Super Green Smoothie

This week I'm sharing something different from what I use to publish but that doesn't mean it is something new to me. I don't follow any particular diet or count every calorie I eat (so boring!), but I do eat super healthy, as organic and local as possible, rewarding myself with homemade sweet treats on weekends or going to some of my favorite healthy/vegan/vegetarian/flexitarian bakeries and restaurants in Barcelona. Of course there are days that call for 'greasy' churros with hot chocolate or fries with a generous amount of ketchup. That means, though, the next day my boxing session is going to destroy my legs. Like I've said many times before, it's all about finding balance and keeping those late night cravings under control, hehe.

Hmm...think I'm starting to ramble, okay back to this recipe: I love to make juices and smoothies with lots of different fruits and veggies (with a chunk of fresh ginger to give a little punch!), so I thought it could be cool to show you some of my 'everyday' recipes like my go-to breakfasts, juices, quick snacks and my new favorite green smoothie.

This type of drinks are perfect to add more veggies and fruits to our daily diet and you'd be surprised at how delicious they can be and all the nutrients, vitamins and energy you can get in just one glass. The trick to make a smoothie that contains dark leafy greens such as kale and spinachs taste sweet is to combine those vegetables with fruit such as ripe bananas, apple, mango, etc.

When it comes to juices, refreshing and tangy citrus flavors are my favorites; for example: mix apple, cucumber, celery, spinachs, lemon and ginger, and you'll instantly feel renewed and hydrated.

By the way, to make this green smoothie I added organic kale powder but feel free to sub this ingredient for your favorite protein powder, maca powder or any other green/fruit powder.

Receta en español en la web de El Granero Integral!

Ingredients
(Serves 2)
100 g spinach leaves.
1 medium ripe banana.
500 ml/16.9 fl oz water.
3 dates, pitted.
1 teaspoon tahini.
1/3 cup raw almonds.
1 tablespoon kale powder.

Directions

Peel and chop the banana. Pit the dates and cut in small chunks.

Wash the spinach leaves thoroughly and pat them dry on a paper towell. 

Place all the ingredients inside your blender or food processor (beginning with the water) and blend until smooth and no bits of almonds or dates are visible.

If you want your smoothie more on the cold refreshing side simply use cold water, I always recommend to use bottled or filtered water. You can also replace the water for coconut water or your favorite non-dairy milk.

Tahini is a vegan sesame seed paste, the one I use is 100 % natural with no added sweeteners, oil or any other ingredients. Read carefully the labels when buying nut butters, go for the organic ones made with only nuts or, even better, if you have a powerful food processor or high speed blender, try making your own at home...it will taste so much better!

If you don't like the taste of tahini use almond or peanut butter.