I didn't hop on the green monster bandwagon until I received a Cuisinart Smart Stick Hand Blender for Christmas. I asked for the Cuisinart Smart Stick mostly so I could start making Green Monsters easily...and so I could make a quick breakfast alternative to my regular oatmeal.
Why a green monster?
- Easy, quick, delicious
- Provide increased energy
- Incorporate servings of vegetables and fruits
- Versatile
The basis of a green monster is the greens. What kind of greens you use is up to you but typically spinach and/or kale is used. I like both of these greens; however, it doesn't matter if you do not like these greens because you will not taste them after the smoothie is completed. TRUST ME.
Because I usually work out before breakfast, I wanted to make sure the smoothie was somewhat hearty and that it would keep me full until a mid-morning snack or lunch. I knew this would be possible with increased protein and healthy carbs. A number of mix-in options ran through my head:
- oatmeal
- chia or flax seeds
- banana
- frozen fruit (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, etc)
- milk
- nut butter (peanut, almond)
- coconut butter
- protein powder
- cocoa powder (I haven't tried this and don't like chocolate...but I've read that it tastes really good in a green monster)
What did I come up with?
Basic Green (Monster) Smoothie
3 c spinach
1 c soy milk
1 frozen banana (peel and cut into chunks before freezing)
1 TBS chia seeds
ice (if desired)
Add the ingredients in the following order: spinach, chia seeds, banana, milk. I think it works best to have the lighter ingredients on the bottom, weighed down by the heavier ingredients. This prevents the lighter ingredients from flying around in the blender bowl. Blend the ingredients until mixed completely. I didn't use ice but if you prefer a much colder drink, you might want to add ice after the ingredients are mixed well. Once liquified pour the smoothie into a glass and enjoy.
I gulped my smoothie down in about two minutes and immediately began thinking of what to add to my next green smoothie. Since my first experiment, I've added many of the ingredients listed above to my "Basic Green Monster" recipe.
Another favorite...
Cookies and Cream Green Monster
3 c spinach
1 1/4 c soy milk
1 frozen banana (peel and cut into chunks before freezing)
1 TBS flax seeds
1 scoop cookies and cream protein powder
See instructions above. Add protein powder before the banana and milk. Instead of using chia seeds, I used flax seeds. The flavor of the smoothie tasted very much like a cookies and cream shake and the flax seeds provided a creamier consistency. If a less creamy consistency is desired, add more milk or add ice.
I dare you to join the Green Monster craze...
Karen