Skinny Green Monster

I've been wanting to try the ubiquitous Green Monster smoothie for some time now.  Not only are they suppose to be delicious, they are packed with vitamins and minerals, and reportedly give you a great boost of energy.  However, two hurdles had prevented me from trying the Green Monster: one, they are always made with bananas (which I despise), and two, they are usually a little high in calories for just a snack.  I was once again motivated by  my non-vegetable eating toddler to try my hand at a hidden vegetable recipe.  I threw together some fruit and spinach I had sitting around, blended it up, and was shocked at how good it was. The best part? Me, my husband, and my toddler were all fighting over who got to drink it all.  I never thought I'd see the day where my 16 month old would snatch a drink made with spinach out of my hand.

Skinny Green Monster

Serves 2

INGREDIENTS

1 Apple, peeled & chopped

3/4 Cup of Frozen Pineapple Chunks

1 Cup Spinach Leaves

2 Tbsp Shredded Unsweetened Coconut

3/4 Cup Almond Milk

1/2 Cup Fat Free Greek Yogurt*

DIRECTIONS

1. Throw all the ingredients in a blender (or a large cup if you have an immersion blender).

2. Blend until smooth. Add in more milk or yogurt if you like.  Drink!

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION

Serving Size: 1/2 of Mixture

Calories: 148

Carbs: 19

Fat: 6

Protein: 8

NOTES

* To make vegan, replace the Greek yogurt with almond milk

* You can substitute the almond milk with cow milk, soy milk, coconut milk, etc.

* If you happen to like bananas, I guess (yech!) you could substitute the apple with a banana. You might want to omit the Greek Yogurt if you do that; I hear that bananas are pretty creamy. I wouldn't know. :)  

* Making it for a toddler? Or not watching your calories?  Use regular full-fat Greek Yogurt!

* Can't find frozen pineapple chunks? (I got mine at Trader Joes)  Use fresh or canned pineapple, and add in 4-6 ice cubes to make your smoothie frosty.