Whether you are studying for a test or just want to maintain optimal brain function, this smoothie is the one for you.
It has brain-boosting foods like spinach, blueberries, and nuts all blended together in one delicious breakfast drink.
Makes 1 smoothie
Active Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Get It:
- 1 C Frozen Blueberries
- 2 Handfuls Spinach
- 3/4 C Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk
- 1/2 C Light ‘N Fit Vanilla Yogurt (or yogurt substitute)
- 1 T Almond Butter (or other nut butter)
Make It:
Combine all ingredients in a blender until smooth.
Know It:
250 calories, 11g fat, 266mg sodium, 29g carbs, 8g fiber, 17g sugar, 10g protein
Notes:
WebMD says in Eat Smart For a Healthier Brain that some foods are known for their brain benefits. Blueberries are also called “brainberries” and help to prevent diseases like Alzheimers. The nut oils in the almond butter has Vitamin E, which corresponds with less cognitive decline was we get older. CNN has a different list of brain foods, one including spinach, which also helps to prevent dementia.
The only way I’ll eat spinach for breakfast is in a smoothie. I was skeptical of “green smoothies” at first, but I honestly can’t taste the spinach at all. The sweetness of the blueberries and yogurt masks any spinach flavor you might taste, and the texture is so smooth that it is easy to slurp up for a quick breakfast. I have a Ninja blender which works great, but it doesn’t get as even of a green color as a Vitamix would. It doesn’t affect the taste at all, just the prettiness. I think some Zombies might really like the color of mine 😉 Just make sure to drink your smoothie right away, or it will separate in the fridge and lose the smooth texture. Let me know what you think, and enjoy!
Have you ever had a “Green Smoothie”? If so, what do you think?
Kasey Shuler, founder of Well of Health, is a fitness coordinator, Certified Health Education Specialist, and group fitness instructor. Kasey believes that good health is a gift but also takes hard work. She takes joy in sharing the practical ways of how to consume a healthy, balanced diet and incorporate physical activity into one’s lifestyle.
Dennis Blair @ Fort Collins Personal Trainer says
August 10, 2012 at 4:38 amOh my God I just tried the smoothie it is fabulous the blueberries add great taste and colour to it. Thanks for sharing it.
MOlly says
August 10, 2012 at 4:46 amGreat recipe.
Gena says
August 10, 2012 at 5:28 amOkay, I’m going to have to try these green smoothies. I know I need to eat more leafy greens, and as my daughter loves smoothies, this would be great for her as well.
Kierston says
August 10, 2012 at 5:48 amI love spinach in my smoooooothies.
Thanks for sharing this recipe 🙂
#smoothoperator
CheAngela says
August 10, 2012 at 5:49 amInstead of almond butter, try this: When raw almonds go on sale (usually $4/lbs at Sunflower Market off Manchaca or Sprouts on S. Lamar/Ben White), stock up. I put measured 1 oz servings in water then let soak in the fridge for a day or two before chucking in my green smoothie. Better texture and easier to digest than almond butter. Also, no sticky residue or stirring required ;-).
Betty says
August 10, 2012 at 6:15 amYUM!!!!
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf says
August 10, 2012 at 7:50 amOh how I love my green smoothies. Truly love. In fact, I believe that you Miz may have inspired me to try my first one.
Val says
August 10, 2012 at 8:48 amThis is awesome!!!!!
Cindy says
August 10, 2012 at 9:55 amOK I am looking for the smoothie or magic bullet that will boost my brain up to the Einstine level on a daily basis. Should this grey sludge be my drink of chose?
Leah says
August 10, 2012 at 10:02 amThis sounds great. Do you find it is best at a certain time of the day? or is it an anytime shake?
Thanks for sharing! !
Yum Yucky says
August 10, 2012 at 11:02 amOooo. Great post. I have some fresh, local blueberries in the freezer right now, ready for something tasty exactly like you have here. I’m gonna make this. My brain is gonna be bursting like crazy.
Smoothie Makers says
August 10, 2012 at 12:02 pmI love blueberries in smoothies 😉
Jody - Fit at 54 says
August 10, 2012 at 2:02 pmI have yet to try but I have been away from smoothies for a while – too many protein drinks for too many years! 😉 I need a new blender too but no$$ right now. I so want a Vitamix! 🙂
Carrie @ Season It Already! says
August 11, 2012 at 9:45 amThank you for posting a smoothy without protein powder! I also love the berries. Great antioxidants. Can’t wait to try!
Jess says
August 11, 2012 at 9:56 pmI love blueberries! Sounds delicious!
purelymichelle says
August 12, 2012 at 6:28 pmmmmm I love smoothies!
Patrick says
August 12, 2012 at 8:15 pmMmm almonds all over that treat, I have$6, can I get a medium to go?
Katelyn says
August 12, 2012 at 10:52 pmMy brain already feels boosted. #awesome
KCLAnderson (Karen) says
August 13, 2012 at 7:06 amMade a smoothie yesterday with these same ingredients, except I substituted pea protein powder for the yogurt as I am lactose intolerant. I also added a tablespoon of flax seeds…chia would be good too!