I’ve finally concocted my favorite smoothie. I call it the Green Velvet Smoothie.
But let’s first address the elephant in the blender.
It’s not beautiful.
The color is somewhere between moss green and baby, uh, food.
But one sip in, I stop caring.
It’s thick, creamy, and more like a velvet milkshake than a typical green smoothie. It isn’t especially sweet—and that’s intentional. If you prefer a sweeter smoothie, add in as much banana as you like.
This smoothie has become part of my mid-morning routine, and it’s been a genuine game changer for me.
Why I Use Truvani
One thing that hasn’t changed over the years is my choice of Truvani Plant-Based Protein Powder. I count on its simple, organic ingredient list—truly one of the healthiest protein powders on the market.
You may have already read about my love for Truvani products. I’ve followed Vani Hari, aka Food Babe since she first became a food activist. I’ve learned to trust her information because she taught me about carrageenan. Removing that from my diet was life changing. I’m fond of sharing—to friends and anyone in the world remotely interested—her Hit List for unhealthy food ingredients. It’s the list for which I measure all food labels. If an ingredient is on the list, I simply won’t eat it. You can sign up for her FREE 54-page report that includes the The Food Additive Hit List here, along with a plethora of important and very useful information here.
Anyway…
I usually buy Chocolate or Mint Chocolate, while Ron prefers Peanut Butter Chocolate. There are several other flavors available, so there’s a good chance you’ll find one you love. Click here for a variety pack. But there are lots of flavors as well as other excellent products to choose from at the online Truvani store.
I usually buy Truvani protein powders (and protein bars —the only one I’ll eat) from Sprouts, but the product is very popular and can be found in many, many stores.
Protein powders range from inexpensive to premium, and Truvani s a premium-priced option. But for me, it’s worth a bit extra.
My philosophy?
Pay the farmer or pay the pharmacist.
I’d rather invest in quality ingredients today than wish I had later.
Don’t Skip the Greens
I’ll admit it.
Greens have far more nutrition than I ever gave them credit for.
I used to think of them as little more than a base for other vegetables. Turns out, leafy greens are some of the most nutrient-dense foods you can eat. They’re packed with vitamins A, C, and K, along with folate, potassium, magnesium, fiber, and beneficial plant compounds that support overall health.
They do something else as well.
They give this smoothie body. Instead of ending up with a thin, watery drink, the greens help create a thick, satisfying smoothie.
So don’t skip them.
The Secret Is the Avocado
If the greens make this smoothie healthy, the avocado makes it creamy (and healthy, too).
It’s the ingredient that turns an ordinary smoothie into something that feels like a velvet milkshake.
Avocados are loaded with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, potassium, folate, and vitamins K, E, and C. Those healthy fats also help your body absorb some of the nutrients found in the greens.
And the fiber?
A medium avocado contains about 10 grams of it.
That’s a pretty amazing return for one ingredient.
The Tiny Seeds That Made a Big Difference
Then there are the chia seeds and flax seeds.
These little guys deserve their own standing ovation.
When I eat lower carb, my digestion tends to slow down. Since adding chia and flax to my smoothie, I feel so much better. I’m more regular, I don’t feel nearly as bloated, and it’s one of those little changes that has made a surprisingly big difference in how I feel.
Like, BIG.
On top of that, they’re packed with fiber, plant-based omega-3 fats, and important minerals like magnesium and manganese.
If we’re trying to nourish our bodies, let’s really nourish them.
This funny-looking green smoothie may never win a beauty contest.
But I’ll happily drink “ugly” if it helps me feel this good.
Ingredients
1 cup MALK - Vanilla Unsweetened Almond Milk
1 scoop Truvani protein powder (any flavor, but I use chocolate)
1 small handful of greens, about 1 cup (adjust as you like)
1/2 small avocado
1 Tablespoon chia seeds
1 Tablespoon ground flax seeds
about 2/3 cup ice (find your favorite amount for consistency)
Optional: 1/2 cup cold water or more almond milk).
Optional: ½ to 1 banana, depending on how sweet you like it.
* I use all organic ingredients
Instructions
I use the Ninja Blender Smoothie Maker.
Put all ingredients in the smoothie cup.
I put them in order of the ingredients listed above.
Blend and enjoy!
For best results, make it custom for your own tastes and needs. Simply adjust the amount of each of ingredients. Adding a banana will sweeten the smoothie. If adding a frozen banana, consider excluding the ice.
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