Spinach Shake

[runfbrun]

I've found this to be a great way to re-fuel after a run. I've also had it as breakfast on occassion.

Ingredients:

2 handfuls of baby spinach
1 banana
1 tablespoon peanut butter
1/2 or 3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
A couple of ice cubes

Blend all ingredients together and enjoy! I was skeptical about drinking spinach at first, but it is now my go to post-run snack.

[Jo-Jo]

Thanks...I'm going to try this!

[Half-Mary]

I drink Spinach or kale (or other greens) smoothies almost every weekday morning. I thought they were weird at first, but I've really come to enjoy them.

For those who are skeptical, or are used to a sweeter shake, adding some sweeter fruit like pineapple or mango can really tone down the spinach (which isn't that strong anyway).

For breakfast, I usually have a half cup each of two different fruits, about 2 cups of greens, a carrot or some cucumber, and either Vega protein powder, or two Tbsp of hemp seeds and 1 Tbsp of chia seeds. For the calorie counters, my shakes max out around 350 calories and can be as low as 250. I drink it around 7:15 and then bike or walk to work (3km) and don't eat again until my morning snack around 10am.

[runfbrun]

I loved this shake the first time I tried it. It was just the idea of drinking spinach that stopped me from trying it sooner. It tastes the best if you use a well-ripened banana.

Normally, I dont have a lot of greens in my diet so this is especially great for me. Had it for breakfast this morning!

[O Z D]

A little trick I use with kale/spinach shakes

I puree a bunch of greens (usually a mix of kale/spinach/broccoli) then freeze them in an ice cube tray. Throw the green cubes into a ziplock and then whenever I want to make a shake there is no excuse not to throw a few greens in. Don't have to make sure you have fresh in the fridge etc.

[orleansrunner1962]

Some GREAT ideas here -- no more excuses not to have my "greens"....

[kat00_ca]

I agree using a strong fruit like bananas or melons to counteract with the spinach. It's surprisingly not bad although I can't drink more than half a glass at the moment but far better since someone told me to put a strong fruit in it. Enjoy!

[JoaniB]

I tried a recipe like this for the first time on Remembrance Day 2012, banana included even though I dislike banana. Then I went to a Remembrance Day ceremony and spent half of it running to and from the bathroom (fortunately, it was the West Edmonton Mall ceremony!). I blamed it on the banana.

Turns out I'd caught the stomach flu and it wasn't the banana at all, but I still refuse to use it.

Instead, I add half a scoop to a scoop of vanilla protein powder. I love drinking it on the bus and seeing all the bemused expressions from the other passengers!

[eme]

My latest shake/smoothie is:

- about 1 cup of fresh spinach (maybe more - I have a smootie blender, so I just fill the container halfway with spinach).
- 1/2 cup mixed frozen berries
- 1 serving of hemp protein
- 1 cup of chocolate hemp milk

Tastes pretty darn good, if I do say so myelf. Full serving of protein, plus the greens and berrries.

[La]

A little trick I use with kale/spinach shakes

I puree a bunch of greens (usually a mix of kale/spinach/broccoli) then freeze them in an ice cube tray. Throw the green cubes into a ziplock and then whenever I want to make a shake there is no excuse not to throw a few greens in. Don't have to make sure you have fresh in the fridge etc.

That's a great idea! I find that many greens are sold in such large bunches that I struggle to eat it all before it goes bad. I love my greens (don't need to put them into a smoothie), it's just the amount that goes to waste that bothers me.

I've got rainbow chard in my fridge that I'll have with dinner tonight.