Going Bananas for Kale Smoothie Bowl
By Chris Newport, Nutritionist and Head Coach
Recipe (and photo credit) by Laura Thomas
“Eat your leafy greens!”…said your mother (and nutritionist). And seeing that we’re supposed to be eating 8 or more servings of vegetables and fruit per day (particularly if you’re an endurance athlete or anyone with high oxidative stress), smoothies are a great way to get them in without “suffering” through a salad (c’mon…admit it…you’ve suffered through a salad before because “you had to”).
The Anti-Cramping Sipping Solution
You’ll really go bananas for this one if you want an anti-cramp solution since it’s packed with potassium, magnesium and calcium (minerals necessary for proper muscle function). It’s also great for anyone with high blood pressure or osteoporosis. If you have a thyroid condition, blanch or steam your kale lightly before it goes into the smoothie to minimize goitrogens. In fact, if you want to use frozen kale, that’s even faster and easier (just use a fresh banana so you’re blender doesn’t hate you).
Pre-Workout Pick-Me-Up
This smoothie is perfect as a meal replacement or pre-workout pick-me-up. For use as a post endurance workout recovery smoothie, you’ll want to reduce the fat a touch by reducing or removing the almond butter. But by golly, that’s what makes it so tasty. If you want to increase the carbs (for pre workout or recovery), you can use vanilla almond milk and skip the vanilla extract.
Pressed for Time?
No problem. Place all the ingredients (except the banana) in the blender up to 24 hours beforehand and store in the fridge. When you’re ready, toss in your frozen banana, blend and you’ll be going bananas for kale in no time flat. You can also put the ingredients (except the yogurt and nut butter) for this smoothie in individual, labeled, freezer safe bags.
Blend It Fast!
While there are several blenders on the market, we’re partial to Vitamix (which is also highly recommend by Cook’s Illustrated in their blender review), since it will seriously blend your hand off (although we don’t recommend it). They’re personal S-series blender and 5200 home blenders are BPA free (but NOT the professional lines). The compact container fits well under cabinets, which can be purchased separately (32oz or 48oz) or with the whole blender. The Breville Hemisphere Control blender was a Cook’s Illustrated Best Buy, although I’ve not personally used it (since I’m a bit of a Vitamix…cough, cough…snob).
Eat it With a Spoon!
This one is pretty dang thick, so be warned…you can eat it as a smoothie “bowl” or drink it with a giant straw. If you want to thin it out, add a little water or use a fresh banana.
Don’t you want to go bananas for kale now?
Going Bananas for Kale
Ingredients
- 3 cups raw kale ribs removed
- 1 banana frozen
- 1/3 cup non-fat Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 T almond butter
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- ts best to place the pieces of banana and kale together in a plastic baggie and freeze overnight. When you are going for bananas for some kale, place all the ingredients together in a blender and blend until smooth. Voila! One power breakfast on the go.
