To say I’ve been on a smoothie kick lately would be an uderstatement. I have thought, craved and drank smoothies non-stop for the past few weeks. Not sure if I’m trying to turn over a new “healthy” leaf (nawww…that’s probably not the case, I love my sweets too much!) or what, but I’ve been craving them non-the-less. Not that craving smoothies isn’t a good thing; if I can quench a craving while consuming something healthy that’s always a win-win! My smoothie of choice, as of late, has been the green monster smoothie (I still need to make it and share it with you!). Not only is it one of my favorite colors ever, but it’s packed full of fruits and vegetables as well as packed full of flavor. And the name is fun; Green Monster. A drink really isn’t the first thing you think of when you hear the name.
As much as I love my green monster smoothie, I’m always on the lookout for new smoothie recipes to try. So when I came across this cran-nana smoothie on Natural Noshing I knew I had found the recipe that I wanted to make for this month’s secret recipe club exchange. Nora has tons of recipes on her blog that all look amazing, but since I’m on a smoothie kick this fit the bill perfectly. But, if you’re unlike me and would rather have something with a little more substance she’s got something for you too! Most of the recipes on Nora’s blog are grain free and gluten free, but that doesn’t mean she skimps on the good stuff. She’s got bars, cookies and all sorts of sweets as well as many savory recipes that all look amazing. So if you are trying to practice a gluten free lifestyle, or just trying to practice healther eating habits then you should definitely take a look at Natural Noshing.
So, onto the smoothie! I love smoothies for so many reasons; they are tasty and full of flavor, healthy (most of the time!), and they are easy to throw together. They can also be comprised of whatever you have on hand, there’s really no “set” recipe you have to follow when making smoothies. They are a great way to pack fruits and veggies in your diet, and the best part is you can sip it on the go.
This smoothie is simple and delicious. This particular recipe is comprised of ingredients I keep on hand at all times, which is even better because it means no last-minute trips to the store! I always have at least one or two frozen bananas on hand; if they start to get too ripe and I don’t have the time to bake something with them then I’ll chunk them in the freezer until I have time to do something with them. Since this recipe calls for frozen cranberries and bananas that eliminates having to add ice, which makes for a smoother consistency. This smoothie is delicious and full of flavor. It’s slightly tart from the cranberries, but the tartness is quickly tamed by the banana, it also has a slight tang from the Greek yogurt; and all of these ingredients come together and marry to make one delicious smoothie. So the next time you’re hungry and having to run out the door, throw these ingredients in the blender and pulse a few times and you’ve got a delicious and healthy snack that’s perfect to enjoy on your way out the door!
Cran-Nana Smoothie
Ingredients:
1/3 Cup frozen cranberries
1 Large frozen banana
1/2 Cup Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla)
1/4 Cup milk
Directions:
Peel and slice banana. Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Pour into glass and serve.
Yields one serving.
Recipe source: adapted from Natural Noshing
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