Perhaps you weren’t even aware that I was unavailable this weekend. However, if you did, I have an excellent justification: I was away enjoying one of the nicest weekends ever.
With the exception of a few email check-ins, I entirely unplugged and spent a fantastic weekend outside in the rather mild weather! It was also BLISS. Total and utter joy.
After visiting Mark’s relatives and friends in his hometown, Mark and I watched some charming and ideal old family home movies. We also consumed vegan sloppy joes and gluten-free mac & cheese.
The next day, we went skiing! in a temperature of 50! My first time skiing was incredible, I have to say. Being able to ski so swiftly gives you such a rush. I had a lot of trouble getting back up after falling (which was more easier than I’d want to admit), but I had an absolute blast. Additionally, beer and a vegan grilled cheese were served to close the day. Actually, hi. a weekend to remember.
However, after a weekend of indulgence, my stomach was not too excited. On Monday, I think I faintly heard the words “I hate you” come from my gut. Not optimal.
SO I could not WAIT to dive head-first into my new favorite smoothie: this Ginger Banana Green Smoothie.
But seriously. In the last two years, I haven’t shared a smoothie recipe on this site. And the reason is. I almost ever go online for smoothie recipes since I often simply grab whatever I find in my refrigerator or pantry, toss it in the blender, and presto: smoothie time. I don’t know if everyone feels the same way. Let’s hope not.
mostly because to this Ginger Banana Green Smoothie. It is completely deserving of its own article. It’s been my breakfast each morning for (precisely) a month and a half. And to ensure that I can keep doing so, I recently purchased a large quantity of bananas at the shop.
It’s really really simple, and only requires a handful of ingredients:
- a frozen banana – gives us a smooth and creamy texture + some sweetness
- a handful of spinach – for nutrients + color
- hemp hearts – for protein (can also sub protein powder of choice)
- ginger – for THE most addictive warm and spicy flavor + digestive benefits
- cinnamon – for some warmth + blood sugar stabilization
- chia seeds – for protein, fiber, + texture!
The texture, too! My smoothies must be thick and chilly. However, this smoothie almost has the consistency of a Frosty once the ice has been combined with the other ingredients. Oh yeah. Frosty, I said.
In addition to those crunchy chia seeds, I love granola on top of my smoothies. Some of my favorites are: Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie, Mango Stone Fruit Smoothie, and Watermelon Smoothie
Favorite smoothie tools
Ingredients
- 1 large banana, peeled, chopped into 5 chunks, and frozen overnight
- 2 small handfuls spinach
- 1/2 – 1 tsp. ground ginger*
- 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
- 1/2+ cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
- 9 ice cubes (or less if desired)
- 1 Tbsp. Bob’s Red Mill Chia Seeds
- for topping: granola
Instructions
In a powerful blender, combine the banana, spinach, ginger, cinnamon, almond milk, and ice cubes. Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides and, if necessary, adding additional almond milk. By hand, incorporate the chia seeds. Pour into a cup or two and, if desired, sprinkle with granola.