/02/strawberry-avocado-smoothie.html
    Seriously, my husband and I are both obsessed and drink this for breakfast most days of the week.

    Reply
  13. lindsay says

    March 20, 2012 at 8:59 AM

    try life basics protein powder- vanilla. Or Biochem whey. Those 2 work wonders in smoothies. YUM!

    Reply
  14. Jess says

    March 20, 2012 at 9:11 AM

    Ohhh I need to learn from you in the smoothie department! I have yet to get on that bandwagon but yours look so good and nutrient-dense, I love that! Show me the way, my friend! 🙂

    Reply
  15. Lindsay @ In Sweetness and In Health says

    March 20, 2012 at 9:15 AM

    I need to start doing more spinach smoothies. I think I’m still in the phase where I’m convinced that I can taste the spinach if I add to much so I only add a small handful. I’ll have to try the peaches! And I always use the chocolate whey protein powder from Whole Foods (the 3-6-5 brand) and I love it!

    Reply
  16. jobo says

    March 20, 2012 at 9:18 AM

    Okay, I may revisit the smoothie idea, since yours look so good and packed with goodness. I tend to shy away from them because they never truly fill me up. But these look great. I adore muscle milk light chocolate protein powder. It is really tasty and only 100 cals per scoop, which is music to my ears (without compromising protein grams!). I am picky about them too but this one I found and love. Suggestions on a good chocolate smoothie concoction?? Chia seeds – genius to add. Must try!

    Reply
  17. Parita @ myinnershakti says

    March 20, 2012 at 9:44 AM

    Green smoothies are just about the coolest things ever because you truly can’t taste the spinach! A lot of people seem skeptical when I tell them about the secret ingredient, but I always say, “don’t knock it till you try it!”

    Reply
  18. Tenecia says

    March 20, 2012 at 10:11 AM

    You might consider “All the Whey” protein powder – it has absolutely no taste (which surprised me when I ordered it) and I use it for shakes, in pancake mix, muffins, etc.

    T.

    Reply
    • Tenecia says

      March 20, 2012 at 10:20 AM

      Correction – the name of the protein powder is “100% Any Whey Protein” by ON.

      Reply
  19. Rachel @ The Avid Appetite says

    March 20, 2012 at 10:14 AM

    I love smoothies! I haven’t had one in quite some time due to the cold weather. Now that it’s warming up, I’m ready to get back into them! I love adding spinach too. My fave combo is pb, banana, spinach and vanilla protein powder. I’m picking about the protein too, have you tried Pure Protein?
    http://www.pureprotein.net/pages/products.aspx?sku=017763

    I’ve found that this vanilla actually just makes things taste like vanilla…not like chalky powder!

    Reply
  20. Cat @ Breakfast to Bed says

    March 20, 2012 at 10:21 AM

    I LOVE green monsters. I like a crapton of banana and orange to disguise the taste!

    Reply
  21. Rachel @RunningRachel says

    March 20, 2012 at 10:28 AM

    I don’t know of any protein powders (I am still a newbie protein powder person)… but I think you are getting LOADS of great recommendations. Your smoothies look SUPER tasty! 🙂

    Reply
  22. Elle says

    March 20, 2012 at 10:30 AM

    My smoothies vary with what I think I NEED and what I think my tastebuds would like.

    I have had really good luck with the GNC Whey ISO Burst powders… I did a recipe post on my blog yesterday for smoothies …

    Reply
  23. Ashley @ My Food 'N' Fitness Diaries says

    March 20, 2012 at 11:03 AM

    mmmmm i LOVE smoothies too! i almost always add a ripe banana to mine to make it extra creamy and a little sweeter. peanut butter is another one of my favorite smoothie ingredients. and i pretty much add spinach to every smoothie i make!

    Reply
  24. Lisa says

    March 20, 2012 at 11:41 AM

    I love making green smoothies! I have a vitamix and it is seriously the best for making them! I don’t have smoothies that often though because it is still cold where I live right now! I like adding chia seeds though for thickness or xanthan gum.

    Reply
  25. Stefanie @TheNewHealthy says

    March 20, 2012 at 12:05 PM

    When it comes to smoothies, I say the greener the better! I recently added kale to a smoothie and it was actually delicious! I thought it might taste bitter, but it was perfect. 🙂

    P.S. Email me so we can chat about Dirty Girl (the new healthy at gmail dot com) – do you know of anyone else who is doing Indy? 🙂

    Reply
  26. Brittany @ Delights and Delectables says

    March 20, 2012 at 12:30 PM

    Oh my gosh! I love nakd bars!! You will fall in love. I’m so jealous that we don’t have them over here.

    Reply
  27. Brittany (Healthy Slice of Life) says

    March 20, 2012 at 12:31 PM

    I’m on the lookout for a non chalky protein powder, too! Let me know if you find one 🙂

    Reply
  28. Angela @ Happy Fit Mama says

    March 20, 2012 at 2:14 PM

    I go through spurts with smoothies. I’ve found that it’s the best way to refuel for me after a long run. Usually nothing sounds good but I can stomach a smoothie. I try to pack as much nutrients as possible in it – spinach or kale, oats, chia, almond milk, banana, and berries. Sometimes I’ll add cocoa powder to it for a chocolate kick. You can’t go wrong with ’em!

    How did you get involved with the UK/US food blogger swap? That is so cool! Enjoy your treats!

    Reply
  29. misszippy says

    March 20, 2012 at 2:58 PM

    Love my smoothies! I have a VitaMix, so I love making them, too. I do a bunch of kale or mixed greens in mine and use coconut milk as a base. I also add fruit and Whey Cool protein powder. I like this brand b/c the process it w/o heat, so no MSG is created in the processing. And they have an unflavored version that I truly think has no taste, fyi.

    Reply
  30. Claire @ Live and Love to Eat says

    March 20, 2012 at 3:12 PM

    Yes, I am 110% hooked on green smoothies! They were my breakfast almost every day last summer.

    Reply
  31. Lora @ Crazy Running Girl says

    March 20, 2012 at 3:26 PM

    I’ve heard great things about CLICK protein powder — it has a coffee taste — but have never had it.

    Reply
  32. Healthiful Balance says

    March 20, 2012 at 3:36 PM

    Smoothies are a favorite of mine! 🙂 I love them all year around!

    Reply
  33. Lyndi says

    March 20, 2012 at 3:57 PM

    I am a smoothie drinker. It’s my go to breakfast! I’m a fruit smoothie girl… I like my weight watcher smoothie vanilla smoothie mix, skim milk, banana and strawberries. Sometimes I add different fruits for a little mix up. Super yummy! I’ve tried adding spinach, but just haven’t lately. I should do that again for a change! 🙂

    Reply
  34. Susan (Oliepants) says

    March 20, 2012 at 4:03 PM

    I have brought back the smoothies with the commencement of spring. I have to say that I always use kale instead of spinach. I think it’s because once I had a bad experience wherein I tasted too much spinach. Now, it’s kale all the way! 🙂

    Reply
  35. Nicole says

    March 20, 2012 at 4:25 PM

    Garden of Life RAW protein powder is great! You really need to make sure it’s blended very well, but it’s perfect for smoothies. I took a hiatus from smoothies during winter but busted out the blender last weekend.

    Reply
  36. Lily says

    March 20, 2012 at 6:24 PM

    Such a good idea for a post. All your smoothies look crazy good! I gotta bookmark this post for when I finally find it in me to try out some smoothie recipes

    Reply
  37. She Rocks Fitness says

    March 20, 2012 at 7:01 PM

    I’m a big fan of Whey Factors 100% Natural Whey Protein. I get it on Amazon and buy the unflavored, but have tried the Double Chocolate. I like to switch it up, but if you want no flavor, this brand rocks. I love Green Monsters and especially enjoy them in the warmer temperatures! Let me know if you try it out. I still haven’t tried adding oatmeal to mine yet.

    Reply
  38. Emily @ Glitz Glam Granola says

    March 20, 2012 at 7:35 PM

    I love your evolution of smoothies! I usually put protein powder in my smoothies and go for Teras Way or Sunwarrior. The latter of which is just kind of a pain because you have to order online. And that swap looks so fun! I LOVED Eat Natural bars when I lived in London! They are kind of similar to KIND bars but I think they are better!

    Reply
  39. StoriesAndSweetPotatoes says

    March 20, 2012 at 8:00 PM

    I can’t wait for summer because I get way more smoothie crazy.

    Reply
  40. Carissa says

    March 20, 2012 at 8:23 PM

    Our ideal smoothies are very similar! I like peaches, OJ, spinach, and pea protein. I add oatmeal but I really don’t know if it keeps me fuller? Things that make you go hmmm….

    Reply
  41. [email protected] says

    March 20, 2012 at 8:27 PM

    I love this evolution! I’ve been pestering my boyfriend – who has been juicing for like a month straight now – to add greens to his juice recipes and smoothies. I think a gradual progression is what he needs too…Who knows, maybe next year he’ll be drinking Green Monsters, too! 🙂

    Reply
  42. Pure2raw twins says

    March 20, 2012 at 8:35 PM

    we love all types of smoothies 😉 savory avocado ones to fruit ones!

    Reply
  43. Angie @ Losing It and Loving It says

    March 20, 2012 at 9:28 PM

    Great evolution of the smoothie! I love almost any kind of smoothie but my favorite is chocolate peanut butter lol I actually had one today for lunch after my workout. I put in chocolate protein powder, oatmeal, chia, rice milk, peanut butter and ice (I might have added spinach but it went bad boo). It was good but I’m not sold on the rice milk yet. Usually have almond but ran out and was trying the rice one next.

    Reply
  44. Lauren @ Lawfully Wedded Wife says

    March 20, 2012 at 9:45 PM

    Love this! I’m a huge smoothie person. And oddly I love the taste of protein powders even though I can tell that it’s just a weird flavor. I’ve never tried peaches! I’ll have to remember that one!

    Reply
  45. Baking Serendipity says

    March 20, 2012 at 11:44 PM

    I love smoothies too! I added fresh peaches to mine all the time last summer…and your post has me craving one now! To be honest, the only protein powder I’ve ever bought is Trader Joe’s. I don’t really notice a chalky flavor, but I don’t know how it holds up to others either.

    Reply
  46. Meredith @ DareYouTo says

    March 21, 2012 at 8:27 AM

    OK. I’m inspired. Gonna make a smoothie after Spinning.

    Reply
  47. Abby @ Abz 'n' Oats says

    March 21, 2012 at 10:23 AM

    I love putting spinach in my smoothies! 🙂 I have been eating them after work since I get home kind of late, don’t feel like cooking, and want to get some sort of vegetable in as my dinner! It also satisfies my night time sweet tooth!

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      March 21, 2012 at 11:28 PM

      that’s a win-win in my book!

      Reply
  48. [email protected] says

    March 21, 2012 at 5:16 PM

    i just started making more and more green smoothies lately. i recently tried kale and it actually was really good…kinda scared me at first hah. smoothies are good for me (especially veggie ones) bc i definitely dont get enough veggies…i need to work on that!

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      March 21, 2012 at 11:26 PM

      i’m scared to try kale in smoothies too! but maybe i’ll suck it up and try soon!

      Reply
  49. Alex @ Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Foodiness says

    September 25, 2012 at 4:33 PM

    (Late to the post, I know, but,,,)

    I’m obsessed with frozen bananas and plain Greek yogurt in my smoothies. I also love adding peanut or almond butter and then a bunch of other frozen/fresh fruit and juice. Frozen fruit’s great cause you don’t need any ice.

    Two of my fave smoothies: (one has chocolate and coffee…shhh!)
    http://lifelibertyfood.wordpress.com/2012/06/09/i-couldnt-think-of-a-title-for-this-post-or-the-foods-more-important-than-the-title-anyway-so-heres-a-post-about-smoothies/

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      September 25, 2012 at 8:47 PM

      oooh the coffee one sounds yum!

      Reply
      • Alex @ Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Foodiness says

        October 5, 2012 at 1:14 PM

        It’s so yum! And there’s enough fruit and protein in it that you don’t really have to feel guilty about having it for a meal! Haha.

        Reply

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Lindsay Livingston The Lean Green Bean Healthy Living Tips and Tricks

I'm a Registered Dietitian and mom of three from Columbus, Ohio. I use this blog to share simple, healthy recipes, nutrition tips, and an honest glimpse of motherhood!

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