VEGAN BLUEBERRY SPINACH SMOOTHIE

Servings: 1 large smoothie

Calories: Approximately 350-400 calories per serving (including optional protein powder)

Time to Complete: 5 minutes

Level of Ease: Easy

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
• 1 ripe banana
• 1 cup fresh spinach leaves, tightly packed
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• 1 tablespoon almond butter (or any nut butter)
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
• Optional: 1 scoop plant-based vanilla protein powder for added protein

Instructions:

• Prepare Ingredients: If you're using fresh blueberries, wash them thoroughly. If frozen, there's no need to thaw them as they help keep the smoothie chilled.
• Combine Ingredients: In a blender, add the blueberries, banana (peeled and broken into chunks), fresh spinach leaves, chia seeds, almond butter, and almond milk. If you're including protein powder, add it now.
• Blend: Blend on high speed until all the ingredients are completely smooth. If the smoothie is too thick, you can add a bit more almond milk to reach your desired consistency.
• Taste and Adjust: Taste the smoothie. If you prefer it a bit sweeter, you can add a little maple syrup or agave nectar and blend again.
• Serve: Pour the smoothie into a large glass or bowl. You can garnish with a few whole blueberries, a sprinkle of chia seeds, or a few spinach leaves if desired.

Tips:

• Nutritional Boost: Adding chia seeds not only thickens the smoothie but also adds fiber, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids.
• Variations: Feel free to swap blueberries for other berries like strawberries or mixed berries. Kale can be used in place of spinach for a different nutrient profile.
• Meal Prep: Smoothie ingredients can be prepped ahead and stored in the freezer in individual bags (excluding the liquid), so you just need to dump it in the blender, add almond milk, and blend.